Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer
Timeline
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DENISE O'CONNOR

DENISE O'CONNOR

Malibu,CA

Summary

Creative and versatile professional with extensive experience in fashion design, product development, and brand management. Proven ability to lead teams, conceptualize and execute innovative designs, manage production processes, and drive brand growth. Expertise in trend forecasting, brand strategy planning, garment fit, and construction.

Work History

Owner

Clear Dream LLC
Malibu, CA
06.2022 - Current
  • Research & development of products
  • Photograph products & models for website and social media
  • Oversee design of branding, labels and logo

Fashion Design Instructor

Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA
02.2013 - 06.2014
  • FashionTrends and Design- An introductory course which discussed the nature of fashion design and its components. Helped students understand how cultural factors influence the style, color, texture, and design of garments. Course included information about trend forecasting, theories of fashion adoption, sources of design inspiration, and garment manufacturing.
  • Apparel Construction- An introduction to the basic sewing techniques of apparel manufacturing. Provided familiarization with the tools used in the fashion industry. Students developed the fundamental skills, and learned the terminology of clothing construction. Course discussed, specifically, which methods to use in construction and why, in regards to fabric, price point, and market.

Head Designer

Lu Lu Lame`
Los Angeles, CA
04.2006 - 01.2010
  • Provided creative direction for both Private Label (Bloomingdales Aqua, Arden B, Pea in the Pod) & branded collections sold in Anthropologie, Fred Segal, & Macys.
  • Sourced & developed all artwork, fabrics, embellishments & trims, working with overseas & domestic factories.
  • Worked with first & production pattern makers to develop styles & specs
  • Illustrated line sheets
  • Managed time/action calendar for development of line & duplicates
  • Managed & directed sample makers, patternmakers & design assistants
  • Lead all production fittings
  • Shopped market for trend research & inspiration
  • Traveled to attend shows, shop stores, source artwork & find vintage samples

Senior Designer

Necessary Objects
New York, NY
09.2001 - 12.2005
  • Worked with President to identify key fabrics, colors & silhouettes
  • Designer of successful dress division
  • Sourced all fabrics & trims
  • Worked with pattern makers & sample makers to create first sample
  • Embroidery & beading placement, re-colored prints, approved lab dips
  • Developed styles for private label accounts including Urban Outfitters, Bloomingdales Aqua, & Rampage
  • Created concept & mood boards for buyer presentations
  • Corresponded with overseas agents
  • Traveled to Europe for trend research & sample shopping

Freelance Technical Designer

Marc by Marc Jacobs
New York, NY
06.2001 - 08.2001
  • Created woven construction notes & garment specs
  • Data entry for trim information

Freelance Design Assistant

Victoria's Secret Catalog
New York, NY
05.2001 - 06.2001
  • Assisted in researching and developing trend concepts for future deliveries
  • Assisted in creating visuals for presentations including color, concept & fabric boards

Design Assistant

Betsey Johnson
New York, NY
10.2000 - 04.2001
  • Sourced & created all custom trims & embellishments taking direction from Betsey or senior management
  • Prepared Design boards and gathered information for merchandising meetings

Education

Professional Designation Program - Fashion Design

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Los Angeles, CA
06.1999

Overseas Program - Fashion Design

ThamesValley University
London, England
12.1997

Associate of Arts Degree - Fashion Design

Santa Monica College
Los Angeles, CA
07.1997

Skills

  • Trend Research
  • Visual merchandising
  • Team leadership
  • Apparel construction
  • Brand strategy planning
  • Creative direction
  • Client collaboration
  • Scheduling and Workflow Management

Volunteer

  • Special Education District Advisory Committee for Santa Monica Malibu School District
  • Parent Resource Network representative for Malibu Schools

Timeline

Owner

Clear Dream LLC
06.2022 - Current

Fashion Design Instructor

Santa Monica College
02.2013 - 06.2014

Head Designer

Lu Lu Lame`
04.2006 - 01.2010

Senior Designer

Necessary Objects
09.2001 - 12.2005

Freelance Technical Designer

Marc by Marc Jacobs
06.2001 - 08.2001

Freelance Design Assistant

Victoria's Secret Catalog
05.2001 - 06.2001

Design Assistant

Betsey Johnson
10.2000 - 04.2001

Professional Designation Program - Fashion Design

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Overseas Program - Fashion Design

ThamesValley University

Associate of Arts Degree - Fashion Design

Santa Monica College

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