SOPHIE LORRAINE
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About Me
​I am an experienced accessories designer with a love for craftsmanship and enjoy exploring new areas of design and construction. Working in a small team meant I was heavily involved in almost every aspect of the business and have developed a thorough understanding of the commercial impact of my designs. Since Leaving Ally Capellino to look after my young children, I have started a small side project called Erin x Lana, developing a range of vegetable tanned leather accessories which I make myself.
Employment
2008-2020
Ally Capellino
Senior Designer
I was responsible for the design of the main collection at every stage of the lifecycle from concept through to sampling and pre -production. I liaised directly with factories and supliers in the UK and abroad, checked quality and ensured they were on budget. I also worked on collaborations with 3rd parties such as Apple, Tate, Norse Projects, Mini Cooper, Studio Nicholson, and the Yorkshire Sculpture park.
Responsibilities
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- Researching new moods, themes and concepts for future designs
- Research into the market and consumer
- Design - two collections per year with 60-70 pieces per collection
- Range plan the entire collection including all bags and accessories
- Convert design sketches into patterns
- Create 1st stage 3D prototyping for realising concepts for factories
- Produce clear, concise specification sheets
- Project manage suppliers and manufacturers to meet collection deadlines
- Product development - acting as a link between design and production
- Visits with factories to ensure sampling and production is running smoothly
- Ensure final product meets brand and consumer requirements
- Assess competitors’ ranges and prices
- Negotiate prices with manufacturers
- Work together with various parties to calculate wholesale and retail prices
- Order sampling materials, fittings etc
- Calculate leather and material consumptions
- Record and monitor material consumptions
- Attend trade shows – i.e Le Cuir a Paris
- Recruit and manage junior staff and interns.
Key Skills
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- Illustrator & Photoshop
- Pattern cutting
- 3D prototype
- Hand drawing
- Excel
