Background information

Some figures from the programme

• Put up for adoption at the age of seven months
• Only achieved two out of three A levels needed to go on to higher education
• Charges up to £50,000 for a wedding dress

Early life and education
Born an illegitimate child to a white mother and Jamaican father, Bruce was put up for adoption while still a baby. Placed through Dr Barnardo's charitable organization, Bruce grew up in the north of England with four other brothers and sisters. A difficult teen, he was known to be aggressive and unruly and consequently did very poorly in school. After receiving only two A levels he was given leniency by a former head mistress and admitted to grammar school. At 18 he entered Sheffield teacher's training college.

First career decision
Bruce began teaching at a secondary modern school in Roderham. He was a mixed race teacher at a time when there were few in the system. Though it was the 1960s he didn't experience much racism in the rough school he taught at, but felt dissatisfied with school life in general.

The turning point
While teaching he re-found and developed an early passion for clothes-making. As a young boy he had watched his mother sew and would often repair his sister's dollies and make clothes for them. He left teaching to move to London and immerse himself in the fashion scene.

Conflict: the major and the minor
Though highly motivated Bruce was unemployed and struggling financially. He was, however, accepted into the Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication where he studied textiles and fashion. He then went on to the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design where he studied fashion exclusively. At first he was not admitted but his persistence and ambition was recognized and he was allowed to study as a matriculating student. His tenacity didn't end when he got in and he was soon known as an advanced student, culminating in an award during the final year show. He attracted attention of celebrity and design houses but was still underpaid and almost unemployed. Despite this he began the risky venture of starting his own business and fashion label.

Resolution
After many highs and lows, Bruce's business expanded. After years in the business he can now command upwards of £50,000 for a single wedding dress. After pushing and charming his way to the top, Bruce is finally enjoying his success.