Royal College of Art announces new head of fashion

The Royal College of Art has named Zowie Broach, co-founder of British fashion label Boudicca, as its new head of fashion, following the College’s “comprehensive” international search. Broach, who was a ‘Designer in Residence’ at London College of Fashion from 2009 and 2011 before taking up her

role as senior research in creative practice, will succeed Professor Wendy Dagworthy, who is retiring from the position after 16 years.

Professor Judith Mottram, incoming Dean of the School of Material, said: “We are really excited that Zowie is to join the College as our next Head of Fashion. The selection panel was very impressed by Zowie’s serious commitment to teaching, research and innovation.

“Her candidacy was also striking for its combination of practice at the boundaries of so many relevant fields – fashion, design, technology and visionary thinking; and of course, having developed and expanded Boudicca into a globally-recognised brand, her strong links with industry.”

Broach comes to the RCA after a career at the forefront of the art/fashion scene as co-founder and designer of British fashion house Boudicca, which she co-founded as a purely artistic expression, showing in art galleries and other exhibition spaces, the brand has since garnered international plaudits for its visionary approach to fashion.

A graduate of both Plymouth (Fine Art) and Middlesex University (Fashion Textiles), Broach has 12 years as a fashion educator including eight years at Westminster, teaching at both BA and Master’s level, as well as periods at Parsons The New School for Design in New York, SIAC in Chicago, Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, Jerusalem, and the RCA.

RCA names Zowie Broach as head of fashion

Commenting on her appointment, Broach said: “I'm honoured to be joining the Royal College of Art. An outstanding international institution, it has a reputation for innovation, which is second to none and I'm looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead.

“RCA Fashion graduates are known for their exceptional creativity and I’m eager to begin working with my new team to help shape the next generation of designers.”

Professor Naren Barfield, Pro Rector (Academic) added: “After a rigorous selection process, Zowie emerged as the outstanding candidate, and we are delighted to have such a formidable successor to Professor Wendy Dagworthy. Well known throughout the cultural sector, she will build on the incredible success of the programme, and lead it with great energy and imagination to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

Broach’s appointment marks the culmination of a comprehensive international search and she will join the College at the start of the new academic year on October 1, 2014.

Image: Zowie Broach