Giedre Lira
Lomita,CA
Summary
Visionary Design Director with 18 years of experience in creating innovative knit, woven, and fully fashioned sweater designs. Skilled in translating seasonal fashion trends into commercially successful products while prioritizing quality in fabrics, fit, and craftsmanship. Strong organizational and time management abilities enhance project execution and collaboration.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Sweater Designer
Avalon Apparel
Los Angeles, CA
10.2024 - Current
- Specialized in women’s fully fashioned sweaters, seamless and crochet garments for major retailers including Nordstrom, Macys, Target and Walmart. Collaborated directly with major designers to align on creative vision and product development. Operated in fast-paced environment while managing multiple calendars and ensuring adherence to product quality and company standards.
- Developed innovative design concepts for seasonal collections, enhancing brand aesthetics and market appeal.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align design strategies with production timelines and quality standards.
- Utilized industry-standard design software to create detailed technical specifications for garment execution.
Senior Designer (Freelance)
Daydreamer Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
03.2024 - 07.2024
- Collaborated on cut and sew tees and sweatshirts to enhance product offerings. Refreshed essential bodies and introduced new styles to align with current trends. Improved Tech Pack system for better design communication and efficiency. Collaborated with creative director to develop design concepts, graphic designers, patternmakers, production team, sales reps and etc.
- Led design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with client vision and brand guidelines.
- Developed innovative design solutions utilizing Adobe Creative Suite to enhance user experience and engagement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish cohesive branding strategies across multiple platforms.
Design Director
Sundry Clothing Inc.
Los Angeles, CA
03.2022 - 02.2024
- Presented seasonal concepts, key looks, fabrics, and colors to establish cohesive design direction. Designed women’s contemporary clothing, worked with cut and sew knits, fully fashioned sweaters and wovens. Engaged in all aspects of the design process from research, development through production. Led presentations, fittings, reviewed all samples, etc. Developed seasonal sku plans and calendars, coordinating with domestic and import vendors to ensure timely execution. Ordered fabrics and yarns for SMS in timely manner. Managed design team, collaborating directly with creative director on key looks, look book styling, and photoshoots to align vision and deliverables.
- Led design initiatives to enhance brand identity and align with market trends.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative clothing collections.
- Oversaw production processes, ensuring adherence to quality standards and timelines.
Creative Design Director, Head Designer, Senior Designer, Sweater Designer
Michael Stars Inc.
Hawthorne, CA
03.2016 - 01.2022
- Developed and presented strategic seasonal concepts and color palettes aligned with trends, brand aesthetic, and merchandising needs to enhance product appeal. Accountable for growing business and seeking opportunities to positively affect design team. Partnered with graphic artists to develop graphics for t-shirts. Attended fabric shows and vendors. Led fittings and SMS reviews. Presented design direction and trend forecast for line review. Designed cut n sew knits, wovens and fully fashioned sweaters. Developed new fabrics, prints and washes. Sourced and promoted new sustainable fabrics and yarns for our product through marketing. Led design team, managed design department budget, and prepared design and preproduction calendar.
Senior Designer
Suss Design LLC
Culver City, CA
02.2015 - 03.2016
- Designed fully fashioned sweaters and cut/sew knits, collaborating with local sweater mill and import vendors to ensure quality and fit. Worked directly with local sweater mill as well as import vendors. Conducted sketching, swatch creation, and quality development. Directly involved in Styling for seasonal look book, purchased props, led photo shoots. Developed the product through all stages from inception to final production.
- Led design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with client objectives and brand identity.
- Developed and implemented innovative design strategies that enhanced user experience across digital platforms.
- Mentored junior designers, fostering skill development and promoting adherence to best practices in design processes.
Associate Knitwear Designer
Velvet by Graham & Spencer
Culver City, CA
09.2013 - 01.2015
- Worked with cut and sew knits, fully fashioned sweaters and denim. Presented design ideas and sketches, created tech packages, sent comments, performed fittings, and developed artworks and washes to ensure alignment with brand vision. Corresponded with China on a daily basis. Reviewed samples and maintained quality standards. Responsible for meeting deadlines and getting samples for presentations.
- Developed innovative design concepts aligned with brand vision and customer preferences.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive product launches and marketing materials.
- Created detailed technical specifications for production, enhancing accuracy and reducing errors.
Associate Sweater Designer
BCBG Maxazria Group
Vernon, CA
07.2007 - 05.2009
- Designed and developed fully fashioned sweaters translating fashion trends into practical designs. Researched fashion trends and colors to inform seasonal collections and enhance product appeal. Developed concept boards, flat sketches, tech packages, art works, paper patterns. Led fit sessions, resolving construction and fit issues to ensure high-quality standards. Presented at the meetings, networked w/China on a daily basis.
- Developed innovative design concepts for seasonal collections, enhancing brand aesthetics and market presence.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive branding across multiple platforms and product lines.
- Executed detailed technical drawings and specifications for production, ensuring accuracy in final garment outcomes.
Senior Designer, Associate Knitwear Designer
Henry-Lee & Company
Chicago, IL
05.2005 - 04.2007
- Designed and developed women’s contemporary knitwear, researching fashion trends and colors to create T/P’s, artworks, and paper patterns. Performed fittings, provided feedback, and approved yarns, stitches, colors, and trims for presentations in meetings. Supervised design team through development and production stages, ensuring alignment with design objectives and timelines. Collaborated with import vendors to streamline sourcing and production processes.
- Led design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with client vision and brand identity.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative design solutions that enhance user experience.
- Mentored junior designers, providing guidance on best practices and design techniques for skill development.
Education
Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts - Fashion Design
The Illinois Institute of Art
Chicago, ILSkills
- Cut & sew knits/wovens
- Fully Fashioned Sweaters
- Fabric Development
- Team Leadership
- Fittings/Comments
- Tech packs
- Screen Prints/Washes
- Garment dye/Shrinkage
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Excel/PLM
- Trend Analysis
- Project Management
- Budget Management
- Client Presentations
- Presentation/Negotiation
- Product Development
- Cost Analysis
AWARDS
Best of Show awards 2002 and 2003, Best Midwest Fashion Designer Award 2002, Best Midwest Daywear Collection Award 2002, Best Senior Designer Collection 2004
Timeline
Senior Sweater Designer
Avalon Apparel
10.2024 - Current
Senior Designer (Freelance)
Daydreamer Inc.
03.2024 - 07.2024
Design Director
Sundry Clothing Inc.
03.2022 - 02.2024
Creative Design Director, Head Designer, Senior Designer, Sweater Designer
Michael Stars Inc.
03.2016 - 01.2022
Senior Designer
Suss Design LLC
02.2015 - 03.2016
Associate Knitwear Designer
Velvet by Graham & Spencer
09.2013 - 01.2015
Associate Sweater Designer
BCBG Maxazria Group
07.2007 - 05.2009
Senior Designer, Associate Knitwear Designer
Henry-Lee & Company
05.2005 - 04.2007
Bachelor Degree of Fine Arts - Fashion Design
The Illinois Institute of Art