Mariam Anna Barska
Burbank,CA
Summary
15+ years in fashion Design Leadership for a variety of categories including contemporary, luxury, fast-fashion and runway. Successfully launched and established new brands. A visionary that successfully interprets trends & creates product that sells. Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining focus along with strategic direction. Passionate about leading and mentoring the next generation of creatives.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Design Direction & Consulting
Freelance
Los Angeles, CA
07.2012 - Current
- Establish creative concepts, direction with trend forecasting, suggest prints and patterns, design collections for contemporary, luxury and fast fashion companies
Head of Design
SHEIN
Los Angeles, CA
05.2022 - 05.2023
- Responsible for building and managing the new LA design hub, including hiring new talent
- Planned, managed, and oversaw execution of design and development process for monthly releases of new products
- Applied market research, trend, and consumer insights to drive strategy and sales
- Provided creative direction for the design team to ensure deliverables and timelines were met based on design calendar
- Utilized data and forecasts from weekly sales reports, buying and planning departments to design new merchandise that met company's goals
Collection Designer
FOREVER 21
Los Angeles, CA
07.2021 - 05.2022
- Designed collections and capsules from concept to final fittings in all categories including tops, bottoms, dresses, sweaters, jackets and outerwear
Creative Design Director
SPC
Los Angeles, CA
03.2019 - 03.2021
- Created and implemented design concepts across multiple brands and categories: cut & sew knits, lounge and active for this Private Label company
- Researched industry trends and evaluated competitive products
- Oversaw creative process from original ideas and inspiration including the preservation of brand standards for each account
- Collaborated with production team to meet deadlines and goals
- Managed technical design and product development to provide accurate and complete design packages
Head Designer
BAILEY44
Vernon, CA
05.2015 - 12.2018
- Built a new successful brand - Ali & Jay - from concept to free-standing store in 1st year
- Led the esthetic vision, along with the creation of new prints, fabrications, and style direction
- Oversaw the technical design team from proto thru production to ensure aesthetic and fit accuracy
Design Director
BEBE
Los Angeles, CA
06.2012 - 12.2014
- Oversaw multiple design teams to fulfill monthly, quarterly, and seasonal merchandising goals
- Supervised stuff of more than 35
- Very hands-on with team members so they felt supported
- Designed collection for new digital ad campaign to reposition and rebrand; appealing to 'irreverent and confident women'
- Products generated more than 6M Twitter and Instagram impressions, increasing sales
- Successfully turned around sweater category, increasing sales by 50%
Senior Designer
GUESS
Los Angeles, CA
03.2011 - 05.2012
- Contributed successful launch of 'Elin Kling for Marciano' collection by working closely with this influencer
- Initiated processes and procedures that increased operational efficiency by managing daily workload for design teams
- Traveled within USA & to Europe for inspirations and trends
- Attended shows such as PV, Pitti Filati, Intermezzo
RTW Runway Head Designer
BCBG & Hervé Léger
Vernon, CA
03.2006 - 03.2011
- Designed and developed Hervé Léger runway collection
- Played an instrumental role in the increase of company revenue to $15M
- Initiated and conducted first Runway show in NYC for Hervé Léger
- Designed and developed capsules of Max Azria Sweaters
- Designed and developed capsules of BCBG Dresses
Education
Fashion Design -
Fashion Institute of Technology
Skills
- Creative direction
- Trend forecasting
- Merchandising
- Print development
- Sourcing
- Leadership
- Mentorship
- Team building
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team management
- Deadline management
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Brand development
- Calm under pressure
- Technical design
- Product development
- Collection design
- Market research
- Visual merchandising
Certification
- Passed California Department of Insurance test by 75% on first attempt
- Passed Financial Markets course test at Yale University
Affiliations
- Obtained medal for completing Spartan Race in 2019
Timeline
Head of Design
SHEIN
05.2022 - 05.2023
Collection Designer
FOREVER 21
07.2021 - 05.2022
Creative Design Director
SPC
03.2019 - 03.2021
Head Designer
BAILEY44
05.2015 - 12.2018
Design Direction & Consulting
Freelance
07.2012 - Current
Design Director
BEBE
06.2012 - 12.2014
Senior Designer
GUESS
03.2011 - 05.2012
RTW Runway Head Designer
BCBG & Hervé Léger
03.2006 - 03.2011
Fashion Design -
Fashion Institute of Technology
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