Blanka Pociask

Urban Outfitter - Assistant Design Director • 2022 August – 2023 January Managed and led all concept and design output for Jackets/Outerwear for UO and BDG • Managed the creative team and market vendors on UO and BDG brand • Led multiple projects from conception to completion • Pitched and presented creative vision clearly to the Creative Director and company leads • Managed the creation of computer-aided presentations for internal use • Oversaw all PLM/BOM team ownership whilst overseeing all day-to-day follow-up, with cross-functional teams to ensure deadlines were met • Worked on seasonal global deliveries and kicked off all seasonal trend and fabric research for the department due to working ahead of the concept calendar • Led fittings and worked closely with the technical teams on a sample execution • Worked with technical teams to create in-house drapes and patterns

Free People - Assistant Design Director • 2022 April – 2022 August Managed and led all concept and design output for Jackets/Outerwear for We The Free • Managed team’s weekly workload, and calendar deadlines and oversaw all PLM/BOM team • Led or encouraged the creative team to pitch/present creative vision clearly to department and company heads • Created a collaborative environment with the ability to influence, educate and create career growth • Created long-term color and material strategies with raw supply teams and merchants to align brand and business • Created sourcing packets for vendors, to develop exciting and commercially viable fabrics and treatments • Focused on overseeing and completing visual presentations through Adobe Suite, PowerPoint, mocking, and sketching • Managed communication with cross-functional partners and market vendors to ensure the timely development of the concepts by adhering to time and action calendars • Worked on monthly deliveries for global retail and wholesale. Kicked off all seasonal trend and fabric research for the department due to working ahead of the concept calendar • Led fittings and worked closely with the technical teams on a sample execution • Worked with technical teams to create in-house drapes, patterns, and CLO designs • Local and international travel for inspiration, supplier sourcing, and vendor meetings Free People - Senior Designer • 2018 August – 2022 April Managed and led all concept and design output for Jackets/Outerwear for We The Free • Worked with the Design Director of We The Free to develop styles that aligned with the brand direction • Worked on monthly deliveries for global retail and wholesale. Kicked off all seasonal trend and fabric research for the department due to working ahead of the concept calendar • Led preparations for seasonal meetings and completed all visual presentations • Managed designers and assistants from concept to completion in accordance with deadlines whilst managing multiple projects • Created and managed goal-setting for direct reports • Partnered with cross-functional teams to maintain style counts that matched the merchandising plan • Collaborated with vendors, PD and internal sourcing teams on bringing newness to product development, and meeting cost requirements • Led fittings, and worked closely with technical teams on sample execution • Actively sourced innovation through vintage research, market research, fabric creation, and online research • Attended local and international travel for inspiration, supplier sourcing, and vendor meetings • Hand, computer-aided sketching, and a focus on presenting physical

Drove all aspects of denim design for GRLFRND, Lovers and Friends Denim, and Tularosa Denim • Managed the creative team and led all design and developments for short and long calendars for all brands • Managed exclusive capsules for Barney’s, FRWD, Harrold’s, Net-a-porter, Lane Crawford, Intermix, and others • Led all fittings and worked closely with all internal pattern makers • Partnered with the VP of sales and head of buying for Revolve and FRWD on seasonal and monthly deliveries. • Created sketches by category to adhere to line plans • Oversaw all approvals for fit, wash, artwork, SMS, and pre-production/TOPs • Managed and designed the creation of all look books used by internal and external sales teams • Provided all direction of photo shoots and model management for look books • Drove innovation of the category through new fits, fabric, finish, trim, and style development • Implemented new processes for testing fabrication, fit and quality assurance of production with a main focus on reducing return rates • Worked closely with cross-functional partners and vendors to hit all development and production dates • Worked closely with the Production Manager and Buyers to ensure costs of materials, treatments, and trims were within initial FOB costing • Created and managed yearly calendars and goal-setting and motivation for the department and direct reports • Created and managed the yearly budget for design and development • Worked with domestic laundries to develop wash ranges as well as original print and artwork • Local and international travel for inspiration and supplier sourcing

• Drove all technical design pack communication for style, size, proportion, scale, and attention to details • Assisted the Creative Director with merchandising, planning, and branding across the range • Coordinated with Company Director and factories to implement quality standards • Managed all overseas communication with sample facilities and factories for a sample execution • Worked with domestic and import laundries to develop wash ranges and formulas • Attended all fittings, and provided concise feedback to technical teams • Brought to life all ideas using hand and, computer drawings using Adobe Suite • Conceptualized original prints, embroidery artwork and branding • Participated in fabric and trim selections every season • Approved development and production washes • Managed multiple projects simultaneously and adhered to strict deadlines • Provided support for all creative shoots and trade shows • Created all lookbooks to support the sales team • Created and managed brand reputation on all social media platforms

• Looked ahead and gathered insights to drive purpose-driven global storytelling that translated into concept ideas, with an emphasis on colour, materials, and silhouette for men’s, women’s, home/lifestyle, accessories, and children’s wear • Created global colour palettes that work for all categories and regions • Primary author of global Scout’s articles and narratives, covering trends to watch, streetwear, and brands on the rise

o Providing direction on trend, colour, and market analysis o Administered the company's social media campaigns and maintained webpages o Assumed responsibility as a wholesale manager of Sydney HQ, serving as the main contact with US and Europe