Allison Rodger

Allison Rodger trained in Fashion Design at Harrow School of Art, and gained experience in couture clothing working for London's top designers. From 1987, she became renowned for her bridal designs, but her love of British wools, tweeds and colour inspired Allison to learn tailoring techniques and skills, for which she is now highly regarded. Allison teaches fashion design students pattern making and clothing production, and is very impressed with the tailored garments produced by her short course students at West Dean College.

Allison has demonstrated how she creates her patterns and clothing at Art in Action, and is involved in fashion shows, including a regular event at the Shangri-La Hotel at the Shard.

Describe your approach to teaching:

Through teaching, I'm able to share the knowledge I've accumulated through my career in fashion. Creating a made to measure garment is a combination of skills: considering the design, fabric, proportion, and the wearer, before creating a pattern, and toile, then cutting and making the garment - including little couture secrets.

What inspires your work?

I'm inspired by beautiful fabrics, combined with simple, elegant silhouettes of women's 1950's and 60's clothing.