Helen Richards Rees is a highly experienced footwear and accessories designer with over 25 years in the industry.

As Head of Women’s Design at Clarks for seven years, Helen led creative direction, storytelling, and team management, delivering some of the brand’s most successful commercial styles and standout marketing pieces. Drawing from Clarks’ 200-year heritage, she blended technical expertise with creative vision, ensuring designs were both innovative and commercially viable.

Helen’s career began with a BA in Footwear and Accessories Design at Cordwainer’s College, London, followed by an MA in Womenswear footwear at the Royal College of Art. Early experience with an orthopaedic shoemaker gave her deep insights into biomechanics, shaping her ability to balance aesthetics with function. At the RCA, cross-disciplinary collaborations strengthened her holistic approach to fashion.

A natural leader and collaborator, Helen Richards Rees works across categories to ensure cohesive brand expression. Her ability to merge design, strategy, and brand storytelling has been key to high-profile projects, including a recent collaboration with Clarks X Martine Rose. Passionate about crafting high-quality, design-led footwear, she creates products that resonate with consumers and drive brand success.

Helen’s designs have been featured in British Vogue, Elle, Who What Where, Grazia and Marie Claire.