Professor Shaun Borstrock PhD, MA

Biography

Professor Shaun Borstrock is Head of Knowledge Exchange and Research and Professor of Luxury and Consumer Culture.

He is an internationally respected expert in design-led innovation, luxury branding, and creative collaboration. As our Head of Knowledge Exchange and Research, he champions the idea that design should lead and not follow business strategy. His work promotes the role of design as a powerful force in shaping decision-making and driving change.

With over 20 years of experience in the creative industries, Professor Borstrock brings deep insight into how design, craftsmanship and technology can come together to shape the future of luxury and consumer experiences.

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Ravensbourne University London
Head of Knowledge Exchange and Research | Professor of Luxury and Consumer Culture

Research and Innovation

His research focuses on the evolving nature of luxury in a world shaped by mass production, digital technologies, and environmental concerns. He investigates:

  • How the supply chain and consumerism influence the meaning of luxury
  • The future of craftsmanship in a globalised, tech-driven marketplace
  • Contemporary labour practices and ethical production
  • The impact of material innovation on traditional artisanal techniques

Professor Borstrock is also a co-developer of Modeclix, the world’s first fully customisable 3D-printed textile. This is a groundbreaking project that bridges technology and textile design. Modeclix has received multiple international award nominations and reflects  his commitment to exploring new frontiers in design practice.

Industry Collaboration and Consultancy

Alongside his academic work, Professor Borstock is a trusted independent consultant to global luxury brands and associations. His past and current collaborators include; Fortnum & Mason, Gucci, Ford, John Lewis, Dolce & Gabbana, Asprey, Unity PR, Harris Tweed Hebrides, Thomas Pink and The Cape Town Fashion Council

He helps brands develop innovative strategies and improve product development. His work focuses on meeting evolving consumer expectations, especially in the luxury and fashion industries.

Thought Leadership and Public Engagement

Professor Borstock is a renowned keynote speaker at international conferences and industry events. His talks cover topics such as:

  • The future of luxury
  • Branding and consumer culture
  • Design thinking and innovation
  • The ethical and environmental impact of global production

He is also the Editor of Luxury Studies: The In Pursuit of Luxury Journal, co-author of the book Crafting Luxury (published by Intellect Books), and host of the 
In Pursuit of Luxury podcast, where he speaks with global thought leaders across design, branding, and academia.

Academic and Global Engagement

Professor Borstrock's work is rooted in multi- and trans-disciplinary collaboration. He works with institutions, industry partners, and creative communities around the world to develop projects that cross boundaries and provoke new ways of thinking.

He also holds a Visiting Professorship at the Koppelman School of Business, Brooklyn College, New York, where he contributes to thought leadership and knowledge exchange between academia and industry.

He welcomes new opportunities to collaborate across disciplines and industries. His work continues to shape conversations around innovation, craftsmanship, ethics and the future of luxury.

Publications

  • Borstrock, S. 2023. Kathryn Sargent. Luxury Studies; The In Pursuit of Luxury Journal. London: Intellect.
     
  • Borstrock, S. 2022. Editor, Luxury Studies; The In Pursuit of Luxury Journal. London: Intellect.
     
  • Borstrock, S. 2022. Stephen Jones. Luxury Studies; The In Pursuit of Luxury Journal. London: Intellect.
     
  • Bloomfield, M. and Borstrock, S. and Carta, S. and Manlow, V. 2022. Crafting Luxury. London: Intellect.
     
  • Borstrock, S. 2021. Disrupting the Supply Chain: The Luxury of Craftsmanship. In: Coste-Maniere, I. Gardetti, M.A. Eds. Sustainable Luxury and Jewellery. London: Springer, pp.21-40.
     
  • Borstrock, S. 2020. Luxury goods: why elite brands are weathering the pandemic better than high street retailers. In: The Conversation.
     
  • Borstrock, S. 2019. Editor, Second Special Issue – In Pursuit of Luxury. Journal of Design, Business & Society. London: Intellect.
     
  • Borstrock, S. 2018. Personalisation, Customisation and Bespoke – Increasing the product offer of luxury goods and services. Journal of Design, Business & Society. London: Intellect.
     
  • Bloomfield, M. and Borstrock, S. 2018. Modeclix. The additively manufactured adaptable textile. Science Direct. 212 – 216. Elsevier.
     
  • Borstrock, S. 2016. Digital Craftsmanship and Fashion. In: Hack 04-16.