John Stefura
New York,United States
Summary
Extremely articulated Technical Designer. Well-versed in the engineering of a design collection from the initial concept through to the final floor set. Skilled in women's and men's specifications. Detailed in the construct and architecture of a woven and knit garment through sewing, flat pattern, and draping.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Technical Designer
Free Country
07.2022 - 12.2022
- Managed the preparation of 1st proto - production samples for fittings which included specing and pre-live model fits completed on the form for all men's outerwear for regular and big and tall size classes
- Conducted all live model fittings, with the design department, handling all pinning and taking all notes
- Managed all written corrections and final grades completed in an excel technical package
- Initiated the start of the men's outerwear fit block standards library.
Technical Designer
Macys Merchandising Group Procurement LLC
03.2018 - 02.2020
- Accomplished and accredited ln fitting, correcting patterns for overseas vendor development for the Macy's private knit brand JM Collection
- Responsible for the garments production development life cycle through to the final production fit approvals
- Accomplished in Missy, Woman's and Petite woven and knit garment measuring, construction and grading
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Proven ability to work well with team members and manage multiple tasks, goal-oriented and ability to be flexible with fast-paced environments
- Knowledgeable on target customers fit and lifestyle
Technical Designer
Mainstreet Loungewear
03.2016 - 04.2017
- Managed the make and flt of the Just Sexy Intimate Apparel Collection for missy and woman's plus size categories
- Streamlined the fit process by introducing live model fittings
- Draped first patterns, made pattern corrections directly to factories, updating an excel technical spec package with correct specs and trim
- Responsible for first proto development approvals through to the final production approvals and final production gradings
- Daily communication with overseas vendors through email
Designer
Eva Mendes Collection, New York & Company
01.2013 - 11.2014
- Launched and designed the EM Collection
- Partnered with merchandising teams, sourcing teams, technical design and Eva Mendes to secure brand right product
- Collaborated with senior management in selecting/developing seasonal fabrics and prints
- Daily sketching and cading for design presentation boards and marketing materials
- Created technical packs with all relevant fabric, trim and sketch details for every seasonal collection
Technical Designer / Designer Consultant
New York & Company
01.2007 - 12.2012
- Daily sketching, creating design body boards, attending all fittings and design meetings, tech packing, and initiating first design specs for all Wear to Work design departments.
Freelance Technical Designer
John Varvatos Ent., Carole Hochman, Hampshire Designers, Limited Stores, Martin & Osa, Danskin
09.2005 - 01.2007
- Worked with technical department in the development of 1st samples through the approval of production samples
- Communicated with off-shore vendors utilizing an excel generated technical data package
- Created detailed flat sketches of garments in adobe illustrator
- Reviewed prototypes and samples to ensure quality and fit consistency
- Fitted the seasonal collection lines with pinning and markups on live models and daily fit comments/corrections sent to vendors.
Technical Designer
Calvin Klein, G.A.V. / Kellwood Companies
11.2003 - 09.2005
- Managed the design development & production for the cut & sew knit programs
- Fitted the cut & sew knit collection on a live model
- Processed all technical reports and pattern corrections utilizing the in-house pattern room and WEB PDM
- Designed, trained, and responsible for the installation of the Gerber WEB PDM system.
Senior Technical Designer
Calvin Klein Inc.
02.1998 - 05.2000
- Managed a staff in the development of 1st samples for the Men's, Woman's, Juniors, and Kids CK Jeans Label
- Managed The US and european licensees in maintaining the look and integrity of the CK Jeans line
- Worked with the US and European licensees in conducting seasonal fittings on live models
- Worked with NY designers and executed design changes utilizing the in-house pattern staff
- Maintained fitting block standards that brought consistency of fit across all of CK Jeans
Technical Designer
Isaac Mizrahi, "ISAAC" Label
03.1996 - 12.1997
- Developed 1st proto samples through the pattern and sample room processes
- Fitted on live models and executed pattern corrections through flat sketching
- Measured samples and maintained style specifications on an excel based data management program
- Participated in organizing the backstage for the ISAAC live fashion show events
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY01-1990
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY01-1989
Skills
Supervision and leadership
Pattern making and draping
Woven, cut n sew and denim
Garment construction
Specification development
Sample preparation
Sewing, hand and machine
Product lifecycle management
Adobe illustrator and photoshop
Supplier Relations
Timeline
Senior Technical Designer
Free Country
07.2022 - 12.2022
Technical Designer
Macys Merchandising Group Procurement LLC
03.2018 - 02.2020
Technical Designer
Mainstreet Loungewear
03.2016 - 04.2017
Designer
Eva Mendes Collection, New York & Company
01.2013 - 11.2014
Technical Designer / Designer Consultant
New York & Company
01.2007 - 12.2012
Freelance Technical Designer
John Varvatos Ent., Carole Hochman, Hampshire Designers, Limited Stores, Martin & Osa, Danskin
09.2005 - 01.2007
Technical Designer
Calvin Klein, G.A.V. / Kellwood Companies
11.2003 - 09.2005
Senior Technical Designer
Calvin Klein Inc.
02.1998 - 05.2000
Technical Designer
Isaac Mizrahi, "ISAAC" Label
03.1996 - 12.1997
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
Associate of Applied Science - Fashion Merchandising Management
Fashion Institute of Technology
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