Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Hobbies and Interests
Hi, I’m

Meghan Durnford

Mississauga,ON
Meghan Durnford

Summary

A dynamic Fashion Production Manager with a proven track record at Couture Culture and Arts, I excel in fashion styling and show production, enhancing brand visibility and fostering strong industry relationships. My creative direction and teamwork have consistently driven growth, with a keen eye for fashion forecasting and a commitment to exceptional customer service.

Overview

18
years of professional experience

Work History

Couture Culture and Arts (CCA)

Fashion Production Manager
10.2017 - Current

Job overview

  • Enhanced brand reputation by implementing innovative fashion campaign
    s and collaborations.
  • Established strong relationships with key industry influencers to expand brand reach and awareness.
  • Coordinated fashion shows highlighting top-selling items, generating buzz around the brand and driving demand for featured pieces.
  • Collaborated with designers to ensure timely delivery of new collections and accurate merchandise presentation.
  • 2017 Amato Couture Runway Show- Canadian Debut for International Designer. Finale Designer for TFW's ultimate show, and independent runway show in Yorkville- assisted with production and behind-the-scenes duties, the first event with Couture Culture and Arts
  • CCA Editorial Model Search in 2018, and 2019, produced several photo shoots and runway shows for our competitors alongside Claris Manglicmot (CCA Founder and Creative Director)
  • Multiple Photo Shoots for designer and model clients produced and styled by CCA from 2017- Present which I was involved in the planning and execution of
  • Styled a variety of photo shoots
  • Performed PR duties for Editorial Search components and various photo shoots
  • Behind-the-scenes organization and prep for various shoots and runway shows
  • Casting communications with models and responsibilities for photo shoots, shows, etc.
  • Published in many fashion outlets as a freelance writer, approximately 65 stories in print to date
  • Assisted in casting the Fashion Circuit Series in 2023 and communications with all of the many models
  • Day of Fashion Circuit Series assisted in backstage flow, management of models, dressing, and quick-changes
  • Assisted in the casting of the inaugural Toronto Fashion Experience, handled exclusive communications with approximately 70 models leading up to the event. Coordinated models backstage during the event, flow of day including hair and makeup order and additional fittings with designers. Assisted the 12 designers with their castings, styling, and show order. Called the models during the actual show and sent them down the runway in their order
  • Have built a roster of models, designers, photographers, and videographers to date that am proud to work with again in future
  • Coordinated runway show and photo shoot at the Toronto Divina Dali art exhibit
  • Assisted in production of Gala event for TJ Collectibles designs, produced photo shoot and awards ceremony at Gala
  • Working currently with La Coutts handbag brand and produced a photo shoot and runway show at their one-year anniversary party in Thornton, ON
  • Produced two designer segments at inaugural Fashion Week TO event: casting models, running fittings, styling backstage, calling models at runway during the show
  • Cast models for and produced runway show at The Divina Dali Art Exhibit in Toronto
  • Cast models for and produced the 2nd Annual Toronto Fashion Experience (TFE)- ran the fittings process with designers, handled all model communications and instructions (75 Models, 12 Designers), Called the fashion show during live presentation, and coordinated the backstage proceedings throughout the event including model assignment, placements, and hair and makeup delegation
  • Produced and cast models for Fashion Circuit Series '24 Event, produced two designers' segments, called models for the runway, ran the fittings and coordinated the backstage proceedings during the event
  • Produced two designers' segments for Toronto Vanguard International- cast and fit several models for the show, coordinated backstage details
  • Cast for and produced fashion presentation for Toronto Youth Day '24- fittings/backstage/called models/coordinate logistics
  • Various Photo Shoots for brands and designers in 2024- cast models, coordinated with designers and models, ran fittings, styled looks
  • Produced and ran the fashion presentation for inaugural Toronto Mimosa Fest '24: cast models and designers, ran fittings and event backstage as well as called models and coordinated logistics
  • Cast for and produced the fashion presentation featured at The Golden Balangay Foundation Awards in Niagara Falls- ran the backstage fittings, logistics, and coordinated the fashion event
  • Cast exclusive private wealth management event on the 49th floor of the CIBC building in Toronto for designer La Coutts, handled logistics, fittings, styling, etc.
  • Produced the Mister International Canada Pageant- cast the models, recruited designers, selected the sponsored 12 contestants, handled exclusive model and contestant communications over two months, ran the backstage during the day of the event including 12 contestants, 6 designers, and 25 models, as well as hair and makeup, media, etc.
  • Assisted backstage at Fashion Art Toronto '24: backstage coordination and logistics for one designer, fittings/styling
  • Produced two designer segments for Toronto Kids Fashion Week '24: handled fittings and styling, coordination backstage
  • Produced the fashion segment for a TV show for Your TV Halton spot- cast, fit, and coordinated with models, hair and makeup, and media
  • Planned and executed an event featuring a film shoot, and two runway shows for an International Women's Day Gala. This meant staffing and overseeing a large hair and makeup team, casting 30 models, as well as our 12 honorees who were interviewed for the film. Media coordination, logistics, and designer relations, styling for event.
  • Fashion Show at the Philippine Consulate- coordination for models, designers, hair and makeup team, as well as media. Handled casting, communications, fittings, staffing, and execution of event.
  • Oversaw and organized the production of the inaugural Fashion Week Calgary event. Traveled to Alberta to run the event in person, after having cast the 60+ models remotely. Assisted designers with castings assignments, fittings, styling, and logistics throughout the event. Supported models, media, and designers. Managed a new team of local volunteers and saw to their success and well-being. Followed up post-event with media.
  • Produced the fashion show for the annual Fashion Circuit Series event '25- casting and communicating with models, recruited hair and makeup team, assigned models per designer and assisted in styling. Designated the specific era-themed hair and makeup looks for the team to create.
  • Oversaw and organized the production of the inaugural Milton Fashion Week. Held an in-person casting for models, as well as cast remotely. Handled exclusive model communication, and designer coordination leading up to the event. On the day of the show, managed a team of volunteers, designated tasks and looked after everyone backstage. Assisted designers with their fittings, styling, and logistics.
  • Produced a milestone dual-contest in the summer: The Mister International Canada competition featuring 6 male contestants. Simultaneously producing the SuperModel contest featuring 6 female contestants. There were several events within the larger production that I oversaw and executed including the welcome party, the contest editorial photo shoot, and the runway show during the live event. The fashion show also included an additional 30 models, and several designers. Communication and coordination of all, leading up to the day of the show, as well as during the event. Liaising with the official tabulators hired from an accounting firm to ensure accurate results. Selected and briefed official contest judges. Oversaw and managed a team of volunteers, and saw to their roles, responsibilities, and well-being.
  • For each fashion show and runway event listed- it is always part of my role to be the producer who "calls" the models. As the last line of prep before they walk the runway. Deciding on and ensuring the rhythm, regulation of, and cadence of the timing during a live show.
  • For all events listed, handled post-event communication and coordinated photographers/videographers and distributed their work to the models, designers, etc.

