Welcome to my

Portfolio!

As a fashion designer with over nine years of diverse industry experience, I invite you to explore some of my work. Each project showcased here reflects my passion for blending technical expertise with artistic vision to create fashion that captivates and inspires.

Professional Project Highlights

Product Design and Development at Ricki's

At Ricki’s, I worked on comprehensive projects aimed to enhance the design and production of a diverse range of apparel, including denim, sweaters, and casual bottoms. Engaging extensively with market trend analysis and direct customer feedback, I identified opportunities for combining contemporary style with superior comfort, quality and fit.

At Gaspard LP Canada, I worked on developing and sourcing embellishments for our graduation caps and gowns, coordinating closely with suppliers to source fabrics and other materials. I created artworks using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, including mock-ups for clients, as well as designs for heat transfers, patches, and embroidery.

Graduation Cap & Gown Design at Gaspard LP Canada

One standout project involved the design and production of a deluxe doctoral regalia piece on a very tight timeline and under significant resource availability constraints. The gown required sourcing specialized materials in a rush, and the garment itself was highly detailed, incorporating various types of piping, braids, and intricate embroidery, including the university’s crest. This project demanded precision and close coordination with vendors to ensure quality and adherence to the design vision under a compressed timeline.

I was responsible for creating tech packs and detailed specifications to ensure clear construction guidelines for vendors. Additionally, I supervised and coordinated sample production to maintain quality and consistency. My role also involved fabric development and approvals, including lab dips and bulk fabric, ensuring that colour and quality met our standards. Managing vendor relations was a key part of my work, ensuring production was aligned with timelines, specifications, and all products were delivered on schedule.

In addition to the design and production responsibilities, I also played a key role in analyzing and approving lab dips and bulk fabrics, leveraging my knowledge of colour theory and fabric composition. This allowed me to ensure that the colours and materials aligned with both the design vision and brand standards.

By evaluating fabric quality, texture, and durability alongside aesthetic considerations, I helped maintain a balance between visual appeal and functionality, ensuring that the final products not only looked great but also performed well in terms of wear and longevity.

I managed vendor relationships, ensuring efficient communication to align the supply chain with our design and quality objectives. Leveraging PLM tools, I coordinated production timelines, quality checks, and delivery schedules, streamlining the process and maintaining deadlines.

School Projects

In addition to my professional projects, below is a curated selection of my university projects (circa 2015-2018) that showcase my creativity and technical skills in fashion design. Each project represents a unique exploration of textiles, silhouettes, and styling, reflecting my commitment to pushing boundaries and developing my distinctive aesthetic.

Herança Fashion (Fashion Heritage):

Concept:
Inspired by the fashion of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, this editorial highlights the enduring relevance of vintage clothing. It showcases how garments from previous generations—such as those from the wardrobes of parents—can be seamlessly integrated into modern aesthetics without alteration. The goal was to demonstrate that fashion pieces can retain their utility and style, reducing the need for new production and promoting sustainability.

Execution:

Styling: Vintage pieces from parents' wardrobes were paired with modern items to create versatile and stylish looks. Key elements included:
- 70s: Earthy tones, warm filters, and a laid-back vibe.
- 80s: Bright colors with pink and red accents, reflecting the playful energy of the era.
- 90s: Pale tones with strong contrast, embodying the grunge aesthetic.
Photography: External locations were chosen to enhance the natural, urban vibe of the editorial. Adobe Lightroom was used for post-production to achieve the era-specific aesthetics.
Presentation: The final images were displayed in chronological order on a wall at eye level for easy viewing and understanding.

Audience and Style:
The editorial targeted young adults with a focus on street style and an empowering narrative. It aligned with the ethos of Glamour magazine, which combines fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

Outcomes:
The project was highly successful, achieving its goals of sustainability and creative expression. It reflected the timelessness of fashion, fostering appreciation for heritage and the environment.

Summary:
This project is an editorial showcasing the enduring appeal of vintage fashion and its integration into modern aesthetics without alteration. It highlights the sustainability and creative expression of incorporating pieces from previous generations, while targeting young adults and aligning with the ethos of Glamour magazine. Shot in a natural, urban setting, the images embody the fashion of the 70s, 80s, and 90s with an empowering narrative. Highly successful in achieving its goals and fostering appreciation for heritage and the environment, the project is a celebration of both the Coca-Cola generation and millennials.

