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Thushara Sabreen
Founder @soule.tinker - Innovation Lead - Creative Industries - Circular Fashion - Creative Catalyst - Innovate UK UKRI
Professional Background
Thushara Sabreen is a dynamic leader in the field of wearable technology, recognized for her innovative contributions that blend wellness and fashion. As the founding director of Tinker Design, she has made a significant impact on the fashion technology industry, advocating for comfort and well-being through modern design. Her professional journey spans multiple continents as she has worked with prestigious fashion companies in Europe, Asia, and America, bringing a unique global perspective to her work. With an extensive background in product development, Thushara has honed her skills and expertise in various roles that have shaped her into a leading voice in the fashion tech sphere.
Thushara's commitment to advancing fashion technology is evident through her involvement with innovative organizations, including her role as Innovation Lead for Creative Industries at Innovate UK. This position showcases her dedication to fostering growth and innovation within the UK’s creative sector. Before founding Tinker Design, Thushara garnered valuable experience as a Wearable Technology Consultant at Stretchline (Hong Kong) Limited, where she collaborated on pioneering projects that integrate advanced technology into garment design.
Her contributions to the field extend beyond her direct work experience. Thushara has also been an influential voice in academia, co-authoring 'The Book of Advanced Fashion Technology and Operations Management' at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London. This partnership emphasizes her intention to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application within the industry.
Education and Achievements
Thushara's academic pedigree is impressive and indicative of her innovative mindset. She earned her Master’s degree in Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation with Distinction from the prestigious London College of Fashion. During her studies, she was awarded the Fashion Matters award in 2014, a recognition that highlights her exceptional skills and forward-thinking approach to fashion. Her time at LCF also allowed her to collaborate with University College London (UCL) on a project proposal that focused on the promising realm of wearable technology, further cementing her status as an emerging expert in the field.
In addition to her Master’s degree, Thushara pursued a BA (Hons) in Clothing Design and Technology at The Manchester Metropolitan University, coupled with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Clothing from the University of Central England. Her educational journey has equipped her with a strong foundation in both the creative and technical aspects of fashion, allowing her to seamlessly navigate the complexities of product development.
Recently, Thushara participated in the Accelerate and Pre-Accelerate programs at the Cambridge Judge Business School, where she further developed her entrepreneurial skills focused on venture creation in connected devices and wearable technology. Her exceptional performance at a venture creation event at Cambridge Judge Business School awarded her further accolades and recognition in the field.
Notable Achievements
Thushara Sabreen's career is punctuated by numerous accolades and achievements that reflect her talent and dedication to the fashion technology domain. She was a selected candidate for Google's Project Jacquard, a prestigious program focused on integrating technology into textiles, showcasing her forward-thinking and embrace of innovation in fashion. Her work in wearable technology has not only earned her awards but has also established her as a trusted consultant and leader in the fashion industry.
Her notable collaborations include winning a partnership project with the Digital Anthropology Lab at London College of Fashion while working with the renowned fashion brand Rebecca Minkoff. This project's success underlines her ability to merge cutting-edge technology with high fashion, pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in the industry.
Thushara’s journey continues to inspire those within her field as she remains committed to discovering new realms of fashion technology and innovation. Residing in London, she conducts ongoing research to address the challenges of comfort and wellness in the modern clothing landscape, making her a pivotal figure in the future of sustainable and health-conscious fashion. As the fashion tech industry evolves, Thushara's vision and leadership will undoubtedly play an influential role in shaping its future.