Fashion

Photography. playing banjo. traveling.

Design - Apparel

Apparel Designer + Photographer

Fashion & Apparel

LinkedIn	• Responsible for the execution of design creations, driving execution of designs across multiple categories and brands, partnering with the cross-functional
partners on creative direction and designing apparel that is appealing and
brand appropriate for the target consumer
•  Provide trend direction for multiple brands by traveling and attending trade shows each season
• Set overall direction in the conceptual development of product lines
• Create detailed technical packages, including material specifications, trim,
CAD packages, and color details
•  Apply market research, trend insight, and knowledge to interpret business briefs from the product team to select materials, and actively create and present new innovative design concepts to the team
• Lead presentations with strong verbal and visual execution, while clearly communicating design vision
•  Ensure product meets budget and adheres to seasonal calendar while maintaining design excellence
• Build and support a collaborative and innovative culture for direct reports and peers
• Oversee the development of fabrics, wash finishes, special trims and style details

Apparel Designer

• Created brand-right commercial designs that reflected the conceptual direction and business strategy
• Developed seasonal product with focus on style, fit, and fabric

Freelance Designer

• Produced cohesive product presentations to merchant teams
• Led the approval process for all style, material, trims, and colors in style plan
• Partnered with Product Managers in set-up and presenting to divisions at buy meetings
• Ensured designs met merchant line plans, assortment strategies, and creative direction
• Responsible for approving lab dips, fabric samples, and strike-off's

• Executed accurate Design Packs and Artwork for cross-functional partners
• Established spec sheets and communicated fit and construction details to vendors
• Managed design process from concept to final product
• Researched seasonal trends and identified key color and silhouettes
• Coordinated and assisted in preparation for bi-yearly fashion show

Designer, Sail

Managed all stages of product development: sketching, creating tech packs, spec sheets, commenting on proto samples, print development, and creating
design boards
• Developed new and innovative wash, fits, and fabrics which resulted in increased sales for the season
• Reviewed washes and lab dips and clearly communicated modifications to manufacturing partners
• Ensured product designs were consistent with market trends and brand strategy
• Built strong cross-functional relationships with sales, production, technical design, and marketing teams to support product launch strategies

Denim Designer

• Worked closely with Betsey Johnson to execute her iconic feminine and whimsical design vision
• Supervised and led the team during New York Fashion Week
• Managed development process with domestic and overseas vendors
• Responsible for the product launch of evening and day-wear categories
• Managed product development calendar to effectively meet seasonal product deliveries
• Utilized draping and sewing skills, developed embroidery layouts, created tech packs, led fit sessions, and sourced fabrics for development

• Created monthly color palettes, mood boards, and concepts directly with Lauren Conrad
• Partnered with Design Director to execute desired trends and big ideas
• Collaborated with Lauren Conrad to Design Runway collection for New York
Fashion Week
• Identified an innovative idea to design a Disney inspired collection, which spread to a company-wide initiative and lucrative partnership with Disney
• Expanded the denim and bottoms business by focusing on key fits and fabric
and in return became the two best-selling categories in the brand
• Responsible for presenting in product and strategy meetings
• Created sketches, tech packs, and specs for assigned product categories

Associate Designer

Rachel Jacques is an Apparel Designer + Photographer at Colony Brands in Madison, WI.

Rachel Jacques

Rachel Jacques

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Interests

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Education history

School of the Art Institute