From Chaos to Calm

Concept and Inspiration:
The collection draws on a desire for tranquility amidst the chaos of modern life, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and appreciating the simple, meaningful aspects of living. This holistic approach highlights our interconnectedness with nature, promoting well-being and a sustainable lifestyle.

Sustainability and Materials:
The collection is crafted with 100% natural elements, prioritizing environmentally friendly practices:

Textiles: Natural fibers like cotton and linen ensure comfort and promote a healthy connection with the body.
Techniques: The ecoprint method is central to the collection, using pigments extracted from leaves, flowers, and fruits. This artisanal dyeing process minimizes the environmental impact typically associated with industrial processing.
Production Standards: The project adheres to sustainable principles, including:
- Fair and conscious local labor practices.
- Responsible use of natural resources.
- Compliance with seven of the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Values & Market Relevance:

Promoting a balanced and meaningful lifestyle.
Supporting the local community and valuing cultural diversity.
Encouraging responsible consumer habits by showcasing the beauty and functionality of sustainable fashion.

The collection is highly relevant to modern consumers, offering a thoughtful alternative to fast fashion. It not only elevates awareness of sustainability in the industry but also aligns with contemporary desires for ethical and mindful living.

Summary:

The checklist used for project evaluation emphasized improvements in the chain of production and highlighted positive social and environmental impacts. The design process involved reflecting on the project's influence on society, culture, and its potential for economic stability, promoting a holistic and sustainable lifestyle, as well as showcasing the beauty and functionality of eco-friendly fashion.

It is rooted in a connection with nature, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and appreciating the simple and meaningful aspects of life. Through responsible production practices and a conscious approach to materials, the collection offers a thoughtful alternative to fast fashion and aligns with contemporary desires for a more ethical and mindful lifestyle.

Concept and Inspiration:
The Young and Beautiful collection for Winter 2018 draws inspiration from the artistic and architectural elegance of the Art Deco movement, combined with the enigmatic aura of singer Lana Del Rey. This fusion creates sophisticated pieces with a youthful, modern spirit.

The collection addresses a specific gap in the fashion market: eveningwear for young women with smaller-than-average body measurements. By utilizing incremental innovation, the designs feature precise tailoring that adapts to petite body types without requiring extensive alterations.

Design Elements:

Materials: Premium fabrics like satin, chiffon, and organza, chosen for their luxurious drape and feel.
Details: Hand-embroidered geometric motifs echoing Art Deco patterns, paired with a subdued color palette for a timeless, elegant appeal.
Silhouette and Fit: Innovative construction ensures comfort and a perfect fit for petite frames, with no compromise on style.
Audience: Young women aged 16–21 from a middle-class demographic, who value decisiveness and self-expression through fashion.

Innovation:
The collection introduces a tailored solution for adolescents transitioning out of children’s wear but unable to find well-fitting adult options. The standout innovation lies in the detailed pattern-making and ergonomic design, allowing the garments to mold seamlessly to smaller body shapes.

Key Product Features:

Structured dresses with supportive features such as integrated bust cups, adjustable shoulder straps, and concealed zippers for ease of wear.
Aesthetic and functional considerations, like lightweight fabrics, durability, and easy care (e.g., hand washing and shade drying).
Geometric embellishments inspired by Art Deco for a distinctive look.

Technical Specifications:

Construction: Straight and overlock stitching, with manual appliqué techniques for detailing.
Prototyping: The lead product, a custom-fitted dress, features strategically placed seams and components, ensuring ergonomic comfort and aesthetic balance.
- Bust: 78 cm (with padding: 82.5 cm)
- Waist: 62 cm
- Hips: 82 cm

Presentation and Outcomes:
The project culminated in a comprehensive dossier including:

A release outlining the project's goals and significance.
Thematic boards illustrating inspiration and mood.
Material and color palettes, including Pantone references.
A collection of 10 garments, each with detailed technical drawings and descriptions.
A prototype showcasing the design and craftsmanship.

Summary:
This project highlights not only my technical expertise, but also demonstrates a strong ability to identify and address niche market needs effectively. Bridging a gap in the market by offering sophisticated, well-fitted eveningwear for petite young women, this collection embodies empowerment, elegance, and sustainability, making it a standout innovation in the fashion industry.