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DESIGNER, MENS ACTIVE AND CASUAL SPORTSWEAR 06/2003 Present
Sparr Studio, NY & FL
Work with clients on various branded and private label design projects.
Provide original designs, specifications, technical sketches and follow through of the production process.
Designer for the Eildon Hills Mens Collection of high-end Cashmere and Merino Wool sweaters.
Off Site designer for two private label active sportswear companies that provide Mens merchandise for J.C.Penney, Sears, Sports Authority, Dicks, Steinmart, Nordstroms, Campmor, Magellans and Sahalie.
Develop Original Print and Sweater Swatch collections.
SENIOR DESIGNER, MENS ACTIVE AND CASUAL SPORTSWEAR 12/2000 05/2003
Phillips Van Heusen Corporation, NY
Designed and developed Golf Apparel, both casual and performance for the Izod Retail Stores.
Original projections to supplement the wholesale offerings by 20% developed into a line that was 20% wholesale and 80% retail designed.
Offerings included knits, sweaters, bottoms, wovens and outerwear.
Collaborated with the merchandising team to effectively design and produce the right assortment of product for the stores.
Partnered with production managers, technical design, assistant designers and vendors to design and produce a cost effective line.
Traveled to Europe for trend research.
DESIGN DIRECTOR, MENS GOLF AND CASUAL SPORTSWEAR 09/1997 12/2000
Hartmarx Corporation/Jack Nicklaus Division
Initially hired to design the Jack Nicklaus Silver collection but also acquired the Blue Label with the promotion to Design Director.
Each label consisted of knits, fleece, sweaters, and bottoms and outwear and was positioned within green grass and better department stores.
Pushed the envelope in fabric development towards performance fabrics, which gave the Nicklaus brand an edge over the competition.
Led and mentored a team of designers in the creation of both the branded line and private label brands for J.C.Penney and Sears.
Shopped and sourced the European Market.
Traveled the field with the sales force to better understand the needs of the stores.
DESIGN DIRECTOR/PRODUCT DEVELOPER, MENS GOLF AND ACTIVEWEAR
06/1994-09/1997
Dawson International Corporation, NY
Duofold Product Developer
Responsible for the development of the base layer USA Team Uniforms for the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
Partnered with the mill in developing new high performance fabrics capable of heating and cooling the body.
Presented the line at Outdoor Retailer and the Ski Show.
Pringle of Scotland Design Director
Spearheaded the formation of a new US division targeting the Golf market.
Collaborated with the Scottish based design team to provide an appropriate range of sweaters to compliment the golf collection.
Responsible for the line development and overseas sourcing, which included initial price negotiations.
DESIGNER, MENS GOLF AND TENNIS
09/1992 05/1994
Head Sportswear, MD
Designed both Golf and Tennis collections.
Traveled overseas to place product development.
Outfitted PGA professional Paul Azinger.
DESIGNER, MENS GOLF
06/1992 09/1992
Nutmeg Mills, FL
Responsible for the design and development of a new collection under the British Open Label.
Designed and produced a domestic made sample line within three months in order to be able to present at the Magic Trade show.
Developed the whole brand identity from packaging to fixtures.
DESIGNER, MENS GOLF
02/1989- 06/1992
Izod Lacoste, PA
Designed and merchandised golf collections under the Izod Club and Lacoste International Tour labels.
ASSOCIATE DESIGNER, WOMENS COLLECTIONS
08/1984 02/1989
Fenn, Wright & Manson, NY
Assisted with all aspects of developing the Fenn, Wright & Manson Collection and Workshop divisions including travel to Hong Kong for product development.
EDUCATION:
St. Martins School of Art & Design, London
Foundation in Art & Design
Middlesex Polytechnic, London
B.A. Hons. Textiles/Fashion
Contact: www.sparrstudio.com
lizsparr@verizon.net
