Christopher Fink

Education

• Fashion Institute Of Technology, New York, NY. – Apparel Design
• Hunter College, New York, NY. -B.A Art History – Cum Laude
• Hunter College – Masters Social Wok -Deans Honors – MSW
• William Alanson White Institute – Post Graduate – Corporate Creative Team Management

Biography

Christopher Fink comes to VCUarts Qatar as a senior level executive Creative Director of Apparel Design in the international fashion apparel market from premium designer collection to contemporary mass market fashion. With over 25 years of international design leadership experience, he has directed creative teams for some of the largest and most prestigious apparel companies worldwide

Christopher’s creative leadership positions have included VP Creative Director of BCBG International, VP Creative Director of Madura Garments – Bangalore India, partner in SBL Industries USA (Perry Ellis Dresses and private label), Head of Design for GFT USA (Armani, Valentino, Ungaro), head of design for Itokin America ( Japan’s former largest apparel manufacturer and leading retailer) as well as,  Creative Director of women’s wear for Walmart USA  when Walmart  first launched it’s fashion office based in New York City.

Christopher has lived and worked in New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Milan, London, Madrid, Bangalore, Moscow, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei,  Osaka, Dubai. And currently resides in Qatar.

Christopher’s experience of directing premium international designer collections to the world’s largest value mass market retailer offers a unique scope of experience in all categories of apparel design and management including men’s, women’s and children’s wear which he brings to the VCUarts Qatar fashion design program and the emerging fashion industry in Qatar.

As an active member of the Qatar creative community, Christopher actively engages the fashion design students and alumni in highly creative design collaboration with leading local retailers, museums and leading government and creative institutions in an effort to best support and build a thriving fashion industry in Qatar. He has engaged his students in organized events with M7, Fire Station, Shop Qatar, HEYA Modest Wear Convention, Galleries Lafayette, Doha Design District, International Fashion Innovation Enclave, Fashion Trust Arabia, FIFA, 51 East  and with leading industry initiatives including FIFA /Adidas, Printemps, US Embassy Qatar, Doha Film Institute and David Beckham / Sports Abaya collaboration. Christopher also serves on the Film Minor committee, the Gallery Committee and leads a Fashion Design Taskforce for reimagining Fashion and heads the annual BFA senior graduation Fashion Show.

Research Interests

Nanotechnology and High Fashion Textile Research : Incorporating nanoparticles in fashion textiles to absorb Vitamin D to increase health and wellness from a culture that is always covered. Also to treat fabrics to maintain normal body temperature while exposed to extreme weather conditions. I am focusing on developing and marketing a nano collection to support Dr Saoud’s research. This research will continue beyond the current grant deadline.

Eco Luxury Lab: The purpose of this research is to explore areas of sustainable luxury to eventually incorporate into our curriculum. At the same time many of our projects will focus on areas of accessory or areas of luxury specific to the Mena region beyond apparel. This program is ongoing . We have two workshops in Shop Qatar: Perfume Creation and Building a Sustainable Denim Collection.

Publications

Presentations During the pandemic Christopher created a fashion installation and film at M7 and a 9 month window installation for the Doha Design District celebrating the work of his Students in lieu of a fashion show. Currently he has his students involved In three major fashion events in Qatar this fall and has organized events with M7, Firestation, ShopQatar, HEYA Modest Wear Convention, Galleries Lafayette, Doha Design District, international Fashion Innovation Enclave, Fashion Trust Arabia, FIFA, 51 East Popup and with industry leaders including FIFA /Adidias, Printemps, US Embassy Qatar, Doha Film Institute and David Beckham / Sports Abaya collaboration

Exhibitions

Funded Research Projects and Grants