ANDREA WILSON

I research current trends in colour, print, shape, fabric & embellishment - including catwalk, fabric fairs, comparative shopping and all media research. I strive to design innovative and inspiring ranges working closely with the buying and technical teams to ensure cost targets and the final garment look is met. I support and help nurture the development of a design team. Delivered and reviewing progress of the team with annual appraisals and 1:1 meetings. Responsible for sourcing and matching of colour standards as well as new fabrics interest.

I helped with the launch of the Nutmeg fashion brand @ Morrison's, designing baby boy/baby girl and toddler boys clothing ranges. I traveled for research and inspiration and factory sourcing, liaising with suppliers. Presenting to the teams through mood boards, graphic boards, shape and trim boards.

I have recently taken on the role of senior and managing a small team of designers across Girlswear, Boyswear and Newborn, for all of our existing customers. All the responsibility and jobs within my role as senior designer on Newborn still stand but I am now doing this across all age groups and customers. Continuing to design Mothercare, including Newborn whites, Boys Layette and Boys fashion ranges. Also designing ranges from the A&J Carter presentation to show to all customers. Designing for TU ranges include layette & newborn boys/girls and fashion boys/ girls ranges. Managing the critical path and the work load of the team to ensure all critical dates are met, as well as training & supporting them on all aspects of their Jobs. Overseeing the designing of all the Newborn ranges to ensure that they show an understanding of Best and Worst, they meet the brief set by our customer and that they deliver the A&;J Carter creative handwriting. Working with the Design Director and Head of Design each season to create the A&J Carter design presentation. Putting together the Newborn colour palettes and inspiration boards. Then presenting these both internally and to our customers. Travelled to the Far East 2 times yearly to oversee sampling and source fabrics and trims. Liaised closely with Newborn team at Mothercare and TU. Taken part in Inspiration travel seasonally. Have an excellent knowledge of illustrator.

Designing garments, graphic placements and prints across boyswear products, on behalf of leading High Street accounts such as BHS, Tesco and M&S Collated Trend information for boy's ranges and helped to put it together in the form of a presentation to other people within the business. Working with factories in Sri Lanka, India and Turkey to develop new range samples and fabric/trim sourcing. Attended design meetings, range build and selection meetings. Producing and collating all sampling packs to send to factories including technical style sheets, trim packs and print/graphic sampling packs Adapted and created graphics using Coral Draw.