Eleanor Bandey is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design and specialises in digital pattern cutting and creative pattern cutting, with a particular focus on draping as a method for three-dimensional exploration and innovation.
Eleanor started her academic career at DMU in 2021 after working in the fashion industry as a pattern cutter and sealer / grader.
Her practice-led approach bridges traditional cutting processes with 2D & 3D digital pattern cutting software - CLO3D into her teaching practice, alongside manual pattern cutting and physical garment construction / prototyping. This combined approach strengthens students’ knowledge, accuracy, and adaptability for a sustainable design approach, broadening the students technical skillset. While demonstrating how industry-relevant digital tools can enhance traditional skills and support innovative, efficient design development and prototyping workflows.
Eleanor’s teaching is shaped by a strong commitment to student learning, engagement, and inclusivity. She fosters a dynamic studio environment that promotes creativity, critical thinking, and reflective practice, enabling students to confidently communicate their design ideas into 3D realisation. A focus on delivering for diverse learning needs and nurturing independent, resilient graduates prepared to navigate the evolving global fashion industry.
Eleanor's research focuses on the pedagogic approach of using digital pattern cutting as part of the fashion design process.