Sharon Aldred
Fashion Designer/Design Director
Film/Television/Commercials
Nationality: British

Sharon has been working within the fashion industry in the UK for over 25 years. Graduating, from Newcastle Upon Tyne Polytechnic, with an honours degree in Fashion in 1980, she joined a company she had originally worked for on industrial placement. As a junior designer, she produced Women's Casual wear, Separates, Dress, Lingerie and Children's wear ranges for well known high street stores before being asked to develop a Men's wear division for the company.

In 1984 she left to take the position as Senior Designer for a clothing company owned by Lord Sainsbury in the South East of England.

In 1987 she was headhunted by 'Sir Terrance Conran's Design Company' and asked to design for his high street stores through an importer.
Being promoted to 'Head Designer & Divisional controller', responsible for design and sales, she spent 3 months a year travelling around the Far East developing ranges, visiting shows and meeting with various factories and buyers.

In 1989 she left to start her own design and importer business along with two colleagues, supplying the same high street stores as she had previously.
Initially working from one of the partner's homes but then moving to their own offices in Kent where they are still based, the company won awards as 'Supplier of the Year', was nominated for an 'Award for Excellence' and won an award for the best 'Children's Snowsuit Design' (As chosen by Junior Magazine).
The highly successful company now employs around 200 people over 2 continents.

In 2003 Sharon and her family moved to Spain. She is still designing for her company but this time in the sun!

I can think of no higher aspiration, especially in today's economic climate, than to be of help or assistance to the younger people who will ultimately follow me into this industry. I have had such fun and learnt such a lot along the way that if I can pass on that knowledge and support the students whilst they push their own design boundaries then I will be very happy.

"For me there is no comparison to the rollercoaster world of Fashion. I believe it is quite unique in its ability to incite such passion. Over the centuries it has been loved and adored, ridiculed, had questions raised about it in parliament and has been a contributing factor in the downfall of a nation. It can clothe you with a uniform of anonymity or thrust you head first into the limelight. It is a fascinating and amazing subject - teaching it in such a beautiful location is, in itself, truly inspirational".