The head of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s world-renowned
Contour Fashion course has been named in a ‘Power list’ of the most influential people within the British lingerie industry.
Programme leader Gillian Proctor is one of 10 people listed in Lingerie Insight magazine’s The Power List 2017: Industry Influencers.
The list “pays tribute to those unsung heroes who help nurture talented designers, advise brands and retailers on key decisions, provide consumers with informed opinions on market trends…and promote positive change within the industry.”
The announcement is perfectly timed as DMU is planning major celebrations throughout 2017 to mark the
70th anniversary of the Contour Fashion course, which is the oldest in the world.
The entry in the power list says: “Since joining the course in August 2008 [Gillian] has been responsible for driving forward innovation and nurturing the future of the intimate apparel industry – and she’s certainly lived up to this role.
“She no only inspires and supports the next generation of lingerie designers but promotes the rich history of the craft through her work as an author, an industry consultant for TV and the chair of the International Institute of Intimate Apparel.
“Proctor is an internationally-recognised expert in her field and her strong links in the lingerie sector have been built on a career working with huge fashion names, such as Karl Lagerfield and Armani.
“As a result, students and graduates have gone on to secure placements and employment with some of the world’s biggest names, including Abercrombie and Fitch, H&M, Agent Provocateur, Gap and Tommy Hilfiger.”
Other prominent names on the list include Make It British founder Kate Hills – who launched Textile Tuesdays here at DMU’s Friars Mill as a new support for the industry – lingerie stylist Monica Harrington and Paul Alger, director of International Affairs in the UK Fashion and Textile Association.
Gillian said: “I was frankly shocked to be told that my name was on the list. I’m certain there are far more deserving representatives from the industry. Naturally, I’m proud to be listed, but more so on behalf of the course receiving due recognition as we celebrate 70 years of Contour Fashion at DMU.
“I have been known to repeat myself when I say that this really is the best job in the world. We are blessed to have a dedicated and skilled staff team who each bring something different to the table, most of whom are themselves graduates of the course. Inevitably, the students benefit. We can celebrate the calibre of students which the course continues to attract. Nothing stays the same in Contour Fashion. We are destined to move forwards and to address innovation both technically and aesthetically.
“This encompasses developing an entirely new course for the contour stable to address the demands of industry and the ever changing skill bases of our applicants. We have made many changes within the course and we will make many more in the future.”
In 2013, Gillian received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Lingerie Awards. She was co-author of the book “A Century of Lingerie” and has regularly worked as a consultant for both radio and TV due to her expertise in the history of the industry.
Posted on Friday 24 March 2017