OVERVIEW
A highly skilled creative designer with seventeen years experience conceptualizing, directing and producing commercially successful collections. Comprehensive knowledge of pattern making, garment construction, fabric, sample fitting and product commerciality. A talented facilitator of business process, management and brand creation. Personable, adaptive and professional whilst always maintaining a positive, calm working environment.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Innovative design skills
- Excellent eye for detail and trend adaption
- Hand drawn garment illustrations and production sketches
- Ability to select key samples for development
- Extensive experience with wovens and cut & sew knits
- Experience with fully fashioned knitwear, swimwear and intimates
- Proven success leading design teams from creative concept to consumer
- Excellent organization, communication and relationship management skills
- Highly motivated and results driven
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
HEAD DESIGNER / July 2017 - December 2018
XiRENA - Contemporary womenswear brand
Los Angeles, USA
Designed 5 collections per year. In charge of all creative aspects of the collections from conceptual development, trend forecasting, fabric sourcing, fabric development, print development, range planning and sample development to end product. Creative direction, art direction and production of seasonal look books. Categories included wovens - dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear, cut and sew knits, fully fashioned knitwear, swim and intimates.
PRODUCT DEVELOPER & CREATIVE CONSULTANT / January 2016 - August 2017
VENROY– Australian lifestyle brand
Worked remotely from Los Angeles, USA
Launched first ever womenswear collection for an established menswear lifestyle brand based in Australia. In charge of all creative direction, original product design / product development and fabric sourcing. Directed sample process from start to finish. Worked on 2 seasonal collections. Traveled to Guangzhou, China to facilitate sample production on 3 occasions. Assisted with campaign and e-com creative direction.
CREATIVE CONSULTANT / February 2014 – January 2017
HOUSE OF MEANDHER – Italian-made footwear brand
Los Angeles, USA
Creative consultant for an Italian made footwear brand based in Los Angeles, California. Assisted with product design and development. Traveled to Italy to meet manufacturers and suppliers. Concept, art direction, styling and production of seasonal campaign shoots. Creative direction on social media platforms - Instagram, Tumblr.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR & OWNER / 2002 - 2011
RUBY SMALLBONE – Designer womenswear brand
Sydney, Australia
Owner and Creative Director of an eponymous contemporary womenswear brand launched in Sydney Australia. In charge of all branding, creative direction, product design and development, fabric sourcing, textile print design and development, management of all manufacturing processes. Sales and account development. Concept, creative direction, styling and production of seasonal campaigns and runway productions. Sold in 30 Australian boutiques and 5 international.
EDUCATION
Advanced Diploma of Fashion Design
Institution: East Sydney Design Studio, Sydney, Australia
Dates: 1999-2001