Gavin Douglas

Gavin Douglas is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University's Manchester Fashion Institute. He also serves as the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Lead for the Institute. With a PhD in Fashion (in progress), MA Fashion, and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Douglas combines academic leadership with industry experience through his award-winning high-end womenswear brand. His research focuses on systemic barriers faced by Black British fashion designers and racial inequities in UK policy frameworks.

Education:

• PhD Fashion (in progress)
• MA Fashion
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Institute of Leadership & Management (Red Thread Programme)
• PGCE in Post-Compulsory Education
• BA (Hons) Fashion

Research Interests:

• Racial disparities in fashion industry employment
• Policy structures affecting marginalized designers
• Curriculum diversification in art and design education

His work bridges academic discourse and practical initiatives, such as mentoring programs with Africa Fashion Week London and collaborations with Dr. Martens.

Awards & Recognition:

• Recipient of Red Thread Fellow of the Year for leadership excellence
• Caribbean Master Designer Award (2020)
• Fashion Fringe Award judged by Tom Ford (2005)

Advocacy & Projects:

• Co-organised global conferences on anti-racism in higher education (#BlackintheIvory)
• Launched mentoring programs pairing students with global designers of color
• Hosted industry collaborations (e.g., Dr Martens live project)

Exhibitions:

• LONDON/Paris Fashion Weeks (2004–present)
• Victoria and Albert Museum exhibitions (Black Britannia, Black British Style)

His brand has been featured in Harper's Bazaar, British Vogue, and Tatler.