With more than 30 years’ experience across the UK fashion and textile industry, Rakhee Townsend has built a career that combines commercial expertise with a genuine passion for education, skills development and creative opportunity. Based in Leicester, Rakhee is dedicated to ensuring that aspiring fashion professionals have access to the industry knowledge, practical skills and guidance needed to build successful careers.
Beginning her career supplying garments directly to multiple high street retailers, Rakhee worked closely with Leicester manufacturers, gaining invaluable experience across every stage of the fashion supply chain. This hands-on knowledge, spanning design, sourcing, product development and manufacturing, now forms the foundation of her educational work, enabling learners to gain real insight into how the industry operates beyond the classroom.
Recognising that many young people, graduates and aspiring creatives lacked access to professional networks and industry experience, Rakhee founded Fashion Art Design Studio CIC (FADS CIC). Through the organisation, she has created opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to explore fashion, develop practical skills and build confidence through industry-led learning.
Today, FADS CIC works with schools, colleges, universities, graduates, community groups, SEND learners, NEET young people and educators, delivering engaging workshops, mentoring and creative programmes that bridge the gap between education and employment. Rakhee’s approach focuses on nurturing creativity alongside commercial awareness, ensuring learners understand not only how garments are designed and produced but also the skills required to succeed within today’s fashion industry.
Whether introducing school pupils to fashion for the first time, supporting graduates as they prepare for employment or helping educators bring industry knowledge into the classroom, Rakhee is passionate about making learning accessible, relevant and inspiring. Her extensive experience across the fashion supply chain enables her to provide practical, real-world insight that encourages learners to think creatively while developing the confidence to pursue their ambitions.
Fashion-Enter Ltd and the FTA is pleased to be supporting Rakhee’s educational initiatives as she continues to expand the reach of FADS CIC. Together, there is a shared commitment to strengthening fashion education, developing future talent and creating meaningful opportunities that connect learning with industry.
As the demand for industry-ready skills continues to grow, Rakhee Townsend remains committed to sharing her knowledge with future generations. Through her work, learners gain far more than technical understanding – they develop confidence, creativity, entrepreneurial thinking and a clearer pathway into employment, further education and the wider fashion and textile industry.