Neil Christopher

I have a strong understanding of fabric development and have managed design teams in Japan and the USA. His skills profile includes design, garment technologist, pattern cutting, product/fit development, and fabric sourcing and development I currently hold the position of Head Designer, Pattern Cutter, Production and Design Manager, as well as Fabric Development at ARN, where the focus is on sustainability and 3D design and cutting for mid-range/high-end garments

Design

• ARN mercantile, developed concepts, designs, and shapes (work-wear/denim, heritage, soft tailoring) for men, women's, and childrenswear
• Kato AAA, high-end Okayama Denim range base with cotton and soft fabrics 7 seasons, plus ARN/AAA tool project co-lab, ongoing men, women, and kids
• PKH, vintage and denim, built blocks based on vintage and updated for contemporary fit for all collections and ran all production both local and offshore
• Managed a 20+ team design office in Japan and 30+ USA and UK

Fabric Development

• Combined heritage systems with modern processes within the Japanese and US weaving industry
• Exceeded the ‘green’ license requirements, in the EU, US, and Japan, established improved process controls for ‘GL’ and sustainability
• Spearheaded the introduction of Eco corozo product to the Market, reducing costs, and shortening the production timeline
• 25 + Years of Fabric Sourcing and development (EU, USA, and Japan) working with both Labs and weaves.
• A regular visitor to fabric shows, PV in Paris, FFE, FFA, and FFF in New York, ATS in Amsterdam, and trunk shows in the UK, EU, and Asia

Garment Technologist

• Pioneered fit-focus design/cutting, and shape development to work across markets
• Highly experienced Tailor, toiles, and sample garments, the complete process for fabric, pattern, fit, and production from scratch (sketch to garment process)
• Conceived and perfected within Kato/ARN a ‘shape studio’ working on fabrics and movement focused on all weights.
• Pattern cutting and product/fit development, only non-Japanese pattern Makers and tech trained within the Osaka garment triangle.

The Spirella Company of Great Britain

Pattern cutting apprenticeship

I worked during my school holidays, learning a trade, working with skilled cutters and pattern makers, my Dad made me do it, and I never thanked him for it, not properly anyway

OTHER INFORMATION

Guest lecturer at UAL/St Martins/LCF for Pattern, Production, and Fabrics

DBS-certified and safeguarding trained via the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)

Only connect Charity, working with CJS within the ‘Handshake, not Handout’ front-line work/creative development

Member of the FFA. Conversational Japanese

RYA Navigation and Seamanship

Windsurf/Skateboard maker