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Freelance Fashion Designer

Fashion & Apparel

NIKE SWIM 

NIKE EXPLORE SWIM

As a fashion designer with an extensive background in swimwear and cover ups. I use my creativity and experience to bring new ideas and artistic interpretations to create best-selling collections. I have 14+ years of experience in fashion, 10 years as a head designer. I have an excellent understanding of the garment design and manufacturing process. From the garment conceptualization phase, through the pattern-drafting and sampling phase, to final garment assembly and production. Proficient in aspects beyond design including merchandising, print selection, technical design, sourcing, styling, sales, presentation skills and trend forecasting.

Senior Designer

•	Research and identify marketplace trends, conceptualize ideas and design collections for various brands and categories
•	Work with brands and sales teams to create a detailed line plan & calendar with key assortments and costing for target customers.

•	Private label juniors swimwear designer for Xhilaration by Target
•	Research & forecast trends/color for each season
•	Created flat sketches, CADs & line sheets generating more than 90 flat 
         sketches per season/ 5-6 seasons per year
•	Attend appointments with art studios, purchase artwork for textile prints & 
        graphics
•	Work with the senior art director to rework prints for swimwear
•	Communicate with team to source new fabrications and trims, as well as 
         passing comments and approvals
•	Tech pack creation
•	Attend & assist in fittings - analyze fit and correct fit issues with patternmaker
•	Presented sewn samples to sales, merchandising and design teams at Target


Designer

•	Purchasing categories include: footwear, bags, jewelry, sunglasses, hats, 
        bath/body and men's apparel & accessories for 20 store locations
•	Successfully negotiated price, terms and shipments with over 45 vendors
•	Researched and introduced new brands that separate Diane's from our 
        competitors
•	Worked closely with in store merchandisers to ensure product placement and 
         provide brand knowledge for stylist.


Buyer

•	Designed swimwear, cover ups and men's board shorts for multiple accounts including Macy's, Dillard's and William Rast
•	Research & forecast trends/color for each season
•	Created flat sketches, CADs & line sheets for each brand
•	Attend appointments with art studios, purchase artwork for textile prints & graphics
•	Work with the art department to rework prints for swimwear
•	Communicate with team to source new fabrications and trims, as well as passing comments and approvals
•	Tech pack creation
•	Attend & assist in fittings - analyze fit and correct fit issues with patternmaker
•	Presented sewn samples to sales, merchandising buying teams at major department stores and market weeks


senior designer

•	Senior swimwear and cover up designer for the juniors private label brand HeartSoul.
•	I worked directly with the licensee on launching a new swimwear line that compliments their junior's sportswear.
•	Established color stories, themes, fabrications, and styling.
•	Responsible for all presentation CADs, tech packs and communications with the factories.
•	Creating brand recognition and look book by way of photo shoots. Designed multiple looks at various locations thru creative styling as well as trade show booth design and accents.


Freelance Designer

•	Provided creative direction, trend concept boards, color palettes, print selection and silhouette design for Xhilaration by Target.
•	I worked directly with Target's team of buyers and designers showcasing full presentations on a monthly basis.


•	Designed high end swimwear and cover ups for the contemporary market.

•	Designed a juniors swimwear presentation for Walmart

•	Implemented creative direction and seasonal themes for juniors swim division, cover ups, bags and sandals
•	Managed a team of graphic artist and a patternmaker
•	Prepared all flat sketches, technical packages and oversaw designs from fit through production
•	Increased company earnings by designing private label, girls 7-14 swim lines for Target and junior dresses for Charlotte Russe.


•	Designed innovative silhouettes for each season consistent with the Op brand identity
•	Established seasonal design direction including mood, key inspiration, color palettes, print, pattern, and graphic direction from market research
•	Prepared technical packages and b.o.m's for patternmaker and production team
•	Supervision of in house sample production from start to finish having expertise in fit
•	Presented lines to top retailers Macy's, Victoria's Secret and Diane's Swimwear.


•	Created and presented design concepts for women's, missy, junior and girls swimwear. Brands included Guess, O'neil and St. John

Associate Designer

•	Assisted in all aspects of juniors and kids design, sampling and production development for Ralph Lauren & Ocean Pacific

Assistant Designer

•	Prepared and styled wardrobe for film, video, commercials and print ads for clients including Seventeen Magazine, Samsung and Dwayne Johnson

Stylist

Find out detailed information about Abigail Smith, Freelance Fashion Designer in Huntington Beach, CA

Abigail Smith: Freelance Fashion Designer in Huntington Beach, CA

Abigail Smith

Art Institute