James Dyson Award past winners: Petit Pli, 2017

I wanted to go into the world of fashion, and utilise my technical skills from my Aeronautical Engineering degree in a much more creative and problem-solving way. So I took up Global Innovation Design at the Royal College of Art. But the more and more I looked into the industry, the more I realised how wasteful it is, and I wanted to tackle that!

When Viggo, my nephew, was born, I sent him some garments. But by the time they arrived in the post in Denmark (where he lives), they didn’t fit anymore. This gave me an idea to develop Petit Pli, an origami-structured textile that could expand as Viggo grew. 

Winning the James Dyson Award provided traction and credibility. We were featured in the media around the world, which helped build the foundations of Petit Pli, and helped make this dream a reality! 

There have been many key milestones since winning the James Dyson Award, especially being featured in the Young V&A Museum and opening the incredible flagship store at Battersea Power Station in London. We’ve also continued to expand our product line-up by offering adultwear and accessories. In 2024 we launched our merino wool collection which utilises novel knitting techniques to expand bidirectionally while maintaining its insulating properties.

I’ve learned to apply my problem-solving skills across a plethora of domains. From patent applications and trademark laws to marketing, fundraising, and team building. I’ve also worked closely with users to understand how they’re using our products and how we can improve them. Developing these varied skills has been essential to bringing our ideas into the world.

I think you need a solution to a problem that adds value to others and that people would want to champion and adopt. And, just as importantly, self-belief – trusting that you can make a difference in the world and having the courage to pursue it!

Just go for it! Believe in yourself, seek out every single opportunity out there. You have nothing to lose!