Hayley Brecht
Raleigh,NC
Summary
Australian Fashion Designer with 10+ years’ experience across design, product development, and production. Specializing in taking concepts from initial idea through to final garment. Skilled in trend analysis, commercial range building, detailed CADs, precise tech packs, and garment fitting, with a strong track record designing high-performing collections for Australian brands and driving growth in the US market. Known for connecting creativity with practical execution and for a transparent, hands-on approach to partnering with both established brands and startups.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Fashion Designer & Consultant
HB Studio
01.2026 - Current
- Provide on-trend designs and precise product development support to brands, from concept through to final garment.
- Support clients with trend research, CADs, tech packs, and fittings to ensure commercially viable and brand-aligned collections.
- Assist established and emerging brands in streamlining sampling and development processes with a practical, hands-on approach.
Head of Design
Ownley
01.2021 - 05.2025
- Played a key role in the inception and launch of Ownley.
- Transitioned from Lead Designer to Head of Design as Ownley scaled and mentored junior designers in all areas of the design lifecycle.
- Led the creation of fun, flirty, and highly sought-after collections that drove rapid brand growth in Australia and strong traction in the United States.
Head of Design
Hansen & Gretel
01.2017 - 05.2025
- Joined as Designer and progressed to Head Designer and ultimately Head of Design as the brand expanded.
- Oversaw end-to-end design and production processes, managing the Design team and driving seasonal collections.
- Partnered with sales and key accounts to develop top-selling styles aligned with brand identity and commercial goals.
- Built strong expertise across the full design lifecycle, including production, problem solving, team management, quality control, and timely delivery.
Education
Advanced Diploma - Fashion Design
Fashion Design Institute FDS
Sydney, Australia01-2013
Graduate Certificate - Design And Visual Communications
Enmore Design Centre
Sydney, Australia11-2010
Diploma - Business Marketing
St. George TAFE
Sydney, Australia11-2008
Skills
- Fashion design & concept development
- Trend research & market analysis
- CAD design & tech packs
- Garment fitting and construction
- Collection building and range planning
- Production, sampling, and QC
- Cross-functional collaboration with sales and key accounts
- Team leadership and mentoring
Timeline
Freelance Fashion Designer & Consultant
HB Studio
01.2026 - Current
Head of Design
Ownley
01.2021 - 05.2025
Head of Design
Hansen & Gretel
01.2017 - 05.2025
Advanced Diploma - Fashion Design
Fashion Design Institute FDS
Graduate Certificate - Design And Visual Communications
Enmore Design Centre
Diploma - Business Marketing
St. George TAFE