Deborah Sands-McDonald
Summary
Innovative Design Director and Senior Fashion Designer with a strong track record of leading creative teams and generating over $80 million in sales through trend-driven design and brand strategy. Expertise spans multiple apparel categories, complemented by a commitment to inclusivity through educational initiatives in fashion design and sewing.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO / Lead Teacher
Sew & So’s LLC
Hoboken, NJ
07.2024 - Current
- Co-created fashion design and upcycling studio for children and adults, fostering creativity and confidence while promoting therapeutic benefits of sewing.
- Designed and led sewing, fashion design, crafting, and upcycling classes, camps, workshops, and special events.
- Developed inclusive programming to support and engage neurodivergent individuals through hands-on creative expression, enhancing accessibility and participation.
- Built brand identity and marketing campaigns, creating curriculum and establishing community partnerships to expand outreach and engagement.
Freelance Senior Fashion Designer
Mamiye Bros
New York, NY
01.2017 - 04.2025
- Designed infant through girls’ apparel collections including separates, denim, outerwear, activewear, swimwear, athleisure, and dresses. Guess, Factory & Mass Market.
- Developed tech packs and managed product development from concept to production, ensuring alignment with design vision.
- Created seasonal trend, color, and presentation boards to visually communicate design direction and inspire stakeholders.
- Collaborated with overseas factories, licensors, buyers, and production teams to maintain quality standards and uphold brand consistency.
- Applied expertise in patternmaking, fit, garment construction, and costing.
Creative Director
Topsville
NYC, NY
07.2016 - 11.2016
- Led and mentored team of 10 artists and designers to enhance creative output.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align project goals and streamline execution.
Senior Fashion Designer
Bentex Group-HIS Inc.
New York, NY
12.2012 - 07.2016
- Designed innovative fashion collections aligning with brand identity and market trends.
- Executed market research to pinpoint emerging styles and consumer preferences, informing design direction.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop seasonal lines and product strategies.
- Communicated design revisions and approvals directly with production teams.
- Designed sets and separates for Disney, Nickelodeon, Mattel, Pony Tails, Faded Glory, and George.
Creative Director / Girls & Toys
Kahn Lucas Lancaster Inc.
New York, NY
04.2010 - 06.2012
- Directed team of 10 designers and artists to execute creative concepts and maintain brand integrity.
- Coordinated collaborations with licensors across accessories, dolls, toys, and apparel categories, enhancing product offerings and market reach.
- Developed brand identity and product vision for private label programs, aligning with market trends and consumer preferences. Dolly & Me.
- Recipient of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award and Savvy Auntie Coolest Toy Award Pick (2010).
Creative Director / Senior Designer
Mamiye Brothers Inc.
New York, NY
03.1997 - 04.2010
- Launched and designed $80M Walmart brand featuring Mary-Kate & Ashley, driving brand recognition.
- Designed and managed a $45M Disney brand; awarded Disney Licensor of the Year (2007).
- Designed and managed $34M Nickelodeon brand, achieving features in WSGN and Discovery Girls Magazine.
- Mentored and led teams of 20 artists and designers to enhance creative output.
Designer
European Club Ltd.
New York, NY
11.1992 - 01.1997
- Designed girls sportswear and infant apparel for Rayna Morgan division, enhancing product line diversity.
- Hand sketched and developed initial patterns for showroom samples, contributing to successful seasonal launches.
Designer
Fleet Street Ltd.
New York, NY
09.1989 - 12.1992
- Elevated to Designer level to lead launch of kids outerwear line.
- Traveled internationally to oversee production and develop product samples, ensuring quality alignment with design specifications.
Assistant Designer Juniors & Girls
Girls & Juniors Outerwear
09.1988 - 09.1989
- Contributed to the development of Cherokee Jr. Kids, Junior Ladies, and Girls Outerwear collections.
- Collaborated with senior designer to develop fabric selections and color palettes.
Education
B.F.A. - Fashion Design
Parsons School of Design
NYCSkills
- Product Development
- Creative Direction
- Fashion design
- Trend & Color Direction
- Market research
- Trend analysis
- Project management
- Cost Analysis
- Spec Creation
- Garment Construction
- Adobe Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Excel
- Leadership & Team Mentorship
- Curriculum design
- Fashion Illustration
- Creative direction
- Problem solving
Locations
- Hoboken, Hoboken, NJ, 07030
Timeline
CEO / Lead Teacher
Sew & So’s LLC
07.2024 - Current
Freelance Senior Fashion Designer
Mamiye Bros
01.2017 - 04.2025
Creative Director
Topsville
07.2016 - 11.2016
Senior Fashion Designer
Bentex Group-HIS Inc.
12.2012 - 07.2016
Creative Director / Girls & Toys
Kahn Lucas Lancaster Inc.
04.2010 - 06.2012
Creative Director / Senior Designer
Mamiye Brothers Inc.
03.1997 - 04.2010
Designer
European Club Ltd.
11.1992 - 01.1997
Designer
Fleet Street Ltd.
09.1989 - 12.1992
Assistant Designer Juniors & Girls
Girls & Juniors Outerwear
09.1988 - 09.1989
B.F.A. - Fashion Design
Parsons School of Design