ABOUT ME
Thanks for taking a look at my work. Below, I wanted to share how my journey in fashion began, an overview of what I bring to the table, and my strengths.
How I got started
Born and raised in Miami to Cuban immigrant parents, the road to my career in fashion happened by following my passion and taking a risk. I originally studied pre-law because a traditional professional career was expected of me. Although studying law benefitted me in fashion because it taught me business, my true passion was design. Not knowing if I was good enough to make a career in design, I secretly applied to the Parsons School of Design in NYC with the belief, if I was good enough to get accepted there, then I could have a chance in fashion design. I was accepted and packed my bags for NYC as many others have done chasing their dreams.
Overview
As my resumé and portfolio show, I was able to forge forward with my passion and build a career in fashion. I have learned so much throughout the years and believe I bring a very strong balance of both business and art to the table at any company I work for. I feel very fortunate to be able to tap into both the left and right sides of the brain. I love the art of design and branding but realize fashion is a business. I engulf myself in the ethos and aesthetic of any brand I work for always trying to bring newness to design while maintaining the brand DNA and keeping their current customer, as well as gaining new ones.
Extensive knowledge of fabrics, yarns and garment construction.
Able to design both knits and wovens.
Have extensive print and embellishment design knowledge.
Illustrating looks both by hand and digitally.
Bring my expertise on fitting a garment correctly to flatter the customer of the brand most. This involves working closely with the tech design team.
Merchandising a collection to allow a sales team to create multiple unit sales through many outfit options.
Fabricating and designing a collection that hits target margins.
Creating a realistic Time & Action calendar along with the production team to make sure the collections open to sell on targeted established dates.
Management style of having clear and open lines of communication, trust, planning, deadline management, vision/branding clarity, and motivating my team. I take pride in being firm, but fair and supportive of my team.
Adhering to seasonal and annual budgets.
Completely immerse myself into a brand with a clear vision that causes emotion to a brand not only with design, but also marketing and branding. I always have said that for the most part fashion is a "want" and not a "need". It's my job to create the "want" of the emotion of how a customer feels when they shop a collection.
My Strengths
I’ve gained the following strengths through my experience. These are the strengths that I bring to brands and companies I work with:
Expertise in direct to consumer sales (in home sales) having worked at Worth, co-founding Bill Blass New York, and designing at Carlisle.
Knowledge of seasonal line plan development, and the information needed on line plans to properly develop a collection.
Built long lasting relationships with direct sales teams, fabric vendors, and factories.
Co-Creating PnL's and business plans to present to potential investors in a business.
Clear understanding of the production process which includes timing, factory allocations, yields, markers, costing, cost sheets, etc.
Creating, establishing, and maintaining a clear and exciting brand identity.
Trim sourcing and development.
Design product that has increased perceived value to the customer which translates to knowing how to choose and/or develop fabrics and designs that appear to be more expensive than what the final cost is. The customer feels they're getting a great value due to quality, fabric, and design.
Knowledge of planning photoshoots that deliver the brand vision for the season while staying within the budget.
Overseas travel to Europe, South America, and China for fabric shows, fittings, competitive shopping, fabric and factory sourcing.