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Tupita Kurkcubasi
(p) 201.284.1241 (e) tupita_k@hotmail.com
Self-Driven Knits/Sweaters Designer with extensive experience in both the Womens Better and Mass Markets.
Work Experience
Hansae Co. Ltd.
Design Manager New York Office
October 2010 January 2012
Responsibilities: Provide Design/Trend support for the companies like Target, Kohls, Pink, Gap, Old Navy, Hanes; Travel to Europe/Asia for trend research and to meet with teams in Seoul; Created and managed seasonal trend booklet to share with both domestic and overseas teams; Create monthly American retail market reports, including both Mass and Specialty retailers; Prepare and present silhouette and fabric trend information, plus market analysis when meeting with buyers; Design and develop samples, based on current trend information and buyers requests, to be adopted into their collection.
Isaac Mizrahi Live!
Senior Designer Knits, Sweaters, Swimwear, Sleepwear
July 2009 October 2010
Responsibilities: Helped to create the most successful brand launch in the history of QVC; Work with Design Director and Creative Director to research and put together initial concept; Source own fabric & yarn qualities; Work closely with Director, Product Manager, and factories to create product from concept to production; Work with a broad range of garment development to hit 3 major price points; Carry through with production details through bulk delivery
Elie Tahari
Senior Designer Private Label Knits & Sweaters
October 2007 - December 2008
Responsibilities: Created and maintained Development calendars; Communicated daily with factories in Asia and South America to develop Knits & Sweaters sold under the T-Tahari and Off-Price labels; Worked with vendors to source and develop new silhouettes, fabrics, and yarns in adapting the Collection aesthetic to a lower price point; Ordered sample yardage, strikeoffs, and labdips for samples; Worked closely with Sales team to analyze selling reports; Traveled to Asia to develop new qualities and silhouettes, and also oversee sample-making; Worked closely with Production team to ensure all designs met deadlines and maintained specific markups.
Isaac Mizrahi for Target
Senior Designer Sweaters, Knits, Swim, Outerwear
March 2005-October 2007
Responsibilities: Developed categories to maintain high-quality product for mass-product retailer, using cost-effective fabrics, silhouettes, trims, and graphics; Worked closely with fabric/trim development team to create and source new core and novelty fabrics and trim, while maintaining the Isaac Mizrahi aesthetic; Traveled frequently to Target Headquarters in Minneapolis to work with garment developers and to present merchandised collection to Buyers/Sales team; Elevated the level of Knits and Sweaters being sold under the Isaac Mizrahi brand by introducing Italian yarns and fine gauge Cashmere; doubled overall knit & sweater business by introducing doubleknit suiting, fashion tops, and Holiday knit dressing.
MICHAEL Michael Kors
Associate Designer - Knits & Sweaters
July 2003 - March 2005
Responsibilities: Part of the original team to launch brand; Developed initial Tek Pak for Design Team; Followed development of garments from concept stage to production, while adapting the Collection aesthetic to a lower price-point; Assisted in designing and sketching flats and technical illustrations; Attended fittings and recorded changes; Communicated daily with factories; Created and updated tek paks in Web PDM; Developed prints and commented on strikeoffs.
DKNY Jeans/Juniors
Assistant Designer - Knits & Sweaters
April 2001 - July 2003
Responsibilities: Researched trends in both Missy and Juniors Markets; Assisted in design/sketching process; Created and maintained sketches, tek paks, and presentation boards in StyleManager; Communicated with Merchandising and factories overseas regarding trims, logos, and colors; Commented on labdips; Attended fittings and recorded changes.
RALPH Ralph Lauren & LAUREN Ralph Lauren
Design Assistant - Knits & Sweaters
August 2000 - April 2001
Responsibilities: Assisted Designers with spec detailing, tracking and receiving samples, creating and updating presentation boards; Created and updated seasonal color boards.
Computer Skills
Microsoft Office; Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, StyleManager, Web PDM, PointCarre, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), BMS
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design, May 2000
Virginia Commonwealth University - Richmond, VA
- References available upon request -
