LOUISA YEUNG
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Experienced Raw Materials Research and Development Manager passionate about driving fabric innovation and cost savings. Proven track record in negotiating favorable pricing strategies and enhancing testing standards to reduce defects. Skilled in fostering strong vendor relationships and leading successful product launches. Eager to bring creative ideas to the design table and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive functional fabric sourcing and development in line with the company's seasonal direction. Enthusiastic about leveraging innovation and strategic partnerships to advance world-class sourcing strategies aligned with business goals and sustainability commitments.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Fabric Research and Development Lead
REVOLVE
01.2021 - Current
- Oversee all aspects of raw materials research, sourcing, and development for multiple in-house brands consisting of sportswear, activewear, and swimwear
- Profound knowledge of raw material fibers, yarns, constructions, dying, finishing, and processing
- Negotiated raw material bulk prices, surcharges, and lead times, resulting in saving 20%-25% on costs and improved deliverables
- Ensured all fabrics are within company testing standards, resulting in a 15% reduction in fabric defects
- Built strong relationships with cross-functional teams to drive successful product launches
- Managed fabric tracking report for sample yardages, lab dips, and strike-off's
- Enhanced vendor management practices, leading to a 30% increase in on-time fabric delivery
- Created process and delivery improvements to reduce build cycle time
- Trained and mentored four new personnel hired to fulfill various roles
Fabric Research and Development Manager
BCBGMAXAZRIA
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Managed all technical aspects of fabric development and sourcing for three divisions- BCBG, BCBGeneration, Outlet
- In-depth knowledge of raw material fibers, yarns, constructions, dying, finishing, and processing
- Researched and evaluated new fabric and trim suppliers, expanding the vendor network by 20% for improved material sourcing
- Negotiated raw material bulk prices, surcharges, and lead times, resulting in saving 20%-25% on costs and improved deliverables
- Implemented fabric and trim testing to ensure product quality and reduce fabric defects by 20%
- Managed fabric tracking report for yardages, lab dips, and strike-offs
- Established robust relationships with cross-functional teams to drive successful launches of innovative products
- Built and cultivated strong relationships with mills and factories
- Lead and mentored assistants
Designer and Product Developer
Freelance
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Designed and developed women's collections in multiple categories for private label lines
- Managed product lifecycle from concept to production
- Sourced and developed fabrics and trims for collections
- Maintained tracking of lab dips and print strike-offs
- Negotiated fabric minimums and development costs, resulting in a 20% cost savings
- Created detail tech packs with flat illustrations, technical specs, and bill of materials
- Led garment fittings to execute quality fit and construction
- Created comprehensive line sheets for potential buyers
Senior Designer and Fabric R&D Manager
Amos Eastern Apparel
01.2012 - 11.2014
- Designed and developed women's apparel in cross categories for 3 major clients in the North America market, up to 100 styles per month in return for millions in volume sales
- Forecasted and researched trends, fabrics, prints, and trims seasonally by attending trade shows multiple times a year
- Leveraged industry knowledge and emerging trends to build innovative messaging and bring design concepts to fruition.
- Created detailed tech packs consisting of design illustrations/technical specs/bill of materials
- Partnered with production manager on all initial costs to maximize internal profits
- Negotiated and issued sample fabric and trim purchase orders
- Coordinated and approved all color lab dips and print strike offs, maintained organized records for efficient workflow
- Managed, trained, and mentored a team of 2 assistants
Education
Associate of Arts - Merchandise Marketing / Product Development
Fashion Institute of Design And Merchandising
San Francisco, CASkills
Research and Development
Fabric Innovation
Effective Negotiations
Adaptability
Problem-Solving
Analytical Thinking
Quality Assurance
Testing Standards
Color and Dye Evaluation
Creative Direction
Garment Construction
Communication
Printing Techniques
Product Launches
Product Lifecycle Management
Vendor Relationships
Organization
People Management
Photoshop
Illustrator
Microsoft Office
PLM
Timeline
Senior Fabric Research and Development Lead
REVOLVE
01.2021 - Current
Fabric Research and Development Manager
BCBGMAXAZRIA
01.2016 - 01.2021
Designer and Product Developer
Freelance
01.2015 - 01.2016
Senior Designer and Fabric R&D Manager
Amos Eastern Apparel
01.2012 - 11.2014
Associate of Arts - Merchandise Marketing / Product Development
Fashion Institute of Design And Merchandising
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