Hussein Chalayan is an internationally-regarded fashion designer who is renowned for his innovative use of materials, meticulous pattern cutting and progressive attitude to new technology. Born in Nicosia, Cyprus, Hussein was educated both in Cyprus and England. In 1993, his graduate collection from Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design was exhibited in the window of Browns in London, the second student since John Galliano. Hussein began designing commercially in 1994, and in 1997 was appointed to design TSE's New York Collection. Twice voted British Designer of the Year, he has also designed costumes for opera and dance performances. Chalayan was the focus of a retrospective at the Groningen Museum, The Netherlands, in 2005, and a book was published to coincide with this event, edited by Suzy Menkes and Caroline Evans.