Tara S.

Freelance. Design entire collection from first sketch through to final production. Source new factories for clients and help facilitate expansion to China, Japan and other emerging luxe markets. Social Media Strategy for fashion brands and ongoing consulting and support for start up fashion brands, Handbags, Accessories, Small Leather Goods, Belts, Jewelry, Material Sourcing, Leather Sourcing, Hardware Development, Product Development, Trend Forecasting, Business Strategy, Developing Accessory Divisions, Sourcing Factories, Korea, China, India, Italy, Vendor Negotiations, Private Label design, iphone and digital device Cases, Men's Belts and Bags, Backpacks, Messenger Bags, etc. Clients include JCPenney, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Target, Allegro, Black Rapid, Rocco Sauvage, Neiman Marcus, Torrid, Rampage, Wet Seal, Rakuda bags, Nordstrom, I-Trend designs, AllieLor Collections, Jessica Georgina, and many more. (Most clients NOT listed due to confidentiality)

Design full line of PU fashion handbags, product development and production for the off-price category. I used my vast network of suppliers and factories to produce 10 full collections of PU fashion handbags for the Vertigo brand. Sales at the trade shows.

- Manage product development of Apparel with overseas and domestic factories. - Approve lab dips and samples. - Source new accessories and apparel for collections. - Establish timelines and T & A calendar for each season and collection. - Trend research for future collections. - New product development for new lines, such as denim, scarves, sunglasses and fashion accessories. - Social networking including facebook, twitter, etc.

• Design, sketch, and source handbags, small leather goods, belts, and fashion accessories for brand Rocco e Dante. • E-Commerce Manager • Work includes: sketching, technical specs, sourcing, product development, and collection editing and review. • Travel to Italy and Hong Kong to oversee sample and design process, source new materials, and meet with factories. • Manage sales reps, attend trade shows, and oversee all business development and social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

• Designed and sketched leather handbags. • Responsible for collection from initial concept to final sales samples. • Sketched silhouettes, selected colors, materials, and hardware, made sample requests, reviewed samples, and was responsible for communicating changes with factories in China and Korea.

• Specialized in “Gift with Purchase” and “Purchase with Purchase” for the fashion/beauty/travel industry. • Accounts included: Michael Stars, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Frankie B., Pure Beauty, Fudge, and others. • Designed and manufactured promotional items. • Traveled to China and Hong Kong to meet with suppliers.• Obtained new clients via cold-calls and networking. • Responsible for spec and sample development with Chinese factories. • Responsible for new product development, costing, freehand sketches, and meeting with corporate buyers and marketing teams.

J & L Footwear, Los Angeles, CA: Associate Footwear Designer