Frances Corner

Professor Frances Corner OBE, Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London as of August 2019, is an important trailblazing figure in the fashion education sector. In her previous role as head of London College of Fashion and pro vice-chancellor of University of the Arts London, she oversaw the Centre for Sustainable Fashion and the launch of London College of Fashion’s business school. 

Under her leadership at London College of Fashion, Corner emphasised students' use of fashion, alongside cultural and historical practice, to challenge social, political and ethical concepts. She has pioneered the adoption of sustainable and ethical practice in the fashion education curriculum and in 2009 was named a London Leader for Sustainability, and also awarded an OBE for her services to fashion. In April 2019 she was announced as Warden of University of London college Goldsmiths, making her the first woman to be appointed to the position.  

Corner has more than 20 years experience in the higher education sector; prior to London College of Fashion, she was head of the Sir John Cass Department of Art, Media and Design at London Metropolitan University. Her book “Why Fashion Matters,” published in 2014 by Thames and Hudson, explores fashion’s place within our social, economic and political structures, in a format of 101 short pieces. Her second book, "What's the Future of Fashion?" was published January 2019.

An acclaimed arts educator, Corner sits on the British Fashion Council ’s Advisory Board, is a Trustee of the Wallace Collection and a committee member for the International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes.

Her alumni include Ryan Lo, Rory Parnell-Mooney, James Long, J.W. Anderson and Lucas Nascimento.