Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Personal Information
Education and Training
Timeline
Hi, I’m

SARAH O'NEILL

Sydney,NSW
SARAH O'NEILL

Summary

Senior Technical Designer with extensive experience in innovative design and technical development. Demonstrated success in creating and managing projects from concept to production, ensuring timely and high-quality outcomes. Expertise in raw material sourcing and developing, fit analysis and feedback, contributing to successful product launches. Strong background in market research and cross-functional collaboration, consistently meeting tight deadlines. Qualified Technical Designer with robust background in senior design roles. Adept at leading design projects from conception to completion, with focus on delivering creative solutions and enhancing user experiences. Demonstrated creativity and leadership in team settings, ensuring high-quality design standards and collaborative success.

Overview

35
years of professional experience

Work History

PVH
SYDNEY CBD, NSW

Senior Designer
04.2019 - Current

Job overview

  • Lead design projects from concept through execution for the global shapewear brand.
  • Conduct market research, including fashion trends, fabric/yarn/RMs, and garment construction innovations. Continuously update knowledge of industry trends by researching competitors' products and services.
  • Develop innovative design solutions that reflect current fashion trends and consumer needs.
  • Created detailed technical packs to communicate design intent to vendors.
  • Present design concepts to GM and the team, clearly communicating design intent and rationale, pricing architecture, and potential marketing concepts.
  • Communicate on a daily basis with vendor partners, working through conceptual developments, and the follow-up process of new or existing styles.
  • Collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, e-commerce, campaign, and content shoots, to ensure the 'Product Design Intent' isn't lost.
  • Present to customers at market sell-in, and effectively communicate the relevant trends, specific key features and benefits, and a holistic plan for the full brand offer.
  • Conduct the fitting of key sizes, create fit reports including body images and pattern alterations required, and liaise with vendors to perfect the fit for sign-off.
  • Issue samples for wear tests, collate feedback, and apply it to the fit and development process, and/or ongoing style improvements.
  • Mentored junior designers, providing guidance on best practices and design techniques.
  • Coordinate production across stages from concept and design development, including lab dips, print strike-offs, bulk RMs sign-off, PP, and top sample sign-off. Request wear test, photography, and salesman samples.
  • Create and populate the Masterfile with style descriptions, F&Bs, wash care instructions, compositions, packaging, and online information required for each style.
  • Ongoing store visits to check on brand merchandising and customer feedback. Liaise with customers to present in-store training.
  • Manage multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines and budgets.

BENDON
SYDNEY

Senior Technical Designer
01.2018 - 04.2019

Job overview

  • Designed and developed fashion items, bras, briefs, and shapewear for Bendon and Fayreform brands.
  • Conducted research and created new basic blocks, patterns, and PU cups with detailed specifications.
  • Collaborated with international vendors to streamline sourcing and manufacturing processes.
  • Introduced and onboarded new vendors to enhance supply chain efficiency.
  • Managed all fittings and fit reports to secure fit approval from vendors.
  • Oversaw project timelines to ensure completion of design initiatives on schedule.
  • Monitored quality control procedures throughout production to maintain high standards.
  • Trained junior designers in technical aspects of product development.
  • I was approached to join PVH.

BRAS N THINGS
SYDNEY, NSW

Senior Technical Designer
07.2013 - 01.2018

Job overview

  • Designed core bra and shapewear collections, combining innovation and technical F&Bs.
  • Designed and developed the brand's 'Best-Selling' Core Bra Collection, 'Body Bliss,' comprising more than 10 bra styles, while working closely with the RM suppliers and vendors from start to finish.
  • Developed a comprehensive library of PU and spacer cups to ensure a consistent fit across all bra lines.
  • Established a key RM items library to maintain quality and facilitate price negotiations.
  • Conducted ongoing research and attended trade shows to monitor industry trends and innovations. Worked with vendors in their factories to fast-track developments.
  • Analyzed customer feedback, implementing design modifications to enhance product quality.
  • Produced detailed technical packs to effectively communicate design specifications to vendors.
  • Oversaw a fit team and mentored junior designers on technical design best practices.
  • Reviewed and approved sample garments for quality, adherence to design standards, fit, PP, and shipment samples.
  • Managed project timelines to ensure the timely completion of design initiatives and target margins.

PLEASURE STATE/BENDON
SYDNEY, NSW

Senior Technical Designer
05.2007 - 07.2013

Job overview

  • Designed innovative technical bras and specifications for Pleasure State, Victoria's Secret, and Fayreform.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure design alignment and intent. Worked closely with VS product teams, their vendors, and suppliers.
  • Partnered with the President of Pleasure State, and traveled extensively to source and onboard new vendors, visit factories, and source new RMs and innovations.
  • Assisted fittings, providing feedback, and next steps.
  • Created fit standards and product development guidelines for PS Design teams.
  • Later, we focused on R&D and cup developments for the 'MYFIT' brand.
  • I was approached to join Bras N Things.

