ETHAN LEYLAND TOOK A RISK AND IT PAID OFF 04:00, 07 Feb 2025Updated 12:36, 07 Feb 2025 A man who was ‘skint for years’ now dresses celebrities from across the world. Ethan Leyland, 27, from

St Helens, has worked with the likes of American actress Jessica Chastain, Icelandic musician Björk and British model Jourdan Dunn. It’s a far cry from where Ethan was after he left school.

He was working for a phone company in a job he didn’t enjoy and had completed a series of courses that didn’t appeal to him either. It all changed when Ethan decided to take up a fashion

course in Liverpool where he was asked an important question. Speaking to the ECHO, Ethan said: “I was in a dead end job. I’d been working for years and also did a fine art course, barbering

Central Saint Martins is a prestigious institution in London renowned for its fashion course and although it gave him many opportunities, Ethan felt there weren't many other

working-class northerners studying there like him. He said: “You don't realise how rich people are until you get there. But I found it made me more creative because I didn't have

an endless amount of money to spend on fabrics. I had to just use what I had and do the best I could with my maintenance loan. I remember times in university when my phone was cut off. I was

just doing agency work part-time to afford more fabrics. "In second year, when I realised I was going to have nothing to show when I finished my studies, I started my social media

channels. In third year, I did a year out. I wanted to go to New York and do an internship with Oscar De Le Renta (a well known fashion design house). It was unpaid and I spoke to my tutor

about it. “He said, 'can’t you just use your savings?' I was like, 'in what world do you live in? I’m a university student - savings, are you messing? I've been living on

the breadline for years.' I definitely felt poor but it didn't stop me. If anything, it gave me more hunger to succeed.” Ethan’s TikToks, which showcased his own designs,

discussing the fashion industry and giving insights into his personal life, have drawn in millions of views on the platform and helped him secure high-profile roles. Ethan’s work draws

heavily on the 1950s styles such as Dior tailoring, as well as his own personal experiences. He said: “When I'm doing a collection or finding my inspiration, it normally comes from

personal experiences. My final collection is based on my mum who went blind through diabetes.” Ethan now lives in London permanently and has some exciting plans coming up. He said: “I'm

currently working on a big deal for London fashion week. I'm working with a brand as the designer. “I'm also currently behind the scenes working on a brand I'm realising.

It’s not selling items of clothing but I know it’s something people are going to love. I'm still working on the samples.” Nevertheless, Ethan hasn’t forgotten his Merseyside roots. He

said: “I genuinely believe where we’re brought up from in the north means we’re all dead nice and sound. I feel like it's helped me on jobs - people don’t only want people who are

skilled but also with people they like. I love what I do but also have fun while doing it. I believe that’s because of my upbringing - we get along with everyone.” Article continues below

Despite the huge names and productions he has worked with, Ethan is most grateful for the stability his work has given him. He said: “I have been skint for the past years. Now after

finishing university, I’m seeing the benefits of sacrificing so much. I gave up the majority of my 20s to be skint and not have many experiences in order to pursue my career. “To achieve all

of this now is surreal. I'm very grateful to be where I am. I'm grateful to be able to pay my own rent to be honest. Anything else is just a bonus.” You will be able to see some

of Ethan’s work at London Fashion Week from Thursday February 20 to Monday February 24.