SARAH O'NEILL
Sydney,NSW
Summary
Senior Designer with extensive experience in innovative design and technical development. Demonstrated success in managing projects from concept to production, ensuring timely and high-quality outcomes. Expertise in fit analysis and feedback, contributing to successful product launches. Strong background in market research and cross-functional collaboration, consistently meeting tight deadlines.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Designer
PVH
SYDNEY CBD, NSW
04.2019 - Current
- 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 'initial' design concepts to GM and team members, articulating my design intent and rationale, along with any initial marketing concepts for the new collections.
- Communicate on a daily basis with vendor partners, as we work through the details of new developments or the follow-up process of new or existing styles.
- Collaborate with other departments, such as marketing and sales, to ensure we are all aligned, up to date, and that the 'Design Intent' isn't lost.
- Present 'seasonal newness' to all customers at market sell-in, and effectively communicate the design intent and rationale for each new style, along with detailed insight with regard to the key F&Bs for each collection.
- Conduct the fitting of key sizes, create fit reports including body images and pattern alterations required, and liaise with vendors to perfect fit for sign-off.
- Issue samples for wear tests, and collate feedback, which was then applied 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 new style.
- Manage multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines and budgets.
Senior Technical Designer
BENDON
SYDNEY
01.2018 - 04.2019
- Designed and developed fashion items, including 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.
Senior Technical Designer
BRAS N THINGS
SYDNEY, NSW
07.2013 - 01.2018
- 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 of more than 10 bra styles, while working closely with the RM suppliers and vendors from start to finish.
- Created comprehensive library of PU and spacer cups to ensure consistent fit across all bra lines.
- Established key RM items library to maintain quality and facilitate price negotiations.
- Conducted ongoing research and attended trade shows to monitor industry trends and innovations.
- Analyzed customer feedback, implementing design modifications to enhance product quality.
- Produced detailed technical packs to effectively communicate design specifications to vendors.
- Oversaw 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 timely completion of design initiatives, and target margins.
Senior Technical Designer
PLEASURE STATE/BENDON
SYDNEY, NSW
05.2007 - 07.2013
- 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 focused on R&D, and cup developments for the 'MYFIT' brand.
Senior Designer
The Berlei Group (Pac Brands)
Wentworthville, NSW
04.2003 - 05.2007
- 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.
Senior Designer
Triumph International
Swindon, Gloucestershire
07.1997 - 01.2003
- 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 and 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 the 'Flaunt' collection in October 1998, with Kelly Brooke as the 'face' of the brand, later replaced by Nell McAndrew.
- Designed two bras for Alexander McQueen featured in Spring '98 Ready to Wear show.
Senior Designer
Claremont
Nottingham, Nottingham
12.1996 - 07.1997
- 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.
Senior Designer
WARNERS ( WARNACO)
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
04.1996 - 12.1996
- 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.
Designer
Courtaulds (Meridian)
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
07.1993 - 04.1996
- 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 account with ASDA, achieving 800% growth in our women's underwear sales.
- Due to the growing success, we hired additional team members, and I was promoted to Senior Designer.
Junior Designer
Bentwood (Fantasie)
Kingswood, Bristol
08.1990 - 07.1993
- 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.
Education
Diploma - Art and Design
CHELTENHAM ART COLLEGE
Cheltenham UK07-1989
Skills
- Design development
- Technical packs
- Fit analysis
- Market research
- Trend forecasting
- Vendor communication
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Garment construction
- Mentoring junior designers
- Presentation skills
- Problem solving
- Design research
- Patternmaking
- Rough sketching
- Design implementation
- Production methods
- Sketching
Affiliations
- I enjoy cooking and DIY
- Walking and gardening
- Spending time with family and friends
- I like to travel, when given the chance
References
References available upon request.
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
Diploma - Art and Design
CHELTENHAM ART COLLEGE
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