Amanda Joynes

Profile

I have worked within the fashion and textiles industry for over 20 years. My early career was deeply involved with luxury manufacturing, hand beading, embroidery, and couture dressmaking, using high-quality fabrics such as antique laces and silks, primarily within small bridal businesses. After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Textiles from Cardiff University (UWIC), I moved to Germany for a four-month internship, where I worked on theatre costumes for Germany’s West End equivalent.

In 2011, I relocated to Leeds, where I began working in bridal fabric design while continuing my studies, doing a PGDip in Creative Pattern Cutting, which helped deepen my expertise in garment construction. I was also awarded a place at ESITH University in Casablanca as part of a textile engineering exchange program, which exposed me to the industrial side of manufacturing. This experience marked a turning point in my career, leading me to work in a fast-paced production environment, manufacturing luxury leather underwear.

From 2014 to 2023, I applied my knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing to establish myself in the garment technology and quality control sector of fast fashion. I worked across a variety of accounts, including women’s occasion wear, petites, bridal, outerwear, and men’s t-shirts.

In 2023, I joined the Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) as a Research Technician, working on a Clothing Durability Research project in partnership with WRAP. Initially employed for one year, I focused heavily on the physical testing and visual assessment of garments. Excitingly, the project has since been extended, allowing me to take a more active role in leading a knitwear pilot, opening new opportunities in this area.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate diploma (PGdip) in Creative Pattern Cutting - University of Hull
• BA (hons) in Contemporary Textile Practice - University of Cardiff