Hi, I’m
Sara Fugulin
Design Manager
Montreal,QC
Summary
A versatile and results-driven apparel industry professional with over two decades of experience. Demonstrates strong leadership and exceptional international sourcing skills. Adept at cultivating dynamic teams and leveraging creative talents for global success.
Overview
29
years of professional experience
5
years of post-secondary education
2
Languages
Work History
Frank Lyman DesignMontreal West, QC
Design Room Manager
09.2010 - Current
Job overview
- Currently serving as Design Manager and Lead Designer for this Canadian international brand
- Oversee creation of globally distributed styles through seasonal collections
- Managing, leading and building an experienced design team while collaborating with cross-functional departments
- Spearhead sourcing efforts, traveling internationally for inspiration and cutting edge materials
- Define Frank Lyman's brand's design direction, translating market research into innovative product lines, and ensure designs remain competitive through trend analysis
- Maintain relationships with suppliers to secure high-quality materials and explore new design possibilities and material innovations, incorporating cutting-edge technologies.
Le Château
Senior Designer
07.2007 - 09.2010
Job overview
- Led design initiatives for various women's wear and accessory departments for this Canada’s top fashion retailer
- Participated in product direction decisions and daily cross-departmental meetings.
Kim-Topward
Senior Designer
01.2004 - 06.2007
Job overview
- Led fast fashion development for UK High Street retailers, specializing in soft separates
- Revamped brand identity for younger, more creative market
- Managed major projects for retailers like Next, overseeing production volumes of 5,000 to 30,000+ units per style.
Frank Usher Group
Lead Designer
01.2005 - 04.2006
Job overview
- Oversaw creation of high-end evening wear labels sold across Europe, Middle East, and North America
- Directed a senior design team of six members specializing in high-end women's wear
- Expanded North American market base
- Strengthened manufacturing ties abroad through effective team leadership in both China and India.
Nueva Creations
Creative and Design Director
07.2001 - 07.2004
Job overview
- Founded and developed this successful designer label for women aged 35-55
- Led product development, branding, and design
- Managed technical and design teams and strategic initiatives
- Secured global distribution in boutiques and chains, including MGM, Nordstrom, and Laura
- Achieved first-year sales over $1 million.
Joseph Ribkoff International - Couture Division
Senior Designer
01.2000 - 07.2001
Job overview
- Designed evening wear and dressy separates for this long standing Canadian brand
- Contributed to global distribution in boutiques and specialty stores across 55 markets.
ZAHRA, Paris Star
Lead Designer
09.1997 - 01.2000
Job overview
- Transformed this dress division of Paris Star into a multi-million dollar enterprise
- Made Zahra a key supplier for North American chain stores and boutiques
- Established private label partnerships with major Canadian chain stores and implemented a successful road line operation across Canada.
Mode Farouche, MASCARA Division
Junior Designer
09.1995 - 09.1997
Job overview
- Seized a first time market opportunity in the booming MASCARA division of Modes Farouche
- Gained comprehensive experience in design, purchasing, and planning, laying a strong foundation for my career.
Education
UQAMMontreal, QC
Executive MBA (2 Semesters, Uncompleted) from Management And Leadership
09.2015 - 05.2016
London College of FashionLondon, UK
Shoe Design Courses (Summer Program) from Shoe Design Courses
07.2004 - 09.2004
SAJE Training CentreMontreal
Small Business Startup And Management from Business Administration And Management
01.2002 - 04.2002
L’École Supérieure Des Arts Appliqués DupérréParis, France
Bachelor of Arts from Fashion Design
09.1994 - 07.1995
Marie-Victorin CollegeMontreal, QC
Diploma in Feminine Fashion Design (DEP) from Fashion Design
09.1991 - 05.1994
Skills
Design
Trend Forecasting
Collection Planning
Leadership
Team Management
Strategic Sourcing
International Market Analysis
Brand development and marketing
Photoshoots for e-commerce and campaigns
Wholesale and retail sectors
Corporations and smaller businesses
Microsoft suite
Adobe creative suite
Oracle
Paragon
CLO3D
AI solutions for Fashion Design
Accreditations
- Member of The Register of Apparel and Textile Designers, United Kingdom
- Recognized fashion designer by the Government of Quebec for Tax Credits
Research
Curently researching AI solutions for fashion design efficiency.
Charity Work
- Raises food and funds annually for Moisson Montreal food bank
- Supporter and donor to "La Maison Bleue," aiding vulnerable individuals and families
Awards
- Scholarship by La Fondation de la Mode de Montréal for Footwear Design studies at London College of Fashion, 2004
- Sponsored fashion show by Designer Debut during Montreal Fashion Week, 2002
- Winner of Smirnoff’s international fashion design contest "Altered Images" for Eastern Canada, 1994
- Creativity Award for Boot Design Contest at the Salon de la Jeunesse de Montreal, 1994
- Scholarship by La Fondation de la Mode de Montréal for postgraduate studies (BTS) at L’École Supérieure Des Arts Appliqués Dupérré, Paris
Timeline
UQAM
Executive MBA (2 Semesters, Uncompleted) from Management And Leadership
09.2015 - 05.2016
Design Room Manager
Frank Lyman Design
09.2010 - Current
Senior Designer
Le Château
07.2007 - 09.2010
Lead Designer
Frank Usher Group
01.2005 - 04.2006
London College of Fashion
Shoe Design Courses (Summer Program) from Shoe Design Courses
07.2004 - 09.2004
Senior Designer
Kim-Topward
01.2004 - 06.2007
SAJE Training Centre
Small Business Startup And Management from Business Administration And Management
01.2002 - 04.2002
Creative and Design Director
Nueva Creations
07.2001 - 07.2004
Senior Designer
Joseph Ribkoff International - Couture Division
01.2000 - 07.2001
Lead Designer
ZAHRA, Paris Star
09.1997 - 01.2000
Junior Designer
Mode Farouche, MASCARA Division
09.1995 - 09.1997
L’École Supérieure Des Arts Appliqués Dupérré
Bachelor of Arts from Fashion Design
09.1994 - 07.1995
Marie-Victorin College
Diploma in Feminine Fashion Design (DEP) from Fashion Design
09.1991 - 05.1994