Profession / role:

Waipawa

Company / organisation:

Bendon

My primary role in relation to fashion is:

Consumer, Designer, Manufacturer

I am looking to discover or buy

teaching women in "poorer" countries, sustainable sportswear developments, Job opportunities abroad working, and general meeting of others with similar interests in the apparel industry

About me / About business or organisation:

I am a designer based at the bottom of the world in New Zealand, we are based so far away from alot of the happenings that I believe we focus a blind eye to often what is happening ethically with fashion/industries etc.
My background and passions are in Sportswear, I have lived abroad designing and developing world class product for atheltes and general weekend warrior athlets, but am back home for an interrim until I find another challenge to focus on.
For me coming from a females perspective I am particularly interested in pushing advancement opportunities for women in 3rd world countries.

Career history / Company history:

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY JAN 2008 TO PRESENT BASED IN HONG KONG SONAR GROUP - ORCA DESIGN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER PRODUCT: High performance and life style "sport" ranges (men's and women's wear) Responsibilities Manage team of Designers and Merchandisers Collaborate and over see new developments with designers for current ranges and for up coming seasons Conceptualize, source and action development of performance uniforms for Triathlon and Cycling for Beijing Olympics Research and develop revolutionary new fabrics and construction techniques Over see fit and patternmaking of individual garments and ranges ensuring fit is paramount within production deadlines Research, plan and develop products within the parameters of target prices and budgets for optimum sales Oversee quality control of salesman samples and bulk ranges Sourcing of new factories to for upcoming ranges and product development Communicate and visit with fabric mills and factories to ensure competitive Fob’s to meet competitive sports markets Control delivery of products to meet delivery deadlines Liaise with Distributor teams in Northern and Southern Hemispheres to ensure appropriate retail product for maximum sales Work with marketing team to promote existing and new ranges Styling for fashion shows and photo shoots for advertising
FEB 2007 TO DEC 2007 (9 MONTH CONTRACT) BASED IN HONG KONG SHEPPARD INDUSTRIES PRODUCT DESIGN MANAGER PRODUCT: High performance and life style "sport" ranges, (men's and women's wear) Responsibilities: Design and co-ordinate current ranges for New Zealand and Australia life style and cycle markets Oversee team of Designers and Merchandisers Ensure design and specifications of garments meet current trends and functionality Work within target prices and budgets for maximum profit and sales Works with sales team to ensure appropriate product for the markets between Australia and New Zealand Research new factories in Asia and Europe for product and distribution into European markets Work with marketing team to promote current ranges Liaise and control delivery with factories to ensure seasonal deadlines of product are met for retailers Ensure quality control of product and control stock levels for consistent delivery of products Work with factories and retail to ensure deliveries are met
FEB 2005 TO JAN 2007 CANTERBURY OF NEW ZEALAND MENSWEAR DESIGNER PRODUCT: High performance and life style "sport" ranges Responsibilities: Design current ranges for New Zealand, Australia and European markets Research current and commercial trends locally and overseas Overseas sample buying for current trends Source fabrics, trims and factories for developments of sampling and bulk production Plan and work within budgets for optimum sales Supervise Merchandising team Coordinate with Production for optimum profit and deliveries from factories Travel to factories for garment specifications, production and quality control Work with sales team to ensure sell through of product and range planning for up coming ranges and seasons Styling for fashion shows and photo shoots for advertising Work with marketing team to promote current ranges
JULY 2003 – END JAN 2005 LINE 7 WOMENSWEAR DESIGNER PRODUCT: Life style and high end ranges Responsibilities: Design current ranges for New Zealand and Australia markets Research current and commercial trends locally and overseas Overseas sample buying for current trends Work within seasonal budgets Design specifications for garments and grading of garments Work with pattern makers for drape, patterning and construction of garments Fitting garments on fit models Coordinate with production team for deliveries, quality control and maximum profit Liaise with off shore factories for development of fabrics, trims, sampling and bulk Styling for fashion shows and photo shoots for advertising Work with marketing team to promote current ranges