For over 25 years, Neil Gilks has committed his career to design and its education.
As a fashion designer, Gilks worked through the ranks to Design Director for brands in London and New York. He thrives on building – whether working on launching new labels or recognizing the needs and areas for evolution in established companies.
Beyond creating menswear and womenswear collections for the global markets, a dedication to fashion design education has allowed Gilks to attain leadership roles with top-tiered fashion design programs globally. As Director of Educational Initiatives with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Gilks was charged with creating opportunities and mentorship for students and faculty within 21 design institutions domestically.
Gilks cites continuing his own artistic practice as crucial – allowing him to retain a creative outlet while further exploring the space where his art, commerce, and social commentary intersect.
Since his arrival as Executive Director of the School of Fashion at Academy of Art University in the Fall of 2022, Gilks has been learning how his experience and insight can best serve our community. The learning experience is of the utmost importance to Gilks, as he strives towards making it the most robust and successful time for faculty and students alike.
The biggest obstacle I encountered was marketing and promoting my work shortly after graduating from art school.
Director of Acquisitions & Curator at international Fashion Cafes (US, Europe, Asia)
2 TEDx talks on education innovation
Fashion commentator in media (television, print) – featured in numerous television and print media sources ranging from newspapers such as London’s Sunday Times to television programs like Entertainment Tonight (USA)
Style editor and journalist
Upcoming book series on fashion & history for youth
Author of multiple undergraduate and graduate level courses
Mother to an awesome son and two fantastic daughters
The evolution of my career from designing sweaters at Esprit, then baby apparel for Janie & Jack then Home Textiles at Pottery Barn Kids. I’ve been incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to expand & grow across multiple avenues w/in the design industry over the past 30 years!
Launching Janie & Jack in 2002. I was the 1st designer in they hired so it was exciting to be a part of the creative process from initial concept through to launch and help form the identity of the brand.
FB: Marketing 1 FB: Trend Analysis
History of Fashion
Position: Instructor
Industry Credit:
Faculty sponsor Beyond the Front Row
Faculty Lead : Fashion Retail Store Launch and management and new course : The Real World of Retailing
Lead Faculty for special projects published in 180 Magazine
Authoring /teaching new courses in fashion history, marketing, and merchandising
Featured speaker for online fashion trend presentation : The New Normal
Lead /created Retail Immersion workshop for online fashion students in New York
Attended New York Fashion Week School of Fashion Runway show
Planned and executed charitable event launched through School of Fashion : Give 2 Take 1
As Lead School of Fashion instructor , managed student run front of house and backstage dressing for designer Walter Von Beirondonk runway show at Berkeley Museum of Art
