James Hamilton Butler
Studied BA(Hons) Embroidery at Manchester Metropolitan University.
His graduation collection of aesthetic multifunctional fashion fabrics earned him a first class honours degree in 2000.
After graduating (and a work experience placement at Zandra Rhodes), he worked on self taught garment construction skills, furthering his interest in the fashion industry. Subsequently, he achieved several commissioned works in both fashion and illustration, as well as exhibiting work at ‘New Designers’ and ‘Knitting and Stitching’ shows.
Having achieved a fashion oriented portfolio, he was appointed the prestigious ‘Practitioner in Residence’ post at The London College of Fashion. He was required to produce his first proper collection in conjunction with the London College of Fashion with support from the Merchant Taylors Guild.
Around this time he began lecturing at the college, as well as being invited to guest lecture at the Manchester Metropolitan University and Central St Martins.
After the residency finished he was, and still is appointed as an associate lecturer, teaching embroidery, print, design and illustration and has an active role at the end of year fashion shows as well as summer school programmes within the University of the Arts, London. In 2004/2005 he graduated with distinction in a FENTO recognised teaching and lecturing qualification.
James always works to a process of visually brainstorming ideas and concepts through illustrations (usually in an exhibition format) the resulting forms of which are adapted and changed into prints – which then dictate the nature of the design concept for the current season.
This working process is a natural development of his original working ethic started on his degree- the notion of ‘art that you can wear’, albeit in a simplified, wearable version.He has collaborated with many creative partnerships in photography, styling, illustration, graphics and costume design as well as corporate and individual commissions, for clients such as Swarovski, Firetrap and Coppernob, attracting press from the likes of Vogue, Flux, Grafik, Quintessential, Attitude, TANK and many others, as well as selling in the U.K and Japan.
For up to date stockist info and upcoming exhibition information, contact james@jameshamiltonbutler.com