Erika Nakayama
Product Development- Project Manager · Indie Source
Pasadena, CA
In My Own Words
A dynamic individual with a demonstrated history of building relationships, accountability and proficiently providing solutions. Motivated to work towards a better future by being aware of the sustainable, environmental, and the ethical movement in the apparel industry. Experience working with local and overseas vendors, Project managing, Costing, Sourcing, Technical Design, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Textiles, Fit, Construction, and Quality Control..
Work Experience
Product Development- Project Manager
Indie Source2019 – Present
• Provide solutions to apparel brands to build their supply chain and ensure a seamless transition to production. • Communicate plans, expectations and set attainable goals. • Responsible to manage all technical aspects of development through production, keeping communication open between designers, sample team, patternmaker, and production. • Source vendors, materials, trims for products. Providing secondary options to maintain within budget. • Order materials & oversee all development samples approvals. • Enter costing for materials & trims into BOM & Tech Packs. • Plan fittings with designers and pattern maker to ensure follow through for each style. • Manage product development process • Daily communication with vendors to ensure lead times, cost, & quality is met. • Develop custom trims that meet design and functioning requirements
Technical Designer
4OUR DREAMERS2016 – Present
Oversee Technical aspects of development through production within TNA Calendar. Build Tech Packs (grading, sketches, callouts, fabric and trim) for woven and knit apparel. Conduct fittings, and communicate fit/construction with overseas manufacturers. Manage development with the ability to trouble shoot, identify and resolve any potential issues. Plan/carry out projects according to critical timelines. In-factory visits to China, to oversee Quality Control, Development Samples, PP/TOP,and Production. Assist Head Designer with trend/textile analysis, development research for fit, style, and construction. Product Category: Women's tops, bottoms, dresses, cover ups, & jackets. Woven's and Cut&Sew Knits
Pattern/ Sample Maker
Le Chef Costumier2012 – 2016
Constructed products from development (sketches) to production (including draping, pattern making and sewing). Provided creative solutions to design problems/constraints. Collaborated with designers to ensure all functional requirements including safety, movement, fit and shape were addressed. Created advanced assembly instructions (order of operations). As tenured associate I provided assistance to management by overseeing quality control and workload distribution while also making sure deadlines and contractual obligations were met. Provided on site assistance, including first /final fittings, alterations and delivery of products. Seamstress & Craft knowledge. Clients include Disney, DreamWorks, Royal Caribbean and Universal.
Associate Technical Designer
William B/ Henry Duarte (Private Label)2012 – 2014
Collaborate with Designer to build Line sheets, & Tech packs for multiple women contemporary and sportswear private label brands. Rework textile patterns for print, and recolor. CAD technical flats, apparel, jewelry & textile art work.
Designer Assistant
Ryan Roberts2012 – 2013
Manage and develop Line sheet, CAD sketches, Photoshop edits Send out patterns for grading & production garments for final trim & press finishes Organized fabric and trim library & assisted with creative story board Maintain order entry, cut tickets, inventory for retail store
Associate Designer
Arnold Zimberg2011 – 2012
Managed the sample making process for men and women woven / knit apparel. Created technical packets with specs, and flat sketches. Used effective, direct and clear communication with overseas and local manufacturers. Assisted Creative Director in first and final fittings Ordered material goods for salesmen samples Photograph, edit & create line sheets Styling models, on site set up for photo shoot Branding development: Label, hangtag, hanger, and garment bag Coterie Trade Show: Arrange booth design, setup, furniture rentals, model casting ENK Vegas: Sales Assistant and customer service Manage library of featured press released images.
