Design, Merchandise

Branded and Private Label Women, Junior, and Kids Sportswear Puerto-Rico -based Company • Charged with managing the design department to support and facilitate the company's increasing order flow; provided leadership, design direction, and mentoring to associate and two assistant designers. • Research trends and competition to define customer needs and competitive positioning. • Worked closely with company president to develop seasonal color, fabric, plaids, prints, trim and style direction, concepts, and trends for Junior/Missy, Plus Size., Girl's (size 7-14) Dept., & Kid's (size 4-6X). • Communicate daily with overseas for sample development, corrections, and changes; attend fit sessions. • Assisted with all stages of product development from concept to production; worked with technical designer on production issues; approved denim washes, trims, hardware, labels, and hangtags for branded and private labels. • Managed the showroom; presented to buyers during market week.

Branded and Private Label Contemporary and Missy Sportswear • Designed collection and refocused the line from bridge to a more contemporary and fashion forward line; developed direction, concepts, and trends to establish color, fabrics, trim, and style selection. • Collaborated with clients to develop private label and exclusive products for individual clients. • Managed sample room (two patternmakers and one sewer). • Assisted with photo shoot for catalogue/mailers. • Researched and shopped market for trends. • Worked with buyers during market week.

Branded and Private Label Junior Knit Top Company • Developed & designed collection with Head Designer; played major role in product development for all collections; developed overall direction, concepts, and trends to establish color, fabric, trim, and style selection. Assisted in fittings. • Collaborated with sales and buyers to develop private label programs (Wet Seal, Charlotte Rouse, Arden B), including changes and approvals; conducted sales presentations. • Managed sample room (four patternmakers and six sewers). • Selected models for fashion shows; participated in GIRLS RULE Fashion Shows at 7th on Sixth for Spring 1999, Fall 1999 and Spring 2000. • Shopped domestic and international markets for samples and trends.

Assisted designer with new product development; shopped piece goods and trim markets, art and print services. Prepare presentation boards; assisted in design of creative visuals. Shopped markets.