Teaching Artist - Sewing/Fashion Design

Fashion has been a lifelong passion for Ivory Saunders. From an early age, Ivory knew that he’d have a career in the fashion industry. From teaching himself how to sew and fashion sketch to constructing garments by the age of 11, it was clear that the passion for fashion design was deep-rooted. By the time he was a student at Baltimore City College High School, he’d already made a name for himself as the go-to-guy for custom gowns. Leading him to further his education at The Art Institute of Philadelphia where he earned his BA in Fashion Merchandising and Design. While there he was afforded the opportunity to study abroad at IFA Paris in Paris, France. During his studies at IFA, Ivory took classes in the art of haute couture. Focusing French techniques in garment construction, corsetry, and millinery. With an arsenal of new skills obtained from his schooling and travels, he was ready to take on the fashion world.

After completing college, Ivory found his footing in many facets of the fashion industry. Working as a fashion buyer, visual merchandiser and personal stylist — settling on his true passion of fashion design. That’s when Ivory Saunders Atelier was born. A business specializing in bespoke garments ranging from ready-to-wear to haute couture in evening and bridal wear. While designing custom pieces for clients is a dream come true, in 2022 Ivory decided to add another feather to his hat by entering the nonprofit sector. Wanting to give youth in the community he grew up in opportunities and exposure to the fashion industry, this led him to arts education focusing on fashion design. In 2022, Ivory began work with Leader of Tomorrow Youth Center serving as Creative Director of the LTYC Shop, designing and merchandising their athleisure apparel line, also working as a fashion design instructor and fashion intern project manager. Gleaming from those experiences, Ivory then endeavored to venture further into the realm of fashion education by joining Moving History in 2024, where he serves as a fashion and sewing instructor, teaching student the fundamentals of sewing and fashion design.