Fashion

I am a curious, creative, motivated and very well-organized individual who possesses over 6 years of multi-product menswear design and product development experience, in the premium and luxury market levels. I have proven success implementing innovative, trend driven yet commercial products, resulting in significant increase in product sales, as well as developing strong brand identities and expansion within products offered. I possess numerous experiences of overseeing the creative process from inception through to fruition, demonstrating excellent communication, collaboration and time management skills to meet tight deadlines within a fast paced environment.

At Magee 1866 I was responsible for the design & development of all Menswear products; with a strong focus on the growth of the casualwear offer, in line with Magee's vision of becoming a lifestyle brand. This includes championing the use of their own fabrics, still woven in Donegal, within all product categories.
I was unfortunately made redundant from this role in October 2020, due to the impact of Covid-19.

* Successful, proven increase of sales within all Men's products, particularly casualwear, through designing garments that are commercial, aspirational and at a competitive price; whilst still upholding the premium name and quality of Magee 1866, within a set budget and target wholesale/ RRP.
* Growth within casualwear resulting in Magee 1866 creating stock items in key pieces and colourways across multiple products. As well as increased product purchases per cloth.
* Design and development of Magee 1866's best ever selling coat - The Glenveigh. Now stocked as standard and new colourways developed each season, not just limited to Autumn/Winter.
* Capturing a new key market with the introduction of 'Casual Luxe' which championed the use of their woven fabrics within loungewear products.
* Attracting a younger customer market from 25+. Rejuvenation of the brand seeing male customers actively participating in purchasing casualwear pieces, not just tailoring.
* Researching and appropriating key trends for the Magee 1866 customer by visiting trade shows and inspirational trips, as well as keeping up to date with catwalks and brand competitors.
* Compiling forecasted trends and colour palettes into inspirational seasonal collection concepts for internal and external use and promotion.
* Work closely with Magee's weaving mill on fabric developments, designs and key colours for upcoming seasons. Sourcing of fabrics and trims from other international mills and suppliers.
* Compile and update detailed CAD technical specifications for all new and existing products using Adobe software.
* Create BOMs for all new and existing products.
* Keeping in-house collection references of concept, colour, products and fabrics up-to-date on range boards.
* Competent use of Datel Protex PLM system.
* Source and visit new suppliers and mills who can deliver Magee 1866 standard fabrics and products on time, within our target costings/MOQs. As well as ensuring sustainable practices are being adhered to, in line with brand ethos.
* Visit factories ahead of a new season to discuss new designs and conclude previous season ahead of production.
* Inform factories and suppliers with updated specifications and BOMs, including Sale Lines and Limited Editions.
* Collate initial costings of fabric, trim, consumptions, CMT/FF, applied costs and margins.
* Inform factories of protos and formally requesting samples. Lead fit and technical meetings when new samples arrive and compile detailed notes and photographs to update factories.
* Adhering to Critical Path and Range Plans consisting of tight deadlines and multiple projects.
* Lead design, development and production of collaborative projects across global markets.
* Formally present all collections to the Owners and Directors of Magee 1866, Marketing, Sales Team and Store Managers.
* Collating the formal presentation documentation each season for Wholesale purposes.
* Aid with Visual Merchandising of our showrooms and outfit coordination for our stores.
* Managing a Design Assistant and providing mentorship for skills and understanding required in the industry.

Senior Menswear Designer

Fulfilling a 3-month freelance contract in which I oversaw the whole menswear division for the Julien Macdonald SS17 atelier collection; shown at London Fashion Week in September 2016.
* Aiding the Head Designer with menswear collection design development.
* Working closely with Julien and the Head Designer to realise and develop Julien's vision for his menswear line.
* Sourcing luxury fabric and trims.
* Creating accurate tech packs with CAD for all product and trims, as well as updating a more illustrative line up of the collection using Adobe Suite for studio reference.
* Sourcing new suppliers and factories capable of producing high-end product.
* Managing and collaborating with a team of in-house pattern cutters, machinists and interns, as well as overseeing factory production.
* Working closely with the print, knitwear and embellishment departments for menswear show sample development.
* Carrying out fittings and comments on alterations that need to be made to the product and relaying these both in person and in detailed notes to the pattern and production team.
* Liaising with accessory and shoe suppliers for the men's collection to ensure product delivered to a high standard as per brief, on budget and on time.
* Overseeing and tracking the collection budget as well as final costings for production and private clients.
* Responsible for the making of Julien's personal show outfit.
* Directing menswear dressers for the show as to specific looks, quick changes and sharing of items between models.
* Keeping level-headed within a high pressure and fast paced environment with many tasks at hand.
* Archiving current and past seasons into a clear format.
* Managing and mentoring a team of interns

Menswear Coordinator (Freelance)

I was a key part for the design and development of products as part of consultancy work for other premium labels; as well as aiding the design and production process for the consultancy's own luxe brand.
Unfortunately, the venture was unsuccessful and as a result, I had to find new employment.
* Researching and shopping premium and luxury brands for initial concepts to inform new lines and products.
* Creating initial concept and storyboards.
* Sourcing of high-quality fabric and trims.
* Multi-product design development.
* Creating accurate technical drawings both by hand and with CAD for all product and trims.
* Compiling clear and understandable design and technical packs for local and overseas factory guidance.
* Advising on measurement specifications and grading.
* Conversing with British and European suppliers and factories to ensure that sampling and production is correct, of a premium standard and meets the critical path.
* Sourcing new suppliers and factories capable of producing quality product.
* Visiting local and overseas factories to monitor production and to inform on new products.
* Maintaining existing relationships with suppliers already working with brands, as part of consultancy work.
* Working closely with buyers and merchandisers of consultancy brands to ensure product meets expectations, both through design and fabrication, as well as product standards and pricing.
* Carrying out fittings and comments on alterations that need to be made to all products.
* Multi-tasking and prioritising between design projects and confidently working at a fast pace to achieve tight deadlines.

Fenella Hawker: in EASTBOURNE

Fenella Hawker

MAGEE

JULIEN MACDONALD

FERNDALE CONSULTANCY

Pins & Stripes

Austin Reed

Hardy Amies

Eastbourne Vocational College

Park College

University for the Creative Arts