W: Wendy Boxhall I: Jonny Carr

Growing up in Preston, Lancashire, Francesca Fell’s design philosophy was shaped not in high-end boutiques, but in the aisles of local charity shops. Visiting these second-hand hubs with her parents and grandparents sparked an early fascination with the lifecycle of clothing and the growing issues of overconsumption. This upbringing laid the foundation for a career rooted in mindfulness, pushing her to design consciously and prioritize sustainability at every stage of her creative process.

Francesca’s path to fashion was far from linear. She initially enrolled at Leeds Beckett University to study sports marketing, but within two months, she realized she was on the wrong track. Despite a lifelong passion for creativity, she had long battled the internal doubt that she wasn't "good enough" to pursue it professionally. Ultimately, she took a leap of faith, switched courses, and hasn't looked back since. This transition proved to be a turning point, teaching her that every setback is simply an opportunity to grow as both a designer and an individual.

Her latest collection is a unique fusion of her two great passions: style and food. As a self-described "foodie," Francesca explores the intriguing parallels between the fashion and food industries. By drawing on the textures and themes of the culinary world, she aims to highlight the importance of sustainable consumption. This conceptual approach reached its peak during a high-profile shoot on the bridge in Trinity Leeds—a surreal experience that allowed her to see her hard-earned vision come to life in a professional, real-world setting.

As she prepares for the next chapter, Francesca is moving to Manchester to pursue an MSc in International Fashion Marketing. This move is designed to broaden her expertise, bridging the gap between hands-on design and the digital side of the industry. Her advice to the next generation of students is practical and grounded: start sourcing fabrics immediately. By building a material library early, designers can avoid the "second-guessing" that often stalls a project in its final weeks, ensuring the creative journey is as smooth as the final product.