Sophie Dhaliwal

Biography

Sophie Rochester is a postgraduate researcher at the Fashion, Textiles and Technology Institute, University of the Arts London.

Her research focuses on textile circularity and new economic models for creative and community-led reuse systems. Her work explores how design, systems thinking and creative enterprise can enable regenerative local economies, and how alternative frameworks for measuring 'value' — beyond profit and growth — can capture the social and environmental impacts of circular practices.

In her professional career, as founder and CEO of Yodomo Ltd (Winner 'Progress Toward Circularity', Marie Claire Awards 2023), she has developed models for material reuse and design innovation, advancing circularity across the UK’s creative and cultural sectors with funding through UKRI Innovate UK, Shared Prosperity Fund, Mayor of London and the London Legacy Development Corporation.

Building on this experience in creative enterprise development, cross-sector collaboration and environmental design, Sophie’s research will contribute to the emerging field of urban circularity, connecting creative industries with sustainability, policy and social innovation.