Paola P.

I help fashion brands take a product from an idea to something a factory can actually make. I’m a fashion designer and apparel product developer with 10+ years of experience across design, collection development, technical development, sampling, fit and production. I’ve designed and developed apparel for brands and retailers including Macy’s private labels, Calvin Klein, Victoria’s Secret, ALO, SKIMS and Aeropostale. My background is both creative and technical, which means I’m not only thinking about how a product looks. I’m also thinking about how it fits, how it should be constructed, which fabrics and trims make sense, what may create problems during sampling or production, and whether the final product supports the customer and price point you’re designing for. Depending on where you are in the process, I can help with: • Fashion Design & Collection Development • Trend Research & Market Intelligence • Mood Boards, Concepts & Creative Direction • Collection Architecture & Assortment Planning • Technical Flats & CADs • Production-Ready Tech Packs • Fabric, Trim & Notion Development • Construction & Finishing • Fit & Sample Reviews • Product Development Diagnostics • Factory Sourcing & Communication • Sampling & Product Development Management • Production Support • Costume Design I’ve worked on everything from individual styles to full seasonal collections. My experience includes researching trends and competitors, identifying opportunities within existing assortments, developing seasonal concepts, presenting collections, and then carrying those products through technical development, sampling, fit and production. One of the most valuable parts of my role is being a second set of eyes throughout development. If I see a construction issue, an unnecessary cost, a fit problem, a fabrication that isn’t supporting the intended product, or something that may become difficult at the factory, I’ll flag it and help find a better solution. I don’t believe good product development is simply documenting what a brand asks for. For projects requiring pattern development and physical sampling, I also work closely with experienced senior patternmakers and sample makers and can oversee that process alongside the overall product development. Whether you’re developing your first style, building a collection, improving an existing product, or need someone to manage development between your creative vision and the factory, I can step in at the stage where you need support. Send me a message with what you’re working on and where you are in the development process, and I can tell you how I’d approach it.