Susan Smith
Houston
Summary
Established Fashion Designer with reputation for exquisitely designed collections. Familiar with complete product creation life cycle from initial concept to retail sale. Committed to innovation, functionality, and high-quality products.
Talented professional possessing competitive spirit and excellent artistic abilities. Expertise in producing and creating specifications, translating ideas into sketches and selecting and coordinating outfits and accessories for shows and displays. Collaborative team player. knowledge of fabric trimming, draping and pinning procedures. Recognized for timeless style and exceptional tailoring skills.
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Handbag Designer
The Stylish Sloane
Houston
06.2023 - Current
- Repaired defective bags returned by customers within specified time frames while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship.
- Collaborated with photographers and stylists to showcase brands and merchandising standards.
- Researched specification information and in-line style to develop quality patterns.
- Examined product samples, adjusting designs to achieve desired results.
Sales Assistant
J McLaughlin
Houston
12.2017 - 06.2019
- Processed special orders for out-of-stock items when necessary.
- Assisted customers with returns, exchanges and refunds.
- Replenished merchandise on shelves as needed throughout the day.
- Exceptional Customer service for clients.
- $100,000 in sales within 6 months
Shop Owner
My London Flat
Houston
09.2012 - 12.2015
- Sourced antiques from England & France
- Designed Jewelry made with vintage shoe buckles & fur clips.
- Maintained shop visually, offered interior design consultations.
Contributing Editor
Mary Engelbreit Home Companion
London England
09.2000 - 09.2004
- Attended conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and newsworthy topics.
- Assisted with the design process by providing input on layout and visuals related to stories.
- Monitored the progress of projects at various stages of completion.
- Researched current events to identify relevant stories that could be covered in upcoming issues.
- Worked closely with production staff throughout the publishing process.
- Maintained detailed records of all editorial activities including budgets, expenses, contracts.
- Established relationships with external sources for exclusive access to information or resources.
- Collaborated with other editors to review submissions and develop editorial strategies.
Prop Stylist
Neiman Marcus Horchow Pier One
Dallas
06.1994 - 08.1998
- Assisted in organizing special events such as pop-up shops or fashion shows.
- Advised clients on proper care techniques for garments and accessories.
- Provided excellent customer service to ensure client satisfaction.
- Developed relationships with vendors and suppliers to obtain the best prices for products.
- Organized and maintained an inventory of clothing, accessories, and beauty products.
- Demonstrated knowledge of fabrics, colors, textures, cuts, silhouettes.
- Provided guidance and support throughout the entire selection process until successful placement is achieved.
Internship
The Smithsonian, division of costume
Washington
06.1988 - 08.1988
- Assisted curator with various projects.
- Maintained accurate records of all activities performed throughout internship period.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Washington University in St Louis
St. Louis, MO06-1991
Associate of Arts - History of Costume
Parsons School of Design
Paris France 06-1989
Skills
- Pattern making
- Visual merchandising
- Customer service
- Collaboration skills
- Trend analysis
- Sales processing
- Fabric knowledge
- Time management
- Project management
- Problem solving
- Manufacturing processes
Timeline
Handbag Designer
The Stylish Sloane
06.2023 - Current
Sales Assistant
J McLaughlin
12.2017 - 06.2019
Shop Owner
My London Flat
09.2012 - 12.2015
Contributing Editor
Mary Engelbreit Home Companion
09.2000 - 09.2004
Prop Stylist
Neiman Marcus Horchow Pier One
06.1994 - 08.1998
Internship
The Smithsonian, division of costume
06.1988 - 08.1988
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Washington University in St Louis
Associate of Arts - History of Costume
Parsons School of Design