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MEN\'S PORTFOLIO HERE. WOMEN\'S PORTFOLIO AT WWW.ALPHAOMEGADIGITAL.COM/GAYLEEDGERTON
PROCESS INNOVATOR-CREATIVE DESIGNER-SKILLED MANAGER
Energetic, decisive designer with a refined sense of proportion, color and quality; innate forecasting ability; deep technical knowledge of fabric, fit, and construction including sustainable fabrics and green processes; and an entrepreneurial mindset that guides work ethic and seeks opportunity.
EXPERIENCE
Hartmarx, New York, NY
Freelance Technical Designer, Hickey Freeman & Bobby Jones, 5/2009 - present
Phillips Van Heusen, New York, NY
Senior Creative Designer -Activewear and Sportswear, Izod, Mens & Womens 6/2005 9/2008
Led 4-person design team to develop active lifestyle apparel collections for specialty and company stores on tight timeline (90+ style packages in 8-week cycles).
Dramatically improved coordination of design team with sourcing, merchant and technical teams resulting in reduced lead times, more efficient overall operations, and $0 liabilities in 2007.
Member of divisional presidents strategic planning team for new specialty store concept targeted to a better and contemporary market.
Efforts to reduce costs without loss of quality resulted in an overall 8% margin increase for 1st half of 2008, while improved activewear designs produced a 10% sales increase in that segment.
Analyzed sales reports and external market research to develop styles that successfully matched merchants price targets, customers taste, business strategy and brand DNA.
Researched trends and color palettes for each delivery to develop cohesive and appropriate seasonal interpretation.
Selected as design liaison for Web PDM update launch, CAD improvements, marketing strategies and a corporate-wide green initiative to improve company practices.
Designed and produced all internal marketing materials and presented product lines to merchants and executives.
Responsible for initiation and approval of fit process and all brand ID/trim development.
Increased sku count by 30% with no loss of timeline, and no increase in personnel.
On time and under budget in every cycle.
Jordache, New York, NY 6/2004-6/2005
Senior Designer, Contemporary Missy Label
Responsible for concept and creation of an updated Missy denim collection targeted to mid-tier department stores.
Created the look of the new line from its inception. This included customer research, selection of appropriate trends, development of silhouette, color, pattern, trims and brand identity.
Presented line to internal executives and external buyers.
The Ishyu Group, New York, NY 7/1998-1/2004
Senior Designer and Design Director for Contemporary & Better Womens Wovens
Rapid promotion resulted from demonstrating quality work ethic, ability to work harmoniously with
others, design talent, quick reactions to new challenges, and diverse skills.
Responsible for multiple lines targeted to the missy better and contemporary markets.
Appropriately applied trend and consumer research to maintain or create the distinct look of each brand. Worked with President to establish seasonal direction for entire company.
Hired, directed and motivated staff of 5.
Established development schedule, bringing samples into the showroom on time for every market.
Traveled to Europe for fabric/surface sourcing and trend research.
Traveled to Asia for line development and communicated daily with Asian manufacturers.
Coordinated daily with HK agents, Indian factories, and 3rd party vendors to resolve problems and keep product on schedule.
Supervised and gave final approval on all fittings for missy, plus and petite sizes.
Introduced PDM and instituted computerization of all design and fit processes, increasing efficiency of design studio.
Updated stagnate better signature line, resulting in a five-fold increase in sales volume.
Launched 2 spin-off collections.
Utilized feedback from sales and stores to create private label programs.
Gael Edgerton Inc. Ann Arbor, MI 1988-1998
Menswear Entrepreneur Contemporary Shirts
Launched and managed contemporary menswear line focused on woven shirts.
Experience in self-employment and business development refined habits of resource maximization, self-motivation and decisiveness.
Responsible for managing all operations from inspiration to delivery.
Planned and implemented marketing strategies.
Analyzed sales, established budgets & prepared financial reports.
Additionally created custom clothing in a wide variety of fabrications.
SKILLS
Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Web PDM, and MS Office Suite.
Technical Design, Patternmaking, Sewing, and Tailoring expertise.
EDUCATION
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI BFA, Textile Arts, Summa Cum Laude
Parsons School of Design, New York, NY Fashion Design, Deans List
Brown University, Providence, RI
Cranbrook Educational Community, Bloomfield Hills, MI
INTERESTS
Multisport Athlete and Marathoner with 3:20 PR
