Yorkshire digital entrepreneur helps Radio 1 DJ launch sustainable fashion label

A Barnsley digital fashion entrepreneur has helped a Radio 1 DJ develop a sustainable clothing brand using cutting-edge 3D software to reduce waste, cut costs and save time.

Laura Fish, founder of Fashion Toolbox, has helped Radio 1 DJ, artist and designer Rosie Madison to launch the debut collection of her size-inclusive, slow fashion brand, Dorothy and Rose.

Rosie, based in Harrogate, set up her independent, Yorkshire-based brand to challenge the one-size-fits-all fast fashion ethos and reject the high levels of waste and environmental impact in the global clothing industry.

The pair worked with industry-leading software CLO3D to style, fit and refine virtual samples of Rosie’s designs, disposing of the need for multiple physical samples required in more traditional product development workflows. Only ONE physical sample was needed for each garment after working through the innovative 3D process.

The digital modelling also allowed them to create a range of precision patterns which can be used to produce garments made in perfect proportion for women with diverse body shapes.

Rosie, who presents breakfast and weekend shows on Radio 1, said: “So much fashion is made overseas at speed, but I wanted to build something thoughtful, local, and values-led. Creating a size-inclusive slow fashion brand meant finding the right people to work with and Laura felt like the perfect match. Two Yorkshire women supporting and empowering one another to bring Dorothy & Rose to life.”

Laura said: “Supporting Rosie with her first collection has been a great example of how powerful 3D development can be for new designers. Building everything digitally meant we could explore Rosie’s ideas freely, refine details early, and keep sampling to a minimum. It’s been a brilliant Yorkshire collaboration.”

Laura set up Fashion Toolbox in 2019, building on 20 years’ experience in the fashion industry. She works as a 3D technical designer, consultant and educator in the use of CLO3D software. This digital tool enables clients to carry out accurate style and fit adjustments to garments before moving onto costly physical sampling. Her services include virtual prototyping, technical design and pattern production, as well as advice and training for individuals, brands and universities who want to explore 3D transformation in fashion design and development.

Laura said: “My work is centred on sustainability, accuracy and education, supporting both established companies and emerging designers to confidently adopt effective and efficient 3D digital tools to enhance their creativity and reduce the need for outdated and costly over-sampling.”

Laura has previously worked with a wide range of clothing brands including RediGolf, Onboard Sportswear, Safeguard Armour and Smiffy’s Costumes.

View the Dorothy and Rose collection online at www.dorothyandrose.com and on Instagram. It offers garments in sizes 6–24, in both regular and tall fittings reflecting 6’1’’ tall Rosie’s own difficulty in finding clothes long enough for herself. Dresses and T-shirts are made-to-order to further reduce waste, and feature Rosie’s own artwork motifs.