Who am I?
Hi, I’m Clara
I have over 17 years experience as a Womenswear Fashion Designer working across multi-product.
The bulk of my experience has been working with London-based Fashion brands but I decided to become a freelancer in 2019 where I focus on helping established and start-up brands navigate the complicated world of fashion design through the use of moodboards, trend-forecasting and tech pack development ready to hand directly to manufacturers.
I have also developed a keen interest in sustainable fashion and enjoy working with brands who embrace sustainability in their values and open to ideas on how they can minimise their impact on the environment.
My attention to detail is paramount and I will always recommend and pursue the best options when designing, as well as keeping to the project brief.
Since 2016, I have been a Fashion mentor at The University of Westminster which has also prompted me to write about working in the industry, as well as key skills needed to pursue a career in Fashion Design.
Experience
2019 - Present: Freelance Fashion Designer for commercial, indie and start-ups.
2017 - 2019: Head of Design @ ELVI
2014 - 2017: Senior Designer @ LOST INK
2010 - 2014: Junior Designer @ ASOS
2009 - 2010: Design Assistant @ SELECT
2008 - 2009: Design Intern @ ASOS
2007 - 2008: Multiple work placements
2006: Intern @ MOSCHINO
Voluntary
2016 - Present: Fashion Mentor @ the University of Westminster.
2022: Became a member of The School of Arts Employer Advisory Board @ the University of Westminster.
2021: Speaker @ Westminster Working Cultures, an initiative designed to enhance the employability of University of Westminster undergraduates, sponsored by Santander.
Education
2020: Professional Sewing Techniques @ the University of Hertfordshire
2004-2007: BA (Hons) Fashion Design @ the University of Westminster
Skills
Industry standard technical drawings by hand and CAD.
Production of full tech packs.
Knowledge working with suppliers in the UK, Turkey, Greece, India and China.
Experience designing for the UK, European, Russian, Asian and Middle-Eastern market.
Trend forecasting – establishing key trends, colours, print, shape, detail and themes.
Moodboards for trend and creative direction / conceptual / brand image / customer profile.
Embellishment artwork design.
Styling
CAD - Adobe Photoshop and more.
Specialist Areas
Casual, smart, workwear and Occasionwear.
Woven shirts, blouses and other tops.
Dresses, jumpsuits and playsuits.
Trousers, shorts and skirts.
Trend sportswear + denim.
Cut-and-sew knitwear + jersey.
Embellishment and other surface techniques.