Andrews Family

Private Nanny
09.2018 - Current

Job overview

  • Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
  • Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
  • Established clear expectations for behavior, setting boundaries to create a respectful atmosphere within the home.
  • Enhanced children''s emotional well-being by providing consistent and nurturing care.
  • Communicated with children at age-appropriate levels to encourage understanding and foster relationships.
  • Conducted regular safety checks and maintained a clean, hazard-free environment for the children at all times.
  • Implemented daily routines for optimal child development and created a structured environment.
  • Organized engaging activities that incorporated age-appropriate educational components for cognitive development.
  • Assisted with homework and school projects, fostering a love for learning in the children.
  • Supported emotional growth by helping children navigate conflicts with empathy and understanding while teaching problem-solving skills.
  • Planned special outings or themed days around children's interests or areas of study in their school curriculum.
  • Taught children basic life skills, manners and personal hygiene.

Freelance-writers

Freelance Writer
05.2014 - Current

Job overview

  • Utilized exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
  • Collaborated with editors to refine drafts, ensuring consistent tone and style across various platforms.
  • Wrote and edited high-quality content and visually impactful programs under deadline pressure with exciting, captivating, and authentic approach.
  • Adapted writing styles based on different platforms such as social media, blog posts, and print materials.
  • Organized material to research and complete writing tasks.
  • Managed competing deadlines with efficiency.
  • Created content for websites and online publications.

