I can’t recall a time when I wasn’t interested in colour, fabric and style. I was fascinated by what our clothing silently says about us, and the conflicting social pressures to conform or stand out. I only understood my need to decode this social communication when learning to support my neurodiverse kids and students. I am one of many women whose own neurodiversity was missed by diagnostic criteria aimed at boys, in an era where it was believed you couldn’t be both autistic and ADHD.

foothills in fashion

As a teenager with a Saturday job, I could afford Vogue, impressed by the fierce individuality marking each designer’s work, making it easily identifiable. With no reliable answers as to what was deemed stylish or beautiful, it felt overwhelming and confusing. I did not yet understand how personal style quiets fashion’s noisy clamour for our attention.

Studying for my degree in textile design at Manchester University the theory of colour - its interactions, unspoken meanings and effect on our mood - fascinated me most.

I trained in innovative pattern cutting at Central St Martins, graduating top of my class. I relished the variety of style, colour and proportions I experienced through working with my clients - from catwalk designers to fashion students, celebrity stylists to high street labels. But working behind the scenes of the fashion industry made the styles in the shops seem even less authentic as a personal choice and more imposed on me.

from fashion to personal style

Struggling with the lack of sustainability associated with my role in persuading customers to buy new every season, I diverted briefly into garden design. I gave talks and workshops on sustainable design, and was an award-winning writer on the topic. Whilst raising kids, I returned to textiles through slow fashion and hand-knit design - with a focus on creative use of colour.

Meanwhile, I still had the images stuck in my head of women I had seen as a young adult. I recall being mesmerised by the effortless chic of a woman I saw on a train - hair loose, bare-faced, in an oversized men’s white collarless bib-shirt, jeans and easy lace-ups. I yearned to feel as relaxed but composed as another traveller in her long draping cardigan, soft maxi skirt and flats.

I wanted that feeling of quiet ease, the comfort and confidence, but couldn’t find it amid the relentless noise and perceived judgement from the fashion industry, my social environment and my own uncertainty. My growing wardrobe was the evidence of my confusion. These voices telling me what to wear finally quietened with the support of a vivacious personal stylist (sadly missed - I hope to do her memory proud).

Once I understood my own style, external influences fell away. I could select pieces that felt like “me” and ignore irrelevant trends, no matter how hard the media pushed them. I could be true to how I wanted to feel in my clothes yet still appropriate to the social occasion – whether at work, out for dinner or lounging on the sofa.

neurodiverse lens

After having kids, I retrained as a paramedic, graduating with a first from City St. George’s University of London. While mentoring student paramedics, I realised my own neurodiversity - and coping strategies. Decoding the unspoken language of clothes was mirrored in my efforts to cognitively understand social communication in general. The focus on my PGCert in medical and healthcare education was neurodiversity, through the lens of my lived experience and that of my kids and colleagues.

bringing it all together

The common thread through my career in design and healthcare is facilitating learning. In every field in which I have worked, I have taught and supported the development of others, with creativity, warmth and enthusiasm.

When I work with you, whether as a personal stylist or neurodiversity educator, my aim is transformation through learning.

Feeling secure in your own choices when you get dressed, and knowing you are valued and supported in your workplace, underpin our wellbeing. I believe everyone deserves to feel confident they belong in style.

I would love to help you - get in touch today.