Donna Leiper: Designer/Owner in Dallas, TX

Design and make custom corsetry, lingerie, costumes and custom clothing.

Sole USA Sales Representative. Travel the country visiting all the major intimate apparel companies. Greatly increased customer base. Have great interaction with customers based on my Designer background. Able to understand customer’s needs based on knowledge of USA market. Travel to HK for the Interfiliere trade show and to China to visit factory.

-Design Bras, Panties, Sleep, and Daywear for Private Brand. –Sole Designer for Cosmopolitan, previously worked on Ambrielle. -Swimwear Designer for Arizona, St. Johns Bay, and JCP Brand -Put together color palettes, print inspiration, and trend boards for each brand seasonally. -Key player in the launch of Cosmopolitan, helping to identify the brand and customer. -Designed fashion, and Launch Bras for Ambrielle, including one patent pending bra. -Designed Bridal line and fashion forward Nursing line for Ambrielle. -Managed Underscore Bras and Designed Duo Nursing. -Design experience with santoni seamless panties, and nursing bras and camis. -Work with both Indirect and direct Vendors. -Work with Design Director , Product Manager, and Buyers to create brand right product. -Participate in Calendar meetings and present product. -Work with Sourcing team on production issues. -Execute Product Packs in FLEX PLM -Daily communication with Hong Kong IBO on development and production issues. -Work with Technical Team to fit garments on live models. -Develop CAD drawings for Product Packs, Illustrations, and Presentations. -Work with Textile Team in coordination of colors and prints. -Work with Color Department for strike off approvals on prints -Travel for development, trade shows, trend, and inspiration-Domestically, Asia (China, Indonesia, Japan), and Europe (London, Paris, Barcelona, Brussels, and Rome) -Meet with Vendors to sample fabrics, laces, and trims

-Design Bras for multiple brands including Maidenform, Luleh, Lilyette, and private label including Victoria’s Secret. -Fit bras on live models in average and full figure. -Made patterns and graded. -Supervise Sample Makers. -Develop molded cups and work closely with Molding Department and Grading Department in development of size range and wires. -Travel to Asia -Meet with Vendors to sample fabrics, laces, and trims

-Design bras and coordinate pants for DKNY Underwear -Key player in the relaunch of the brand giving it a fresh new look in foundations. -Designed daywear and shapewear for Donna Karan Intimates. -Worked closely with Donna Karan Corporate Team on 7th Ave for seasonal inspiration. -Made patterns and graded. -Develop molded cups and wires. -Fit bras, pants, and shapewear on live models. -Supervise up to 5 sample makers and assistant. -Travel to Asia for development. -Travel to Europe for trade shows and comp shopping. -Day to day communication with Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and China regarding factory, fabric, trimming, and molding issues. -Meet with Vendors to sample fabrics, laces, and trims

-Foundations Designer for Bali, Wonderbra, Barely There, Hanes Her Way, Lovable, and Just My Size -Made patterns and graded. -Fit bras and panties on live models, average and full figure. -Meet with Vendors to sample fabrics, laces, and trims.

-Designer for Vogue Dessous, Vogue Bra, and Fredericks of Hollywood private label. -Fit on live models in Toronto, and for entire Toronto Design Team in New York. Worked with Design Team on fit changes to patterns after trips. -Made patterns and graded (both band and cup sizes) utilizing Lectra computer system. -Meet with vendors to sample fabrics, laces, and trims.

-Consultant Designer for Oscar de la Renta Intimates, Tommy Hilfiger Intimates, and Private label (Express) -Fit on live models. -Made patterns and graded.

-Designer specialty bras and shapewear. -Made patterns, and graded on the Lectra Computer system. -Fit garments on live models. -Supervised sample makers. -Developed Fashion Illustrations, presentation boards, and marketing brochures. -Assisted at photo shoots. -Meet with vendors to sample fabrics, laces, and trims.

-Assistant to VP of Design. -Designed bras and panties for Warner's brand, Marilyn Monroe, and private label including Victoria's Secret and Calvin Klein. -Fit on live models, grading, BOMs and sewing and molding specs. -Supervised sample makers. -Meet with Vendors to sample fabrics, laces, and trims

-Made patterns for multiple labels including Robby Len, Lands End, Roxanne, and Coco Reef. -Developed first through production patterns for swimwear, including underwire and control, in missy, junior, and large size ranges. -Fit garments, develop specs, and write operation sequence for production. -Assist in grading.

-Worked directly with Designers and Product Managers in organizing development of samples. -Created patterns for active wear and outerwear in Adults, Youth, and Kid's size ranges utilizing GGT Accumark and Silhouette computer systems. -Scheduled and prioritized requests. -Made actual Coaches jackets in house. -6 direct reports including 5 sample makers and 1 cutter.

-Design and development of costumes for Toddler's, Children's, Women's, and Men's size ranges. -Developed garments of license characters; including Disney, Power Rangers, and Marvel Comics, starting with artwork style guides utilizing production, fabric, screen printing, sublimation, and cost capabilities. -Fitted according to specs and on live models. -Made markers and graded on GGT Accumark and Silhouette computer system. -Assisted in photo shoots.

-Designed lines of misses, plus, and children’s fashion daywear for Bari label, Gina for Kids, and private label. -Made patterns. -Supervised Assistant Designer. -Meet with Vendors to sample fabrics, laces, and trims.

-Designed, produced, and wholesaled a line of lingerie inspired club wear called Donnaama -Sold in my own boutique on the lower east side, and to various boutiques including Patricia Field. -Freelanced in various creative jobs in music, television, dance, toys, jewelry, and visual display.

-Designed own line of clothing and hats and sold in street market. -Worked as a hair extension stylist and colorist for Hair by the Chair and The Cutting Room. Developed a sizable following of clients including some of the most extravagant of the London club scene. -Trained and supervised assistant stylists.

(Millinery Designer for Donna Karan and Sportswear Designer) -Assisted in the design, patternmaking, and production of Millinery and Sportswear. -Made patterns. -Cut samples. -Sewed hat production. -Met with fabric vendors. -Supervised sportswear sample development