Costa Blanca Accessories

Sales Associate/Key Holder
08.2011 - 01.2012

Job overview

  • Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
  • Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
  • Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
  • Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics.
  • Assisted in training new staff members on company policies, product information, and sales techniques for a seamless onboarding experience.
  • Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
  • Enhanced team productivity by fostering a positive work environment and providing support to colleagues as needed.
  • Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
  • Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
  • Contributed to visual merchandising efforts by creating eye-catching displays that showcased products effectively and enticed shoppers to make purchases.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales targets.
  • Assisted in inventory management tasks, such as stock replenishment and cycle counts, to ensure product availability.
  • Participated in visual merchandising, creating attractive displays that stimulated customer interest and sales.
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.

Jacob Boutique

Sales Associate
11.2010 - 06.2011

Job overview

  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
  • Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
  • Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
  • Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
  • Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
  • Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
  • Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
  • Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
  • Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.

Aldo Accessories

Sales Associate/Key Holder
08.2007 - 10.2010

Job overview

  • Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
  • Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
  • Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
  • Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
  • Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
  • Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics.
  • Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
  • Assisted in training new staff members on company policies, product information, and sales techniques for a seamless onboarding experience.
  • Achieved monthly sales targets consistently by implementing effective sales strategies and maintaining a high level of product knowledge.
  • Managed conflict resolution with dissatisfied customers professionally, resulting in improved customer retention rates.
  • Contributed to visual merchandising efforts by creating eye-catching displays that showcased products effectively and enticed shoppers to make purchases.
  • Participated in team meetings and training sessions regularly for continuous professional development within the retail industry.
  • Provided personalized shopping experiences for repeat customers by remembering their preferences and offering tailored recommendations.
  • Organized in-store promotions and events to increase foot traffic and drive additional sales opportunities.
  • Collaborated with team members to achieve monthly sales targets.
  • Maintained accurate inventory records to ensure adequate stock levels, minimizing out-of-stock situations that could impact customer satisfaction.
  • Participated in visual merchandising, creating attractive displays that stimulated customer interest and sales.
  • Managed inventory to ensure product availability, contributing to uptick in sales.
  • Utilized CRM tools to track customer interactions and sales, enhancing effectiveness of follow-up communications.
  • Provided training to new staff on sales techniques and store procedures, ensuring consistent customer service experience.
  • Stocked merchandise, clearly labeling items, and arranging according to size or color.
  • Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
  • Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.

Education

University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Courses Completed from English Literature, Women And Gender Studies, Film

University Overview

Skills

  • Impeccable Organizational Skills
  • Schedule & Time Management
  • Resourceful
  • Communication
  • Meticulous
  • Observant
  • Strong Memory
  • Problem-solving
  • Customer Service
  • Styling Advice
  • Diplomatic
  • Personal Shopping and Styling

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Interests


  • Fashion
  • Creative Writing
  • Film
  • Interior Design
  • Studying Historical Events and Practices
  • Theatre
  • Concerts and Live Shows
  • Culinary Arts
  • Reading
  • Volunteering with Children and the Elderly
  • Beauty and Aesthetics

Timeline

Private Nanny
Andrews Family
09.2018 - Current
Fashion Production Manager
Couture Culture and Arts (CCA)
10.2017 - Current
Freelance Writer
Freelance-writers
05.2014 - Current
Sales Associate/Key Holder
Costa Blanca Accessories
08.2011 - 01.2012
Sales Associate
Jacob Boutique
11.2010 - 06.2011
Sales Associate/Key Holder
Aldo Accessories
08.2007 - 10.2010
University of Toronto
Courses Completed from English Literature, Women And Gender Studies, Film

Hobbies and Interests

Hobbies and Interests


My personal interests range from fashion and styling, to a passion for film and film history, to historical events and studying impactful events in the past. I enjoy working with others and collaborating on projects together, as well as helping others in need whenever I can. I have a strong sense of family values and spend a generous amount of time with my own family and helping them with various tasks. I am most satisfied after a successful event or a busy day that has gone well, and appreciate the little joys in life that some may not take the time to notice. I love design in all forms- clothing, accessories, architecture, interior design, and aesthetics. Make-up and hair have always been an exciting outlet for me as well and I like to experiment with new looks for myself and my friends. With years spent in customer service and working with people, I have learned that I am meant to work with others and serve them in some way which best utilizes my skillset.

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Meghan Durnford