Leanne Jae

Leanne is a highly experienced designer passionate about denim. She gained two BA Hons degrees in three years, one in Fashion Design and Marketing Foundation, and the other in Product Development and Design, at the London College of Fashion.

During her 15 years in the fashion industry, Leanne has travelled the world visiting the factories she worked with to oversee the design and development process. During these trips she discovered the purest form of inspiration being around the makers, especially within the laundry and finishing area.

Her curiosity and values led her to question the process and seek more environmentally friendly alternatives. As her knowledge grew, so did her desire to unpick this area of the design process further to understand how best to change it for the better. As a result, she shifted her focus by investing time in learning about the technology and chemicals behind washing. This work led her to researching local makers in London and connecting with Blackhorse Lane Ateliers. Over the course of two years, she maintained an open line of communication regarding the coming plans for the new environmentally innovative craft denim wash facility. Just before the machines were due to arrive, she was brought in to get in depth operational training on the machines via the technology partner TONELLO. Her commitment to change the industry from the inside, coupled with the drive to empower the minds of tomorrow through education made her the perfect candidate to become the Denim Lab and Process Laundry Manager at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers.