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Founder & Creative Director

Creative & Design

Press Highlights

I’m a seasoned design professional with over 20 years of experience, knowledgeable in all aspects of the design, development and production process, across several product commodities. I am passionate about bringing interesting and innovative concepts to life.Specialties include but not limited to Accessories, Swimwear, Technical Apparel and KnitwearIn 2011 I launched my own brand of modern swimwear which has sharpened my business acumen, navigating challenges many entrepreneurs and small businesses face.Competencies:-Leadership-Critical Thinker-Pragmatic decision maker-Strategic Product Planning-Attention to Detail-Highly Creative-Independent worker-Business and time management---BETH RICHARDS is Quality Modern Swimwear. Made with the highest standards of quality, environmentally conscious and ethically manufactured in Canada.As a woman I wanted to create a brand for women that spoke directly to her needs, empowering her in a next to skin garment, but also create and innovate within the swim category and beyond.We practice what we preach and advocate for fair wages for our workers whilst lessening our environmental impact. We believe in non-exploitative workplaces as well in our messaging and imagery.Everyday we fight the status quo to MAKE WAVES. If you aren't Making Waves, you aren't kicking hard enough.-Beth Richards

-Founded respected global swimwear brand BETH RICHARDS
-Design all product for 3 seasons a year
-Oversee all aspects of the business which includes, Development, Operations, Marketing, Sales, Production and Finance
-Meet sales and delivery timelines
-Sold at the most prestigious retailers across Europe, North America, Canada and Asia
-Ethically Manufactured in Canada

CEO & Creative Director

-Responsible for the Design and Development of the John Fluevog's Accessory and Leather Bag collections
-Includes Socks, Belts and Luggage
-Worked closely with Mexican and Portuguese manufacturers and travelled on site seasonally
-Prepared and presented Design concepts, Trend and Colour
-Prepare prototype packages and comments
-Increased gross margin profits to a previously unsuccessful accessory program

Sr. Accessory Designer & Developer

KIT & ACE
2015
-Asked to design the brands launch of Swimwear and Foundational undergarments for Men and Women

GENTLE FAWN, LEFT ON HOUSTON
2011
-Created Conceptual Design of Women’s Contemporary Apparel, Knit and Woven and Accessories
-Created comprehensive illustrations and detailed drawings with construction and stitch details 
-Prepared spec packages

KOOTENAY KNITTING + APPAREL
2011
-Created Conceptual Design of Men's, Women’s and Children’s knit cold weather accessories
-Created Jacquard knit patterns for hats, scarves, gloves, mitts and sweaters
-Prepared spec packages

WINGS + HORNS
2011
-Created Conceptual Design of Men’s Contemporary Apparel


Freelance Design and Technical Design

SUGOI PERFORMANCE APPAREL - Sr. Technical Designer & Women's Run Designer
SEPT 2010 - 1 Year Maternity Leave Contract
-Responsible for the technical details of the Sugoi Men's & Women's Run, Bike, Triathlon Apparel, Outerwear & Accessories
-Responsible for the Design and development of the Sugoi Women's Run Collection
-Create comprehensive illustrations and detailed drawings with construction and stitch details
-Create colour stories for the Sugoi and Cannondale brands
-Prepare prototype packages for product development team
-Travel to stores to competitive shop for samples and creative inspiration, internationally and domestically
-Work closely with Product Line Manager (PLM) and Purchasing/Planning to strategize and identify new categories
and opportunities based on past and present successes
Professional Experience

Sr. Technical Designer & Women's Run Designer

-Responsible for the design and development of all accessories for in house brands
-Includes Leather and Non-Leather Bags, Wallets, Knit & Woven Cold weather, Belts, Hosiery, Underwear and Gifts
-Responsible for the design and development of all accessories for TNA, Wilfred, Talula and Park Life (Vancouver 2010 Olympics)
-Prepared and presented Design concepts, Trend and Colour to Owner, CEO and Executive Team and Board of Directors
-Travelled to stores to shop for samples and creative inspiration, internationally and domestically
-Drove all aspects of the product, art directed all applied graphics, trims and marketing
-Conducted fittings, evaluated and commented on the product fit, quality and construction
-Work closely with Buyer and Purchasing and Planning to strategize and identify new categories and opportunities
based on past and present successes
-Grew a $5M category to $20M

Design Manager, Accessories

(Was headhunted for Aritzia)
-Men's Sweaters, Men's Woven Pants
-Created CAD Drawings
-Prepared spec packages, evaluated and commented on product through all stages of development

Technical Designer

-Responsible for all accessories in the outlet division for Adult, Children and Baby including, watches, socks, cold
-Created logos and designed product
-Prepared spec packages, evaluated and commented on product through all stages of development
-Conducted fittings, evaluated and commented on the product fit, quality and construction
-Kept all product on schedule, working with the delivery dates and corporate timelines
-Responsible for creating worksheets and buys for the above products
-Worked with the planner to determine units and analyze selling history by colour, size, retail etc.
-Negotiated prices with vendors and established retail prices

Associate Buyer, Accessories

-Oversaw and developed all accessories for Roots Men's, Women's and Children's corporate retail
-Created comprehensive illustrations and detailed drawings with construction and stitch details
-Prepared spec packages, evaluated and commented on product through all stages of development
-Conducted fittings, monitored sizing and created grade charts and set fit standards
-Established quality control and methods of streamlining product development on an on-going basis

Technical Designer, Accessories

-Designed and developed Men's, Women's and Children's cold weather (Ski and Snowboard) accessories knit and woven
-Designed and developed Jacquard Knit patterns for analog and digital knitting machines
-Worked closely with engineers to create new patterns
-Managed key accounts
-Designed headwear for Spyder USA for the US 2002 Olympic Ski Team
-Designed headwear for private label accounts such as Adidas, Spyder, Arctery'x and Westbeach
-Prepared spec packages, evaluated and commented on product and oversaw all stages of development
-Sourced new materials and yarns and applications for in-line and key accounts
-Developed packaging, logos and prints
-Presented collections to Global sales team

Designer

Find out detailed information about Beth Richards, Founder & Creative Director in Toronto, Ontario

Beth Richards: Founder & Creative Director in Toronto, Ontario

Beth Richards

Press Highlights

BETH RICHARDS DESIGN INC

John Fluevog

See below

SUGOI PERFORMANCE APPAREL

ARITZIA LP

SEARS CANADA

ROOTS CANADA LTD

ROOTS CANADA LTD

MERKLEY HEADGEAR

IAOD