Experienced and qualified in Luxury Leather Goods Design, I have achieved numerous creative projects and gained valuable transferable skills in my career so far. Enthusiastic and strongly committed to delivering exquisite products to a high standard. Currently working on the re-launch of an old Parisian luxury brand from the design & development side, setting new brand codes & DNA and creating its new handbag & SLG collection. Previously led the after care solutions for contemporary luxury leather goods with a focus on craftsmanship, materials and colour. Advocate of sustainable practices and passionate about the Fashion industry as a whole and how it shapes and responds to society, economics, politics, culture, consumer behaviour, art, technology.
-currently working on the re-launch of the Parisian brand: setting new brand codes / DNA and designing and developing its first bags & SLG collections to the highest quality from conception to final prototype. -creation of all detailed spec files in French and English for bags and hardware. -sourcing raw materials (top grade calf leathers and suede, coated canvas & other textiles for accessories). -design & development of new collection of hardware / metal pieces. -daily liaise with manufacturers from France, Spain and Italy.
-ensure the highest level of craftsmanship and quality in all techniques related to redesigning, restoring, customising, repairing and extending the life cycle of bags and shoes. -sustainable innovation management: actively explore new materials for accessories, colour recipes and technologies to elevate the current offering in line with sustainable requirements. -oversee, plan and anticipate the Atelier ́s needs in order to grow and succeed. -liaise with suppliers and visit to trade fairs to source materials (leathers, fabrics, hardware, trims) and build supplier relationships. -evaluating historic data and client feedback to identify problems and propose improvements. -analysis of historic data to define set pricing packages on our most popular services. -managing multiple projects to support the company ́s goals; doubled the Atelier size in 4 months by successfully onboarding 18 artisans. -report to top management weekly performance and blockers, and provide adequate solutions according to my experience and product knowledge. -overseeing senior artisans and lead the training program to develop the skillset of new members of the team. -worked closely with Operations, Marketing, Tech and Top Management to help the business grow. (maternity cover)
-manager of a growing team of 14 artisans; responsible for their training, mentoring and development. -restoration and re design of bags, shoes and SLG for VIP clients and premium goods. -R&D: leading innovation to develop new sustainable techniques and solutions ahead of client ́s needs. -executing risk assessments to determine best creative & technical approach for all projects. -production management: planning, organisation and prioritisation in order to meet all deadlines. -excellent eye for colour and knowledge of colour theory, tannery, materials, after care processes and manufacturing. -identifying key trends related to bags and shoes design, material, colour and construction.
-restoration, re design and customisation of luxury handbags and shoes to the highest standard whilst respecting the brand ́s DNA, quality and leather / material finishing. -restoration expertise include: colour mixing & matching, hand-painting, lettering, airbrush, exotics, dyeing leather suede and silk, metallics, patent, glittering, flocking, embroidering, saddle stitching. -creating detailed technical files. -initial assessment of items to provide Customer Services team with an accurate quotation. -brands include: Chanel, Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Céline, Balenciaga, Louboutin, Ferragamo, etc.
-worked alongside the Head of Design following creative briefs and also independently. Delivered full processes from initial research, to design, technical packs and development until final sampling, ensuring high standards and meeting all deadlines. -contributed with trend analysis, moodboard creation, creative and technical inspiration from fashion fairs, street style research and vintage stores. -designer of RTW, Knitwear and Small Leather Goods. -creation of detailed CAD flats and spec files. -development of all Knitwear styles both with national and overseas suppliers. -responsible to the Embroidery design and development for all collections -liaise and consolidated solid relationships with national and international suppliers from India, China, Brazil, Italy, Perú, Bolivia. -attending fittings and sending style corrections to suppliers until approval for production -creating detailed production orders for all the above-mentioned ranges. -analyzed and negotiated the costs/pre-price of each product both with Merchandising and Production teams in order to ensure product variability, commercial viability and price accuracy. * A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF PRODUCTS I HAVE DESIGNED WERE SELECTED FOR CAMPAIGN AND LOOKBOOK PHOTOSHOOTS
-created trend moodboards and updated the collection board on a regular basis ensuring that every change / decision was represented. -creation of CAD drawings and detailed spec files for all styles. -pattern designer and responsible to the textile development and other intermediate processes (laser cutting, embroiderings, etc) until approval. Adapted the prints in terms of scales and colour. -created the collection´s catalogue for wholesaling clients. -prepared the production pack of each garment including all the correct technical information for the suppliers. -tracked the production until delivery.
-auxiliar tutor responsible of 30 students in both subjects I worked: Fashion and Textile Design (1st year) and Accessories Design (3rd year). -advised each of my students about their own design projects and helped them reach their potential, from conceptual stage until hand-in.
-designed and developed the contemporary jewellery line, what needed entrepreneurship skills and increased the sales, reaching new customers. -researched into new materials for the leather-goods collection and jewellery line. -draw all the CAD drawings, prepared the technical pack for development and production orders. -tracked the production and audited factories to meet deadlines. Other: -updated the social network and photographed each product to a professional standard. -participated in the 4 days PARALELA GIFT Fair @ Sao Paulo, Brazil representing the brand and contacting new potential buyers. -worked as a sales consultant in the boutique and looked for new wholesale clients in Argentina and other countries. Prepared product catalogues and cover letters for brand presentations.
Catalina is an extremely talented, dedicated, kind and hard-working person. She is really passionate about design and has a critical eye and excellent perception. It was an incredible experience working with her and highly recommend her.
Catalina has been a star since the beginning. She has improved our techniques, managed a super fast-growing team and worked relentlessly on our R&D and efficiencies. She is a talented designer, target driven and has been essential to The Restory growth.