Development Design
Resume:
Melanie Chartier
*** *. **** **** ****** . Los Angeles . Ca 90006
**********@*****.***
________________________________________________________________________
Summary of qualifications
Detail and result oriented Senior Designer, with 12 years of experience in the fashion
industry.
I am currently designing and directing a team of 10 people within a successful Los
Angeles based fashion company. For 3 years prior to this, I have been leading the
collection of a Canadian based company from Hong Kong, where I started and set up
their local HK offices. I have the ability to streamline work procedures to improve group
efficiency and reduce work redundancies. Analytical and innovative; I coordinate work
schedules to meet task deadlines and resolve problems related to development. Adept at
recognizing areas in need of improvement and applying vision to develop and execute
effective action plans. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; I work
effectively with staff at all levels by keeping relationships friendly, but mostly respectful
and professional. I am multi-talented, dedicated and hardworking which will assure the
success of my collections.
Professional Experience
November 08-September 09
Senior Designer/Director Sanctuary clothing (Los Angeles)
* Source trends and upcoming key details
* Build inspirational boards per delivery
* Provide overall creative directions and merchandising for each delivery
* Select fabrics to use for each delivery
* Plan the line according to SKU plans, Sales needs and trends
* Order fabrics base on SKU plan
* Source and select artwork, prints, vintage inspiration
* Oversee Design room (5 employees)
* Review design with each designer
* Plan annual time and action calendar & enforce calendar deadline
* Plan samples dispatch between import and local
* Oversee sample development process for both import and local
* Oversee sample room (7 employees); manage the pattern maker's/sewers work flow
* Conduct fittings from proto to pre-production
* Supervise communication with oversees vendors to assure correct follow up
and to enforce samples delivery on time
* Resolving problems related to the development
* Track each employee’s progress
* Responsible for interviewing, selecting candidates
* Point of contact in Design regarding samples
October 08 - November 08
Freelance Designer Rack a GoGo (London)
* Designed a line of dresses for this London based company.
June 08– October 08
Senior Designer/Director Joie (Los Angeles) www.joie.net
* Direct the design / development team composed of 10 people
* Responsible of product, from concept through production
* Direct the design team throughout the line development
* Work closely with the fabric developer for approval and to assure that the fabric
development is on time
* Plan the line according to best seller report
* Review sketches at scheduled meetings with each designer
* Conduct fittings and fittings schedule
* Supervise the team for trims and fabrics sourcing in Asia markets
* Manage technician department to assure a close follow up & good communication with
makers, to get the product correct and on time
* Enforce calendar deadlines
* Track each employee’s progress, conduct regular performance reviews
* Responsible for staffing: interviewing, selecting candidates
* Coordinate task and resolve problems related to the development
December 07 – June 08
Handbag Designer Bag-Pack Supplies Group (Hong Kong) www.bag-pack.com
* Create an exclusive handbag collection for European customers
* Travel for inspiration and trends research
* Responsible for the line from concept to completed samples
* Coordinate sample making with China factory
* Travel to Europe to present the line to customers
March 04–October 07
Senior Designer/Director Dex Clothing (Hong Kong) www.dexclothing.com
I opened and established a Hong Kong design/development office for this Canadian
company
* Travel internationally for trend inspiration
* Select artworks, prints and vintage inspiration research
* Provide overall creative direction and merchandising for seasonal lines
* Plan the line according to Sales, needs and trends
* Work with the Graphics team on developing prints and artworks
* Responsible of product, from concept through production
* Review sketches at scheduled meetings with each designer
* Overview the technical packages; detailed explanation sketches and specs
* Conduct fittings and fittings schedule
* Dispatch technical packages & comments to China factories
* Supervise the team for trims and fabric sourcing in Asia markets
* Ensure a close follow up & good communication with makers, to get the product
correct and on time
* Enforce calendar deadlines
* Track each employee’s progress, conduct regular performance reviews
* Responsible for staffing: interviewing, selecting candidates
* Coordinate task and resolve problems related to the development
September 02- March 04
Handbag Designer Bag-Pack Supplies Group (Hong Kong) www.bag-pack.com
* Travel for inspiration
* Select fabrics and hardware to be used for the season
* Build technical packages for China factory
* Communication with factories to resolve development issues
* Supervise fit and revisions of samples
* Communication with European customers in regards of needs
* Frequent travel to Europe to meet clients and present product
May 00-September 02
Designer Buffalo-David Bitton (Montreal) www.buffalo-jeans.com
*Travel for trend and fabric inspiration
*Develop and establish the basic fit and wash standard for the collection
*Work with graphic team for packaging development
*Build Technical packages and ensure communication with vendors
*Travel to China for fitting and development
March 99-May 00
Patternmaker Le Château (Montreal) www.lechateau.com
*Pattern making for a ladies contemporary line
*Review fit and pattern corrections
*Work closely with sewers for technical issue related to pattern
February 98-March 99
Design Assistant Jacob (Montreal) www.jacob.ca
Design assistant for a Canadian Company. Computer sketches and presentation boards.
Skills
Extremely organized; Extensive knowledge of management, both proven by successfully
building solid department based on stability and profitability.
Computer skills
Adobe / Photoshop, Illustrator, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
Education
Marie-Victorin Fashion College / Montreal- Canada; 1995-1997/ Womenswear fashion
design.
Languages
Fluent in French, English and Cantonese.
Contact this candidate