HEATHER FERRELL
Long Beach
Summary
Creative Senior Apparel Designer with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, specializing in women's, men's, kids', and accessories design. Proficient in managing the design process from concept to production, with achievements that include designs featured in ELLE Magazine and driving a 7x sales increase in lingerie. A strong ability to conduct trend analysis and oversee vendor collaborations will greatly enhance product offerings and drive innovation for future collections.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Designer
Vans
Costa Mesa
03.2020 - Current
- Serves as the global designer for women's, men's, kids', and accessories for SMU (Special Make Up) and outlet categories
- Manages the design process from concept through production, including color research and direction, trend analysis, and the creation of mood and concept boards
- Orchestrates technical import packages and fittings; conducts vendor meetings; oversees print repeats and graphic manipulation; and provides graphic direction
Designer
Vans
Costa Mesa
06.2017 - 03.2020
- Acted as the global designer for knit tops, woven tops, bottoms, and accessories specifically for Vans retail outlet
- Specialized in creating designs for junior's, men's, and boys' categories tailored for Kohl's, JC Penney, and various special account partners
SMU Designer Men's, Junior's, & Accessories
Vans
Costa Mesa
05.2013 - 06.2017
- Functioned as the global designer accommodating all categories for specific account requirements and requests
Designer for SMU Men's / Men's & Junior Girl's
Hurley
Costa Mesa
02.2010 - 05.2013
- Designed products across all categories tailored to meet the unique needs of accounts such as PacSun, Buckle, Macy's, USC, Tilly's, Arlies, Zumiez, and various accounts in Hawaii and Canada
- Conducted fittings, performed trend research, curated color assortments, and produced computer flat sketches
Designer
CMT (Clothing for Modern Times)
Los Angeles
03.2008 - 01.2010
- Developed designs for woven tops and dresses, as well as select outerwear, bottoms, and knits
- Managed the entire design process from concept to production, utilizing hand and computer flat sketching techniques
Senior Designer
Quiksilver, Inc.
Huntington Beach
04.2007 - 09.2007
- Engineered designs for woven tops, skirts, sweaters, and loungewear from concept to production
- Achieved visibility by having designs featured in ELLE Magazine
Designer Athletics/Casuals
Forever 21
Los Angeles
11.2006 - 04.2007
- Conceived and designed athletic knit and woven tops from concept to production
Designer (Lingerie)
Forever 21
Los Angeles
06.2005 - 11.2006
- Served as the sole lingerie designer responsible for overseeing the entire process from concept through production, including flat sketching and creative design
- Significantly enhanced department performance, resulting in a 7x increase in sales
Designer (Knits)
Forever 21
Los Angeles
12.2004 - 06.2005
- Acted as the sole designer for knits, managing the entire design process from concept to production through flat sketching and creative design
Assistant Designer (Knits/Sweaters)
Forever 21
Los Angeles
04.2004 - 12.2004
- Assisted the senior knits/sweaters designer and actively participated in fittings
Design Room Assistant - All Categories
Forever 21
Los Angeles
03.2004 - 04.2004
Student Intern
Meghan Noland, Inc. / Rigo International
Los Angeles
10.2003 - 01.2004
Education
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design
Brooks College
Long Beach, USA12.2003
5 years completed - Philosophy with a Pre-Law Emphasis
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, USA05.2002
Skills
- Macintosh
- PC
- Scanners
- External Hard Drives
- Digital Cameras
- Internet
- Adobe Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web PDM
- Relationship Management
- Strategic Agility
- Communication
- Design Experience
- Technology Proficiency
- Trend analysis
- Color research
- Technical packages
- Graphic design
- Mood boards
- Fitting sessions
- Creative direction
- Product development
- Collaboration skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Effective communication
- Project management
- Problem solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Team collaboration
- Superb eye for detail
- Interpersonal skills
- Originality
- Material selection
- Visual design
- Design research
Personal Information
Title: Senior Apparel Designer
Timeline
Senior Designer
Vans
03.2020 - Current
Designer
Vans
06.2017 - 03.2020
SMU Designer Men's, Junior's, & Accessories
Vans
05.2013 - 06.2017
Designer for SMU Men's / Men's & Junior Girl's
Hurley
02.2010 - 05.2013
Designer
CMT (Clothing for Modern Times)
03.2008 - 01.2010
Senior Designer
Quiksilver, Inc.
04.2007 - 09.2007
Designer Athletics/Casuals
Forever 21
11.2006 - 04.2007
Designer (Lingerie)
Forever 21
06.2005 - 11.2006
Designer (Knits)
Forever 21
12.2004 - 06.2005
Assistant Designer (Knits/Sweaters)
Forever 21
04.2004 - 12.2004
Design Room Assistant - All Categories
Forever 21
03.2004 - 04.2004
Student Intern
Meghan Noland, Inc. / Rigo International
10.2003 - 01.2004
Associate of Arts - Fashion Design
Brooks College
5 years completed - Philosophy with a Pre-Law Emphasis
California State University, Long Beach