DONALD GUADELOUPE
(m) 347-***-**** adii74@r.postjobfree.com www.linkedin.com/in/donald-guadeloupe
SUMMARY
Talented Designer with strong technical background in Knitwear with the ability to identify and solve problems. Portfolio available at www.dguadeloupe.com
SKILLS
Ability to identify and solve fit problems across all categories
Concept development of brands and provide direction to team
Excellent technical ability in construction, fit and creating tech pack
Maximum designs in both full fashion sweaters and cut & sew knits
Knowledge of draping, pattern making, garment finishes and sewing techniques
Capitalize on emerging trend from international fashion markets
Strong communication skill to venders and manufactories
Create color pallets, mood boards, yarn stitch development and design presentation
Excellent fitting and grading skills including PLM programs
Experience with Adobe Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, CAD and Microsoft office
EXPERIENCE:
SENIOR DESIGNER New York, NY
Eshakti.com LLC Aug 2018 - Aug 2019
Developed over 100 styles of contemporary to moderate pieces; 80% dresses ranging from sweater designs to cut and sew knits including woven tops and bottoms. Customized sizing (4 to 36) giving customer ability to customize purchase that fits lifestyle from hemline to neckline.
Increased monthly sales from 4% to 8%.
SENIOR DESIGNER New York, NY
Lord & Taylor June 2014 - June 2018
Developed multiple design tech packs (80 to 150 samples) through concept, color, yarn, pattern stitches within three design categories; increased knitwear sales by 30%.
Led team of four; created story boards including design concepts, yarns, swatches and tear sheets.
Worked cross-functionally with contemporary/updated missy and plus size departments.
Spearheaded trend direction for entire line, identified competitive markets while adopting strong sense of style across all brands.
Oversaw Time and Action calendar including Europe, Asia and South America, as well as domestic markets.
DESIGN DIRECTOR New York, NY
Bask Atelier Nov 2009 - April 2014
Produced inspirational boards, key design elements of illustration, trims, and seasonal direction overviews.
Expanded knit program product line for high-profile brands; increased sales by 20% over a 2-year period.
Implemented the sweater line of contemporary sweaters, hand knits, fine gage and Cut & Sew knits.
Designed and evaluated fit and construction, communicated all corrections via tech pack to meet deadlines.
Communicated daily with factories in China; directed all aspects of design including specification, grading, and silhouette fitting.
Attained production goals by consulting with team, ensured cost-effective product parameters were met and achieved.
DESIGN / MANAGER New York, NY
Exclusively Misook Feb 2006 - Nov 2009
Implemented design of contemporary and missy knitwear with novelty pieces set in seasonal fabric, prints, embroidery and yarn direction.
Provided guidance to team handling entire product design process; color palettes, art direction, fabric, yarn and trim.
Executed private label designs for Dillard's and Nordstrom; increased yearly net sales by 15%.
Managed overall integration of special groups (petite to large sizes) with tech pack, design proportion fit and style detail.
SENIOR DESIGNER / MANAGER Little Rock, AK
Dillard's Department Services July 2003 - Feb 2006
Launched QUE, new line of contemporary separates that included sweaters, cut and sew knits, woven tops, bottoms and jeans.
Established clarity and consistency throughout all categories within the QUE brand.
Promoted to elevate styling and design profile of WESTBOUND – well-established division at Dillard's; Directed team of eight.
Formulated preparation of trend direction; identified competitive markets while corresponding with vendors in Asia, including Hong Kong and India.
SENIOR DESIGNER New York, NY
Magaschoni May 1999 - June 2003
Successfully developed a contemporary knitwear collection with design tech pack with fabric, trim and measurements.
Accountable for the sample process from hand off to top bulk production.
ASSISTANT DESIGNER New York, NY
Calvin Klein June 1996 - May 1999
Offered designs and technical flat specs with detail information and utilized various techniques with trims, materials, and metals to create new details.
Created theme inspiration boards using fabrics, illustrations, and pictures and collaborated with pattern makers in developing draped garments.
FREELANCE:
Tahari, Adrienne Vittadini, Tracy Reeves, Casper for ASL, Gloria Sachs, Andrea Jovine, Rebecca Moses
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Bachelor's Degree: Apparel/ Fashion Design