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DesignerRiver Island
May 2012London, United KingdomFull Time
Designing full range for Girlswear and Mini Girlswear, Boyswear and Mini Boyswear: Nightwear (Woven & Jersey) Underwear Swimwear Sunshop (Woven) Accessories My responsibilities include

Design and develop a full range for all the area’s I design for 
Creating new trend inspiration for the new season. Highlighting core and emerging trends on fabric and shape. Presenting to team and senior management. Compiling fabric inspiration boards to show new direction in colour and quality whilst also highlighting core drivers in fabrics/textures. Strong presentation skills presenting new season to the team and senior management for my departments. Provide presentation training for more junior members of the team. Working closely with my buying team to create a well balanced range covering core and commercial product. Providing suppliers with clear design packs ensuring that they are clear so the supplier is able to deliver samples with attention to detail and reaching the River Island standard. 
Critically Reviewing product, giving suppliers feedback and re-sampling when needed. 

Strong ability to range build to create a well balanced range to present to management to get feedback to consider within the range. 

Managing a Design Assistant, developing their skills and understanding of the process , delegating work load and helping with time management with weekly catch ups.
 Network with the appropriate counterparts on the Menswear and Womenswear team to be able to deliver “mini me” product and ensure that trends align. Participate in weekly fit sessions with garment tech to ensure our products reaches full potential 
 Create artworks for placement and AOP. Have a good knowledge of print techniques. Excellent on photoshop and illustrator.

Travel to overseas for shopping and development trips. Preparing by giving suppliers a clear brief for sourcing fabric/trims and design development. Strong ability to work in new environments and excellent communication skills. Able to give constructive feedback to suppliers as well as build a strong relationship.

Producing detailed shop reports for buying and design to highlight any speed to market or micro trends to keep range looking fresh and exciting.

Good ability to problem solve on product issues.