Falmouth University Alumnus Niall White Champions Sustainable Heritage Craft at London Fashion Week and CHANEL
FALMOUTH, UK - March 2026 – Demonstrating the vital role of sustainable heritage crafts in contemporary fashion, Falmouth University BA(Hons) Textile Design alumnus Niall White has successfully transitioned from the studio environment of his degree to crafting bespoke headwear for Royal Ascot, London Fashion Week, and the West End.
His rapid ascent underscores a critical industry shift towards preserving specialised, ethical artisanship in an era of mass production.
White’s innovative approach to design first emerged during his second year at Falmouth, sparked by a brief exploring the university’s Textiles & Dress Collection.
Investigating the intricate headwear of 1930s cabaret and old Hollywood cinema led to a transformative millinery internship.
Following his graduation, White was selected as one of only six artisans for the prestigious CHANEL and King’s Foundation Métiers D’Art Millinery Fellowship.
This intensive nine-month educational programme is designed to preserve the craft of millinery, aligning perfectly with a forward-thinking vision for sustainable fashion.
“It gave me the chance to bring my skills to the next level,” White shared regarding the fellowship. “I feel it's given me a huge head start within my field. It's a rare opportunity to be able to take nine months out to hone and learn a craft, and it’s one I'm extremely grateful for. Leading on from the fellowship, I've made hats for Royal Ascot, London Fashion Week, the West End and some private clients.”
At London Fashion Week, White crafted hats for forward-thinking designers Talia Byre and Patrick McDowell, offering him an empowering platform to showcase millinery in a contemporary context.
Most recently, White returned from an esteemed internship with Maison Michel at CHANEL in Paris, where he was immersed in research and sampling ahead of the SS26 show.
He noted that learning from the atelier's modistes was an absolute privilege, highlighting the urgent need to maintain these heritage skills within the UK market, where workshops are often smaller and more limited.
About Falmouth University
Falmouth University is a forward-thinking educational institution dedicated to fostering innovation, ethical practices, and sustainability across the creative industries.
By championing both heritage crafts and progressive design techniques, the university empowers the next generation of thought leaders to address urgent global challenges and reshape the future of the arts, fashion, and technology.
