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Director of Design and Development

Hi! I'm Ellie Rivkin. A Slow Fashion Designer, Sewer, and Natural Dyer.

Past:
I’m grateful to have spent my childhood surrounded by a family of diverse creatives. As for my career in Apparel Design, that journey took shape through my curiosity for the intersection between Art + Function. I have since grown into a multi-disciplinary designer with experience in the following areas:
-Apparel Design
-Fabric Development
-Sewing and Pattern Alterations
-CAD/Textile Design

Present:
After a few years in NYC, I now call Portland, OR home. I find it’s easy to be inspired by the great outdoors and earnest community of the Pacific Northwest. Outside of work you can find me hiking, practicing yoga, playing volleyball, planning my next trip, adoring all the dogs, or getting good use out of my kitchen cooking and baking.

As a designer and sewist, I love transforming fabric into beautiful pieces that are empowering to wear. I learned to sew from my mom at a young age, but it inspires me to explore other creative mediums such as: ceramics, block printing, beading, painting, or most recently: natural dyeing.

Future:
Besides my dream of a sweet cabin in the woods, I strive to make an impact contributing my unique perspective in the Fashion Industry. One that embraces sustainable natural materials and empowers people to consume carefully through broader education on how products are made. I will continue to operate with a curious sense of direction; one that is friendly and genuine, thoughtful and optimistic, driven and resourceful. Hope we can connect someday! 

-Design a collection of 60+ styles and SKUs annually for Men’s and Women’s apparel. Product categories span across a broad range such as: Knit and Woven Tops, Bottoms, Dresses, Underwear, and Outerwear.
-Designed and launched multiple best-selling products driving an increase in sales.
-Develop Custom innovative fabrications in partnership with international mills. Including but not limited to: Knit Jerseys, Ponte, Interlock, French Terry, Bottomweight Twills, Shirting patterns and dobbies, Linen Blend Shirting
-Create CADs and maintain PLM updates for: Body sketches, Yarn dye patterns, Color Palettes, Line sheets, and Packaging Info.
-Track and Manage all Handloom, Lab Dip, and Trim approvals
-Communicate daily with local and global partners to achieve all design, production and timeline goals.
-Collaborate on projects, conduct Model fittings, and review sample comments with Tech Designer
-Analyze ongoing market research for color, trend, fabric and product inspiration relevant to brand initiatives.
-Participated in local and international travel for Market Shopping and Trade Shows
-Oversee department processes to streamline organization and find solutions to potential obstacles: Negotiated PLM/Design software, Hired FT TD, Calendar Revamp
-Provide guidance on all product copy and photoshoot styling

-Select seasonal colors and CAD yarn dye patterns - develop and manage approvals
-Manage production run of men's Blazers Made in NYC

Freelance Designer

-Design and color original textile artwork for wovens, knits, sweaters, and accessories
-Research and present pattern ideas relevant to trend and brand-right initiatives
-Manage and train Freelance/Assistant Designers for CAD department
-Consult and implement CAD/Color/Printing workflows to improve department standards
-Prepare and maintain production ready artwork in PLM

Senior CAD Textile Designer-Men's Global

-Designed styles and pattern artwork for Men’s Wovens and Outerwear
-Participated in fittings, monitored and approved samples and handlooms
-Communicated daily with oversea contacts to achieve all design requests
-Prepared sketches and maintained tech pack through Illustrator and PLM

Associate Designer

-Conducted in-depth trainings and demos on all modules (Mac specialist)
-Managed internship program and projects
-Designed Prints, Knit and Woven patterns used in demonstrations
-Problem-solved workflow and software issues with clients daily

Software Specialist

-Redesigned Tech Pack format and created body sketches in Illustrator

Intern

Find out detailed information about Ellie Rivkin, Director of Design and Development in Portland, OR

Ellie Rivkin: Director of Design and Development in Portland, OR

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