More Information
Kelly A. Blair / Toronto, Canada
cell: 647-242-6322
kellyablair@hotmail.com
www.kellyablairportfolio.weebly.com
•10+ years of fashion industry experience.
•Extensive background in fashion design and product development.
•Highly creative and takes pride in quality, brand integrity, and customer satisfaction.
•Capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines.
•Experienced technical sketcher and hand drawer.
•Advanced understanding of Adobe Illustrator, and InDesign. PC and MAC
•Proficiency in Excel, Word and Photoshop. PC and MAC
•Multi-media savvy with a following on Twitter & Instagram that includes fashion insiders.
•Regular contributor to MSN.ca for their online fashion write-ups.
•On camera guest fashion expert for Downright Domestic and Global Television.
•Featured in fashion articles for Sweetspot.ca and Job Postings magazine.
•Contributing writer for Boomer2Boomer.ca Q&A pieces pertaining to fashion & lifestyle.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
July 2012 November 2013: Address Apparel - Creative Director & Designer
Developed, launched and grew Address Apparel: a new womens ready-to-wear brand.
Designed on average 30 contemporary dresses per 3 seasons. SS13 / FW13 / SS14
Created both the design and layout for 3 Look Books and 3 Line Sheets.
Planned and organized photo shoots and media events.
Developed logos, labels, hangtags as well as the website concept.
Researched fashion trends to create mood and inspiration boards.
Formed key relationships with national sales reps.
Drafted and draped patterns on a daily basis.
Oversaw the production and quality control as well as the organizing and recording of all outgoing inventory.
2008 - 2012: Style By KAB - Image Consultant & Stylist
Developed and maintained the Style by KAB website.
Designed the Guest Service uniforms for both the Cambridge Suites Hotel in Toronto as well as for
The Algonquin Resort in New Brunswick.
Sourced fashion apparel and accessories from retailers, wholesalers as well as online sources.
Styled a diverse clientele with individual budgets ranging from $1200 - $5000.
Conducted wardrobe assessments to determine clients needs.
Determined the best style and fit for clients personal and professional lifestyles and budgets.
Reworked dated garments to make them more contemporary.
2007 - 2008: Amerella Canada Ltd. - Apparel & Graphic Designer
Created high quality apparel for licensed brands such as Carol Reed, Wilson, Sportek
and West Coast Connection.
Generated technical sketches and colour concepts for garments.
Designed fabric prints, embroideries, woven patches, decorative tapes and labels.
Created trend and inspiration boards, merchandising boards and rack plans.
Reworked existing apparel as well as designing new styles.
2002 - 2007: Apparel & Accessories - Freelance Fashion Designer
Cosmoda Ltd: Designed the F/W 2006/07 ELLE handbag collection for their season launch.
Bionic: Designed chic dresses for this trendy, womens wear label based in Toronto.
Fletcher Leisure Group Inc. of Montreal: As part of a team, created their first SunIce snow sport collection.
1999 - 2002: Schure Sports Inc. Karbon ski & outerwear - Creative and Technical Designer
Designed athletic apparel & accessories for winter sports.
Generated technical sketches and colour concepts for garments.
Assembled design packages for overseas manufacturers and communicated with them regularly.
Created concepts for uniforms while adhering to customer branding requirements.
Created the designs and layouts for Look Books and Line Sheets.
Designed logos, hangtags, garment labels and decorative trims.
Hired, managed and trained a design assistant.
Reviewed all samples for quality and design accuracy.
Represented product lines at annual trade shows.
Confirmed swatch choices from lab dips.
NOTES OF INTEREST
Project Runway Canada - Season 1: Finalists chosen to audition for the shows first season. (2007)
Volunteer guest speaker for Apex Conference Toronto: Addressing college graduates on dressing
for success in the workplace. (2010)
Volunteer instructor for an 8-week sewing and design class: DPhi Sorority, a wellness and self-esteem
building sorority for girls ages 8-16. (2008)
Created, designed & sold eco-friendly fashion and accessories at Torontos Clothing Show.. (2009)
Designed the Luge suits for Team Canada & Team USA for the 2002 Winter Olympics. (2002)
EDUCATION
International Academy of Design, Toronto
Computer Graphics certificate program completed successfully
Sheridan College, Oakville
Fashion Technique and Design, Associates Degree completed successfully
The American College for Applied Arts, Los Angeles & Atlanta
Fashion Technique and Design, 1 year of study
