As the Senior Denim & Roughwear Designer at Balmain, I am responsible for leading the creative vision and implementing the strategic growth of rough wovens, denim and leather products. Leading my team, I set out to refresh and strengthen the Balmain identity through the introduction of new fabrics, fits and signature trim details. Since my arrival, we have seen a large percentage value increase in denim and rough woven products in both mens and womenswear. I strive to create intriguing, yet effortless designs and to push the boundaries of the denim and leather categories. My design handwriting leans towards masculine femininity, and pulls inspiration from descontruction and garment engineering. My combined experience of working in apparel design and studying textiles engineering compliments my work by giving me a unique perspective on colour, material, finish and textile innovations. At Balmain my skill set has been successful in strengthening creative direction through revised brand identities and coherent design coordination across my product categories. In managing my team, I push to encourage alternative and eclectic thinking. I am forthright in my strategic thinking and determined to encourage a culture of strong creative thinkers.
• Leading a team to create collections within the défilé calendar. • Responsible for wovens, denim and leather. Including products such as tops, blouses, dresses, outerwear, tailoring, corsetry, and lingerie. • Conducting iconographic research for seasonal moodboards. • Expertise in developing new authentic or contemporary washes in denim and leather. • Proposing of hand and flat sketches, finishes, details, fits and colour ranges. • Collaborating with the Artistic Director to complete the category and establish seasonal strategy. • Expert in creating technical packs, BOMs and imputing data into PLM. • Collaborating with buying, development, merchandising and production teams. • Participation in design relevant meetings, fittings, shooting and show days. • Expertise in luxury European market.
• Designed denim and non-denim product for the Men's Design team with a global perspective. • Designed specialist denim products for our Nike Jordan Flight & Pokemon™ collaborations. • Designed men's & women's denim products for the Wellthread™ collection, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. • Collaborated with Design Director to execute design strategies. • Researched and identified global trends and how to implement these through a sustainable lense. • Researched and developed new fibres, fabrics and finish technologies for global application in performance products. • Collaborated with PD and Merchandising teams to develop bespoke production techniques. • Well versed in the creation of technical drawings, technical packs, BOMs and usage of PLM.
• Designed luxury women's swimwear and resort-wear collections for the boutique brand, owned by Pentland Ltd.
• Designed performance swimwear for men and women on a freelance basis for Speedo whilst receiving sponsorship and training in contouring and specialist machinery during my final 2 years of undergraduate studies.