At RETOPO we believe in doing things differently. We provide apparel solutions for development, design, and 3D visualization and garment fitting to optimize your workflow and allow you to focus on the creative process.

As the leader of our Apparel Lab department I am responsible for directing all new researchand development, including fabric development, new technologies, and fit. I work directlywith the development team to ensure consistent fit and garment construction across allproduct lines to maintain the highest quality while executing efficient production at overseasvendors. While managing a contract pattern-maker, I also work to create unique patternforms and new silhouettes to expand our fit blocks and abilities to execute new andinteresting designs for our creative team. I utilize 3D pattern software to adjust patternsand designs for execution of early prototypes for better visualization to our larger appareland sales teams. Outside of my R&D role I am the key product developer for our highperformance apparel line intended for top athletes. I translate design concepts intospecification packages, including detailed product measurements, bill of materials, technicalsketches, and construction pages. I effectively communicate clear and concise fit comments,garment construction updates, and bill of material changes to overseas factories forprototype updates through commercialization. I constantly work across multiple timelineswith inline product, fabric developments, and wear testing to ensure product is on timeand delivered on spec.

The role of Technical Designer and Product Developer was very diverse and required a wide range of knowledge and attention to detail. During the initial design phases with our creative teams, I ensured that designs and concepts were executable at the factory level both from a complexity standpoint and costing to meet company and category goals. I advised the design team on seam placements, construction techniques, and technical details before sketch handoff to ensure designs were able to be sampled by our vendor partners. I maintained both Spring and Fall season products from design handoff through prototyping, size set, SMS review, and final production approval. During the development of my style allocation I managed measurement specifications, bill of materials and color, trim development, technical sketches, and lead fittings throughout sampling to ensure performance and comfort using concise fit comments and communication with overseas partners. I ensured all products maintained our quality standards of the brand and met the initial goals of the designer’s and product manager’s briefs.

As one of the lead Product Developers I worked across all categories of the business which was a diversity of fits, functions, and materials. This gave me knowledge in compressive knits, swimwear for triathlon, stretch woven shorts, relaxed fitting tops, and outerwear garments. Across all categories and seasons I managed over 130 styles at a time from technical specs, costing, bill of materials, and fitting to execute the needs of the business and brand. I created a standard construction library for our design and development team in Adobe Illustrator to maintain a consistent look, feel, and finish for our products throughout every category to uphold high quality standards that our customers came to expect. This helped expedite the technical design process and remove uncertainty at our multiple vendors. While traveling overseas I negotiated costing for my styles to maintain margin goals set by our company. During development stages I worked with our wear testing manager to thoroughly test all key styles and ensure quality and longevity of product.