The Berlei Group (Pac Brands)
Wentworthville, NSW

Senior Designer
04.2003 - 05.2007

Job overview

  • Led design projects from concept to execution for Marks & Spencer and Lane Bryant accounts.
  • Conducted trend and customer research, sourcing fabrics, and raw materials.
  • Collaborated with sewing machinists and R&D engineers to develop innovative construction techniques.
  • Liaised with customers, and traveled overseas for the follow-up and new product developments.
  • Prepared tech packs and costing information in preparation for production.
  • Designed base size patterns and partnered with graders to achieve key size approvals.
  • Arranged wear testing and wash tests to assess durability and stability.
  • October 2004 - Took on the Playtex account, specializing in traditional and Core bra development.
  • Creation of new wires and component charts, and the introduction of material guidelines for the Playtex brand.
  • I took on the additional role of managing the technical team, creating guidelines and processes for best practices, and ensuring consistent quality of fit and grading.
  • I was approached to join Pleasure State.

Triumph International
Swindon, Gloucestershire

Senior Designer
07.1997 - 01.2003

Job overview

  • Led design projects for global brand Marks and Spencer from concept to execution.
  • Designed shapewear and bras, creating tech packs and first-fit patterns ready for grading by the Tech Team.
  • Regular meetings and daily correspondence with RM suppliers to source newness, create developments, request sampling for garment making, and negotiate prices.
  • Collaborated with the Triumph Design team in Hong Kong, presenting designs and providing fit feedback for their designs, as well as mine.
  • Contributed to the creation of the first 'G cup' bra and the first 'T-shirt' bra for M&S.
  • Developed the Triumph brand 'Flaunt,' specializing in fashionable bras for women aged 18-45, and focusing on sizes 30-38 D-G.
  • Launch of 'Flaunt' in October 1998, with Kelly Brooke as the 'face' of the brand.
  • Designed bras for Alexander McQueen featured in his Spring '98 Ready to Wear show.

Claremont
Nottingham, Nottingham

Senior Designer
12.1996 - 07.1997

Job overview

  • After redundancy at Warners, Claremont approached me to go and work for them.
  • Head of Design for shapewear and core bras for M&S, with two assistants.
  • Product lead and direction. Design, sourcing, creation of TPs, and pattern making for 1st fit style approval.
  • Liaison with, and presentation to, M&S buyers.
  • I was approached to join Triumph.

WARNERS ( WARNACO)
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Senior Designer
04.1996 - 12.1996

Job overview

  • Warner approached me to go and work for them.
  • I joined as a Senior Designer of core and fashion bras for M&S.
  • Unfortunately, I was made redundant in December due to Warner's and M&S 'dissolving' their partnership.
  • I was approached to join Claremont.

Courtaulds (Meridian)
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Designer
07.1993 - 04.1996

Job overview

  • Sole designer for ladies' underwear, managing brands including ASDA, Mothercare, BHS, Tesco, and Littlewoods.
  • Focused on designing bras, briefs, and shapewear, prioritizing core and fashion bras.
  • Collaborated with sales teams on costings, critical paths, and customer presentations.
  • Sourced and developed fabrics and raw materials while overseeing development processes.
  • Executed pattern making and fittings to ensure product quality.
  • Led team efforts to establish a significant £2 million contract for Core bras, with GDP at ASDA.
  • The new contract resulted in the need to grow the team, and I was promoted to Senior/Head Designer.
  • I was approached to join Warners.

Bentwood (Fantasie)
Kingswood, Bristol

Junior Designer
08.1990 - 07.1993

Job overview

  • Assisted Senior pattern maker and grader in technical design tasks, resulting in promotion to Junior Designer after six months.
  • Collaborated with senior designers on creative projects and presentations, including bra designs for Tesco, Littlewoods, and Next.
  • Joined M&S design team to create fashion bras and shapewear, enhancing product offerings.
  • Conducted sourcing of raw materials, pattern making, cost preparation, fittings, and technical pack preparation.
  • Presented product developments to senior M&S buyers, and attended their critical path, design and development meetings, and weekly fit sessions.

Education

CHELTENHAM ART COLLEGE

Diploma from Art and Design
07-1989

University Overview

Skills

  • Design development and implementation
  • Technical pack creation
  • Fit analysis and trend forecasting
  • Market research and design research
  • Vendor communication and collaboration
  • Cross-functional teamwork
  • Garment construction techniques
  • Mentoring and coaching designers
  • Presentation and communication skills
  • Problem solving strategies
  • Patternmaking and sketching expertise
  • Production methods and innovation
  • Supervision and leadership
  • Garment construction
  • Product innovation
  • Project management

Affiliations

Affiliations
  • I enjoy cooking and DIY
  • Walking and gardening
  • Spending time with family and friends
  • I like to travel

References

References
References available upon request.

Personal Information

Personal Information

Education and Training

Education and Training
other

Timeline

Senior Designer
PVH
04.2019 - Current
Senior Technical Designer
BENDON
01.2018 - 04.2019
Senior Technical Designer
BRAS N THINGS
07.2013 - 01.2018
Senior Technical Designer
PLEASURE STATE/BENDON
05.2007 - 07.2013
Senior Designer
The Berlei Group (Pac Brands)
04.2003 - 05.2007
Senior Designer
Triumph International
07.1997 - 01.2003
Senior Designer
Claremont
12.1996 - 07.1997
Senior Designer
WARNERS ( WARNACO)
04.1996 - 12.1996
Designer
Courtaulds (Meridian)
07.1993 - 04.1996
Junior Designer
Bentwood (Fantasie)
08.1990 - 07.1993
CHELTENHAM ART COLLEGE
Diploma from Art and Design
SARAH O'NEILL