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My roles have encompassed the wearing of many hats, which include fabric design and development, art direction, color and trend forecasting, sourcing, costing, production liaison, and merchandising. With an expertise in garment construction and specialization in engineered print designs I have forged a niche that has contributed to the uniqueness of the brands I have worked with. I welcome the opportunity to challenge my skills in new ways and fuel my creative drive.

Marielena Andre
355 Sandcastle Key, Secaucus, NJ, 07094 (917) 753-4830 M.Andre.Design@gmail.com

SPECIALTIES
• Software: Photoshop and Illustrator, U4ia/ Kaleido, web PDM/PLM, Image Pro, AS400, Microsoft Office Suite, AVA, Large format printers and scanners
• Printing and Dying: Printmaking, Wet, Heat Transfer, Reactive, Discharge, Pigment, Plastisols, Burnout, Engineered, and Piece Goods; Wholesale, Retail, and Converter
• Technical: Sewing, Garment Construction, Draping, Flat Sketching extensive knowledge of Lace, Embroidery, Appliqué, Woven, and Knit constructions
• Painting: Trained in various techniques of the artistry of hand painting.

EXPERIENCE
GIII, Eliza J / Jessica Howard: Textile Director (2010 - Present)
• Textile Design Director, overseeing CAD and Fabric teams of two dress divisions.
• Partner with Design on seasonal collection. Assort color, print, and fabric, from trend, concept and execution through to final production. 

• Provide art direction to a team of three artists. Manage a fabric assistant. Assess individual areas for growth and improvement.
• Organize and implement processes to increase productivity and efficiency. Updated systems and design procedures resulting in faster artwork output and drastic cut in external service expenditures.
• Delegate workflow ensuring showroom needs, approvals and requests are handled according to corporate calendar.
• Coordinate local and oversees fabric sourcing, Negotiate with suppliers on delivery and cost of piece goods.
• Develop new partnerships in manufacturing and design. Maintain balance between vendor matrix and home office.
• Responsible for cost control of design and artwork expenses (Perform quarterly analysis).
• Close partnership with production and Mills on execution and time lines.
• Utilize patternmaking skills in engravings to maximize yield and final cost of garment.

Donna Morgan / Ali Ro: Print Director (2007 - 2010)
• Manage all aspects of print design from concept to production for both modern woman and contemporary dress divisions
• Supervise assistant designers; delegate workflow per brands specific needs, and access growth opportunities
• Manage and communicate revisions and approvals of all s/y, L-dip requests, and bulk orders
• Liaison between design and production by overseeing proper implementation of all fabrics and garment components
• Source and develop new textiles for printing, negotiate price, minimums and engraving costs with factories
• Work directly with design, patternmaking and fit teams to ensure proper spec & grading of prints for garments, Work on layout for consumption markers sent to FTY.
• Maintain brand identities through trend and color research.
• Adhere to corporate calendar to execute deadlines and ensure timely delivery of all goods

Target Corporation: Sr. Textile Designer RTW (2005 - 07)
• Design textiles for Contemporary Women’s Wear: Wear to Work, Casual, Plus sizes, Active, Yoga, Outerwear, Swim and Maternity in Woven, Knit and Sweater categories from concept to production. Oversee print development for six divisions.
• Lead seasonal Textile /Graphic vision to team. Manage Asst/ Assoc, Intern and Contract Designers. Coaching on color, technical design knowledge, software, processes, and brand identities, with continued design support to team.
• Partner with garment designers, merchants, sourcing, and fabric and trim teams to achieve seasonal vision. Essential organization and time management regimen working with multiple brands and teams. Demonstrate flexibility for change.
• Daily communication overseas on approvals, tracking, technique, s/o requests. Provide screen separations.
• Pilot new and potential software and systems. Demonstrate visible leadership by working with committees to formulate best methods to be rolled out company wide. Present and aid in training of peers and leaders.

Transprints UK: Designer NY Office (2003 - 05)
• Create original CAD graphics and prints. Separate and manipulate artwork
• Research and translate trend direction for sleepwear, lingerie, swim, sportswear, accessories, and contemporary fashion in the Children’s through Missy markets
• Prepare custom portfo¬lios and line development for clients
• Coordinate equipment needs, maintenance and system calibration profiles
• Liaison between customer and production: problem solving, price negotiations
• Account Management: build and maintain relationships with vendors. Follow up on po’s and factory s/o’s.
• Exhibit at Premier Vision. Light travel to clients for line presentation.

Nick & Nora: Assistant to Art Director (2002 - 03)
• Designed prints for Victoria Secret and I Love Lucy licensees
• Translate designers vision for Valentine’s Day and Spring ’04 collections
• Corrected strike offs, assembled mill sets, showroom and trade show presentations

Freelance Agent: Designed prints, graphics and embroideries for manufacturers and retailers

EDUCATION
Parsons School of Art and Design New York, NY
• Continuing Ed: Fashion Design Certificate

Fashion Institute Of Technology New York, NY
• BFA - Textiles / Minor in Photography & Art History

Winchester School Of Art Southampton, UK
• Study Abroad

REFERENCES UPON REQUEST