Kegan Wilkinson: Designer - Outdoor Clothing Department in Cape town, WC

Period of work June 2018 to Date Company Overview; • A family-run, corporate business within the Retail Sector delivering apparel, homeware and outdoor wear instore and online targeting customers in the mid- to upper-LSM categories throughout Africa. Core Overview; • Responsible for ensuring garments align with brand direction for both categories to drive growth and performance in turnover and market share within the CUM structure. • Men's, Ladies and Kids (LifeStyle): OTB plan of R335-mil • Men's, Ladies and Kids (Fleece): OTB plan of R335-mil • Categories Managed: Denim Woven Shirts and Shorts Fleece and SoftShell Active Tops and Bottoms Jackets Woven and Nylons Polos Swim Shorts (Elasticated and Fixed). Duties & Responsibilities; • Reports directly to Team Leader. • Directs the Buying Team on current trend and collaborates with the Buyer to deliver strategic high-level decision-making on garment direction. • Oversees the full design process from conception to end-product for a variety of projects. • Generates design solutions that maintain brand consistency throughout. • Liaises with internal and external suppliers and factories to ensure product is in line with Design Briefs • Approval and sign off of samples. • Fosters strong relationships with a wide range of top clients. • Works closely with the Garment technologists to ensure spec and fits are correct across product • Trim design and approvals. • Trend forecast using WGSN and comp-shopping. • Present Range developments to buyers, Team leaders and department directors. • Remains current with industry changes, developments and tools, boosting upskilling and knowledge sharing across the team.

Period of work January 2015 to June 2018 Company Overview; • A JSE listed corporate within the Retail Sector delivering apparel, homeware and sportswear instore and online targeting younger customers in the mid- to upper-LSM categories throughout Africa and Australia. Core Overview; • Responsible for ensuring graphics align with brand direction of two brands, leading the Graphics Team of five staff to drive growth and performance in turnover and market share within the MRP structure. • Men's Red Brand (Life Style): OTB plan of R500-mil / AUS$53-mil. • Men's Red X Brand (Sportswear): OTB plan of R124-mil / AUS$129-mil. • Categories Managed: Denim T-Shirts Singlets, Tank and Vests Woven Shirts and Shorts Fleece Active Tops and Bottoms Jackets Woven and Nylons Polos Swim Shorts (Elasticated and Fixed). Duties & Responsibilities; • Reports directly to Buying and Planning Managers. • Directs the Buying Division and collaborates with the Buyer to deliver strategic high-level decision-making on art direction. • Oversees the full design process from conception to end-product for a variety of projects. • Supervises and coaches the Graphics Team to ensure consistent productivity and performance that meets project time, quality and budget requirements. • Generates design solutions that maintain brand consistency throughout. • Liaises with internal and external stakeholders to ensure all parties are regularly updated on project progress and arising delays / variances. • Fosters strong relationships with a wide range of top clients. • Remains current with industry changes, developments and tools, boosting upskilling and knowledge sharing across the team.

Company Overview; • A leading full-service manufacturer for and accredited supplier to various Men's and Ladies Wear stores within the Retail and Promotional Clothing Sector in South Africa. Core Overview; • Coordinated and assisted with the management of public relations, events planning, and campaign creation. Duties & Responsibilities; • Reporting directly to House Merchandise Manager and CEO. • Managed daily activities of the Design Team comprising three staff to align with the brand's broader objectives. • Forecasted all fashion trends for respective brands. • Worked with a strong team of Fabric and Trim Specialists, Merchandisers, CMT Floor and Inhouse Screen Printing and Embroidery Departments from project conception to finished product.