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If you are a buyer or designer looking for design support on checks stripes or prints I can work with your own colour palette and action handlooms/strike offs to take the headache out of the development process. Working with the excellent Chinese mill; King Base, with whom I have a 10 year relationship, I will manage all the design and development process for all your woven apparel needs. The economic and efficiency benefits will be self evident. Please contact me for a look at the… Show more If you are a buyer or designer looking for design support on checks stripes or prints I can work with your own colour palette and action handlooms/strike offs to take the headache out of the development process. Working with the excellent Chinese mill; King Base, with whom I have a 10 year relationship, I will manage all the design and development process for all your woven apparel needs. The economic and efficiency benefits will be self evident. Please contact me for a look at the fabric collection. Show less

As a talented and conscientious freelance menswear designer with a commercial eye and specialist woven fabric expertise, I assist retailers and suppliers with practical help in:Identifying trendsConceptualising new brands/Refocusing existing brand directionDesigning/developing commercial product/woven fabricsDetailed spec packsBriefing factoriesTraining Junior designers on woven fabric design

I was brought into Debenhams to use my extensive product expertise and mill and supplier contacts to design and develop 1st class shirt samples within the growing Sourcing team. As Debenhams were looking to alleviate their reliance on UK landed suppliers and increase margin. I quickly identified product gaps and set about sourcing at mill Trade Fairs, (PV, Texworld, Intertextile Shanghai) and developing fabrics directly with mills, identifying trends and designing shirtings across men’s… Show more I was brought into Debenhams to use my extensive product expertise and mill and supplier contacts to design and develop 1st class shirt samples within the growing Sourcing team. As Debenhams were looking to alleviate their reliance on UK landed suppliers and increase margin. I quickly identified product gaps and set about sourcing at mill Trade Fairs, (PV, Texworld, Intertextile Shanghai) and developing fabrics directly with mills, identifying trends and designing shirtings across men’s, women’s and kidswear insuring fashion forward and quality focused. Using Point Carre software to design checks, stripes and textures, I then developed for hand-looms, for a smooth sign off. Managing the development process through to sample stage by liaising and visiting factories overseas to meet samples deadlines.Having a ‘trial and trade’ background I was able to introduce a Turkish factory that will undoubtedly aid to change Debenhams fortunes. As the most senior PD to a team of 11, I was established as a trusted leader and the ‘go to’ for advice, encouragement and representation, especially for those who struggled to have a voice.ACHIEVEMENTS• Achieved increased mix of directly sourced shirts from 40% to 70% in 2 years, resulting in 20% average margin gain.• Introduced Turkish factory contact to begin short lead, trial and trade, also gold standard BD factory with lowest margin• Recognised product gaps in ranges that went on to become best sellers- Indigo, Oxford, Overshirts, Sateens, Poly-modal etc.• Overcome early opposition to become respected and integral to buying /design teams• Recognised formal shirt range deficiencies leading to a fully non-iron product within same margin• Presented developments at Director level• Exemplary relationships with off shore hubs Show less

Design manager for formal and casual shirts over a period of rapid growth for global clothing brand F&F. In fast paced environment, tenacious work ethic and seamless collaboration with buyer were required to deliver new collections every 6-8 weeks. By instigating trials on hot trends through short-lead channels, and trading successes in season, ultimately achieved increased market share and company-wide acclaim with Vales Award.ACHIEVEMENTS• Presented with award for breaking… Show more Design manager for formal and casual shirts over a period of rapid growth for global clothing brand F&F. In fast paced environment, tenacious work ethic and seamless collaboration with buyer were required to deliver new collections every 6-8 weeks. By instigating trials on hot trends through short-lead channels, and trading successes in season, ultimately achieved increased market share and company-wide acclaim with Vales Award.ACHIEVEMENTS• Presented with award for breaking department record, achieving highest ever sales week of 760K on the run up to Fathers Day• Given stand-in role for Head of design during period of long term sick leave• Led design team to produce trend pack for the season and presentation to CEO• Managed Shirt Buying Team of 6 people during Buying Manager’s maternity leave• Led initiatives to raise quality and fit on shirts to bring standards in line with M&S• Press piece picturing Prince Harry wearing F&F shirt whilst shopping in Tesco Show less

SENIOR DESIGNERPierre Cardin & Haines & BonnerApril 2002 – March 2007Senior Designer at wholesaler/retailer of Pierre Cardin and Haines & Bonner brands. Supplier to independent and department stores across the UK, including Jermyn Street and Drury Lane. Initiated design and led team to produce full sets of salesman samples and collections. Managed photo shoots, show launch and press events. Attended trade show stand at Pitti Uomo. Bought fabrics from European and Chinese… Show more SENIOR DESIGNERPierre Cardin & Haines & BonnerApril 2002 – March 2007Senior Designer at wholesaler/retailer of Pierre Cardin and Haines & Bonner brands. Supplier to independent and department stores across the UK, including Jermyn Street and Drury Lane. Initiated design and led team to produce full sets of salesman samples and collections. Managed photo shoots, show launch and press events. Attended trade show stand at Pitti Uomo. Bought fabrics from European and Chinese mills, including Italian mills Albini, Canclini and Leggiuno. Gained experience with production in Turkey and FE.ACHIEVEMENTS• Haines & Bonner Bank store visited by HRH Princess Anne• 4 articles written for and featured in Drapers Record• Led conferences twice annually, presenting to 25+ salesmen to launch new collections• Headed design team of 3• Pitched to supply other brands, Peter Werth, Moss Group, etc. Show less

• Trend boards & presentations• Weave CADs

Menswear Design Assistant