Hello, I'm Sarah a fashion designer with over 10 years of experience specialising in jersey and knitwear. Previously at Michael Kors (NYC) I now reside in London, UK.
Manager MMK Womenswear Knits & Sweaters - Led design process for jersey & knitwear department, with a focus on designing all categories, including tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, and outerwear; overseeing all stages from concept to production by using trend intelligence and an understanding of the current and past business history. - Contributed to the brands success by pushing fresh ideas and building out tops, knitwear, athleisure, and holiday gifting categories. -Attended trade events and conducted market research to identify new ideas and innovation opportunities. -Created seasonal mood boards with color direction, fabric/knit down swatches, and key imagery to inspire the knit and sweater design direction. -Used trend intelligence and an understanding of the current and past business history to design relevant product. -Presented seasonal sketches and fabric selection to senior management. -Managed junior designers by conducting monthly touch bases, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster their professional growth. Administered annual reviews to assess their performance and set development goals, ensuring a cohesive and high-performing design team. -Created SRS tech packs with detailed technical sketches, measurements, fabric/yarn information, color, and trim details. -Adhered to time and action calendar to ensure all deadlines were met. -Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including merchandisers, production, and technical designers to ensure that the final products met the brand's vision and standards. -Collaborated with sales and production teams to understand cost constraints, delivering cost-effective design solutions.
MMK Womenswear Knits & Sweaters -Led the design process for the knit and sweater department, overseeing all stages from concept development to production. -Used trend intelligence and an understanding of the current and past business history to design relevant product. -Created SRS tech packs with detailed technical sketches, measurements, fabric/yarn information, color, and trim details. -Managed junior designers professionally and creatively. -Conducted meetings with fabric and overseas vendors, sourced and selected new fabrics and yarns seasonally and brought back best selling qualities. -Managed all overseas communication with sample facilities for sample execution from concept to production. -Built strong cross-functional relationships with merchandisers, production team, and technical designers. -Adhered to time and action calendar to ensure all deadlines were met. -Oversaw the lab dip and strike off approval process. -Attended fittings and worked with technical designers to ensure desired fit for production.
MMK Womenswear Knits & Sweaters -Researched market, media and internal brands for design inspiration, fabric, silhouette, and trim ideas. -Collaborated with woven design team to develop cohesive seasonal collections consisting of initial sketches, CADs, knit downs, and embellishment layouts. -Contributed to design brainstorming sessions and offered creative ideas & cost effective design solutions. -Conducted fabric research and sourcing activities with overseas and local vendors. -Developed technical packages with sketches, SRS measurements, fabric, trim, and construction details. -Assisted with sample fittings and made design adjustments as needed. -Assisted in preparing presentation materials for buyer meetings. -Maintained style, fabrication and technical details in PLM system. -Collaborated with production team to ensure designs were accurately executed. -Communicated daily to overseas vendors to implement and manage development process to completion. -Sourced and selected suitable fabric, yarn, and trim for each design. -Created, ordered, sent out, and maintained SRS fabric/yarn charts for each season. -Recolored prints and artwork to support seasonal concept, created pitch sheets, and sent out artwork and color standards to overseas factories. -Reviewed lab dips, strike offs, and trims from SRS to production.
MMK Womenswear Knits & Sweaters - Collaborated with design and production teams to develop and implement garment specifications, ensuring accuracy and compliance with quality standards. - Prioritised fit lists, measured samples, organised fit tools, and checked fit history prior to attending fittings. - Worked closely with suppliers and manufacturers to source and evaluate materials, trims, and components, ensuring they met quality and cost requirements. - Assisted in size grading and resolved any production issues related to sizing, proportions, and embellishment layouts. - Collaborated with team to continuously improve and optimise garment production processes, identifying opportunities for efficiency and cost-effect solutions. - Maintained accurate and organised records of garment specifications, testing reports, and production documentation.
-Drafted and fixed patterns. -Produced muslins and samples. -Draped Resort '13 looks. -Completed quick design thumbnails/sketches and presented ideas and designs to senior management. -Organized seasonal fabric library. -Created Illustrations.
- Designed & developed embroidery, print layouts & denim wash treatments for River Island women's woven bottoms department at Beximco Industrial Park's Washing Plant. - Worked with sample makers and head of patterning to complete garments in a fast paced environment. - Improved fit of samples. - Created Illustrator Flats. - Experimented with garment washes and dying in Beximco Industrial Park's Washing Plant.
- One of six students selected to develop senior collection with the help and advice from industry professional Christian Cota.
- Wrote articles for both the New York and D.C. websites. - Pitched ideas and new material options for the website regularly. - Contributed to the style section and fashion reports