Wayne Hemingway

Wayne Hemingway, MBE is an English fashion designer and co-founder of the acclaimed brands Red or Dead and HemingwayDesign.

Born in 1961 in Morecambe, Hemingway's formative years were marked by a vivid blend of fashion and performance, thanks to playful stylistic influences from his family. His academic journey led him to the University College, London, where he earned a degree in Geography and Town Planning in 1979. This educational background later influenced his ventures into urban design and architecture. Hemingway's career in fashion began unexpectedly when he sold personal clothing items at Camden Market, a venture that laid the foundation for Red or Dead. Alongside his wife Gerardine, he transformed Red or Dead into an internationally recognized label, winning the British Fashion Council’s Streetstyle Designer of the Year Award three times consecutively in 1996, 1997, and 1998.

In 1999, after selling Red or Dead, Hemingway and his wife founded HemingwayDesign. The firm focuses on affordable and socially responsible design across various domains including housing, interiors, and workspace design. One of their notable projects is The Staiths South Bank, a comprehensive housing development that showcases their commitment to innovative and inclusive urban planning. Hemingway's dedication extends beyond design; he is actively involved in shaping the industry as a professor, a columnist for Sublime Magazine since 2006, and a speaker on diverse topics ranging from urban regeneration to effective branding and leadership.

Hemingway's influence also extends into media and education. He serves as a TV design commentator, contributes to architectural publications, and evaluates international design competitions. His holistic approach to design—as a tool for addressing societal challenges—is reflected in his keynote speeches and his leadership roles in various design forums. Hemingway's life and career are not only a testament to his creative prowess but also his commitment to using design as a force for the common good.