Francesco Mazzarella

Dr. Francesco Mazzarella is a Reader in Design for Social Change at the London College of Fashion (LCF), part of the University of the Arts London. He leads the Centre for Sustainable Fashion, focusing on design activism to drive sustainability and social change. His work emphasizes collaboration with marginalized communities, decolonizing fashion practices, and fostering cultural sustainability.

He holds a PhD in Service Design from Loughborough University and has taught at multiple institutions including LCF, Loughborough Design School, and Politecnico di Torino. His academic roles include supervising doctoral research and external examining at Manchester Metropolitan University. Professional affiliations include the Design Council Expert Network and the DESIS Cluster on 'Design from the Margins.'

Research interests span design activism, textile craftsmanship, and social innovation. Notable projects include 'Making for Change: Waltham Forest' and 'ReGo,' which transform community engagement into sustainable fashion initiatives. Over 14 grants highlight his work’s impact, particularly in East London and refugee communities. His 46+ outputs include peer-reviewed articles and exhibitions showcasing co-created fashion items from repurposed materials.

He advises students on topics like cultural sustainability and ethical design, and mentors projects blending craft traditions with modern practices. His work bridges theory and practice, advocating for equitable, community-centered design solutions.