Leather accessories designer with 8 years of experience in designing and making bags and small leather goods. Work experience includes Phoebe Philo, Tous, Harrods, Accessory Think Tank, ALEXANDRA KLIMEK, Simpson London, Anya Hindmarch, Alexander McQueen and Mulberry. Educated in London, First Class (Hons) BA degree in Cordwainers Fashion Accessories: Product Design and Development at The University of Arts London. Previously gained education in Warsaw, Fashion Design course at International Costume and Fashion Design School and Industrial Design at The University of Jan Kochanowski. Winner of Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design category at The Independent Handbag Designer Awards 2020. Won the Leathersellers’ Designer of the Year Award 2016, for the BA graduation collection. Nominated for Jimmy Choo 2016 Dato Awards and gained the title of a finalist in the Tommy Hilfiger x LCF Industry Project in March 2014. https://www.instagram.com/alexandra_klimek/
Designing 3 ranges of handbags
Working alongside head of Accessories Design and members of the design team Technical design and development of the Company's Leather Goods collection
Delivering Design and Product Innovation programme to Year 1, Year 2 and Y3 BA Accessories students Providing both academic and pastoral support to students and monitoring progress Securing contracts and links with external organisations, employers and agencies Lesson planning, teaching, assessing and course review Taking responsibility for the students as Year 1 tutor Supporting the Course Leader in the planning and development of the curriculum and teaching programme for
Delivering 3D Development and Realisation programme to Year 2 and Y3 BA Accessories students Providing both academic and pastoral support to students and monitoring progress Lesson planning, teaching, assessing and course review
Supporting all students in the accessories making workshops Pattern cutting assistance Helping with the use of sewing machines and associated equipment
Design and development of all products; range building 3D product development, pattern cutting, development of SMS samples Social media and marketing strategy Art direction for branding and visual content (website, packaging, lookbooks) Working with suppliers and manufacturers Sourcing materials Overseeing production process Establishing relationships with retailers and negotiation of contracts Building relationships with press, stylists and influencers
Working with US-based brands Design and development of bags and small leather goods; range building Design and development of leather textile techniques Inspiration research / creating moodboards Extensive CAD/tech packs (Photoshop/Illustrator/freehand drawing) Analysing North American and European accessories markets and customer behaviours Design development client consultations
Developing patterns, sampling and producing luxury leather products Operating machinery required for leather good production Critical path and sample management Making and hand stitching leather chairs
Design and development of bags and small leather goods; range building Design and development of leather textile techniques Designing hardware and 3D objects Inspiration research / creating moodboards Creating extensive CAD/tech packs (Photoshop/Illustrator/freehand drawing) Design development client consultations Developing patterns, sampling and producing luxury leather products Working closely with manufacturers and suppliers Overseeing the production of samples and products
Writing a teaching programme for a 3-days short course Providing students (no age restrictions) with support to and monitoring progress Delivering introduction to handbags pattern cutting session Delivering introduction to cutting fabric and working with an industrial machine
Supporting the Design Director by CAD technical drawings and researching inspiration Being in charge of various surface application projects (creating artwork for high-quality print, laser cut and alta frequenza moulds etc.) Design and development of bags and small leather goods Design and development of leather textile techniques for bags, accessories and shoes Designing hardware and 3D objects Pattern cutting and prototypes making Working closely with manufacturers, pre-production and merchandising teams to ensure the quality of products Working on several projects simultaneously and towards multiple deadlines Delegating tasks to interns and freelancers, overseeing their work and providing guidance
Working alongside Senior Designer on design development Being in charge of CAD technical drawings Pattern cutting and working on print placement Supporting product development team Working closely with print, R-T-W and merchandising teams to ensure quality of products and cohesiveness of the collection
Working alongside women's and men's accessories senior designers on research and design development Helping all the members of the team with hand drawing and CAD drawing Creating the range plan and boards for the team meetings Pattern cutting and prototypes making for the new range presentations Design and development of leather textile techniques Being assigned to develop a collection of stamps for embossing leather Designing components and working alongside the components developer