Creative Business Internship: Creative Design Development (Fashion Accessories) Assistant at Clara Chu Ltd

Main Duties

You will support the studio across a range of creative and operational areas, including:

• Supporting design development through research, material sourcing, and prototyping

• Experimenting with unconventional materials and processes, particularly in transforming discarded domestic and industrial objects through upcycling

• Assisting with early-stage sampling and iterative design development

• Organising and maintaining studio materials, including sourcing from waste streams and donations

• Supporting range planning and the development of collection concepts

• Documenting studio processes (photo/video) and maintaining visual references and the material archive

• Assisting with workshops, collaborations, partnerships, and events, alongside general studio support

Ideal candidate:

• A background in fashion accessories (bags, footwear, accessories), fashion design, or product design

• A strong interest in material experimentation and concept-led design

• Working knowledge of pattern cutting and sewing (not necessarily advanced, but confident and independent)

• A proactive, curious approach with a willingness to test, iterate, and problem-solve through making

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively

• A genuine interest in sustainable material practices and circular design approaches

This role would particularly suit someone who is self-motivated, engaged in their own creative practice, and looking to translate that into a studio environment.

Clara Chu is a London-based accessories brand reimagining discarded materials through circular design and playful engineering. Working across fashion, art and community, the brand transforms overlooked household and industrial objects into one-of-a-kind bags and small accessories that challenge perceptions of waste and value.

Alongside bespoke, made-to-order pieces, Clara Chu produces small limited-edition collections developed through cross-sector material collaborations, including partnerships with cultural institutions and interior manufacturers. The studio operates through a flexible, project-based team model and integrates research, educational initiatives, community workshops and installation-based presentations into its practice.

https://clarachu.com

https://www.instagram.com/clarachuu

What will the internship offer the student and what will they learn while they are with you? E.g. skills they could learn/develop and experience they could gain.

This internship offers a hands-on learning experience within a material-led design studio, where the intern will be supported in developing both creative and technical skills through guided studio practice.

The intern will gain:

• Experience in design research, prototyping, and concept development

• Insight into material-led experimentation and creative direction

• An understanding of how ideas evolve from initial concept through to final outcomes

• Knowledge of how collections are developed within a working studio environment

• Exposure to collaborations with cultural institutions and industry organisations, including British Fashion Council

• Experience working with innovative upcycling techniques and unconventional materials, including upholstery textiles, post-consumer waste, and non-textile materials sourced through cross-sector partnerships

• Practical experience working within a small team, contributing to both design and production processes

Equal Opportunities Statement

We are an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibility. We are committed to offering a working environment where everyone is valued and feels appreciated.