Abigail Smith

Led seasonal collections for Nike Swim, developing innovative performance and lifestyle apparel that aligns with Nike’s technical and sustainability goals. Researched and identified innovative fabrics, trims, and prints, ensuring alignment with brand aesthetics and technical performance needs. Created sketches, construction sheets, and detailed technical packs for all sample development, working closely with overseas teams for fabric sourcing. Managed lab dip and strike-off approvals, ensuring color accuracy and material consistency. Oversaw fit sessions, collaborated on sample corrections, and ensured seamless execution from prototype to final production. Presented seasonal collections to stakeholders, including sales and marketing teams.

Design collections for diverse swimwear and activewear brands, managing project timelines and collaborating with clients to achieve on-brand designs and market resonance. Managed tech packs, fit development, and trend application across collections.

Led the design and development of Xhilaration by Target swimwear collections, integrating trend forecasting, fabric selection, and product development strategies. Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely execution and cost-effective production. Collaborated with cross-functional teams, ensuring that quality, fit, and construction standards aligned with mass-market production goals. Worked directly with vendors and mills to source raw materials, oversee lab dips/strike-offs, and approve final color and trim selections.

Purchasing categories include: footwear, bags, jewelry, sunglasses, hats, bath/body and men's apparel & accessories for 20 store locations. Successfully negotiated price, terms and shipments with over 45 vendors Researched and introduced new brands that separate Diane's from our competitors. Worked closely with in store merchandisers to ensure product placement and provide brand knowledge for stylist.

Designed swimwear, cover ups and men's board shorts for multiple accounts including Macy's, Dillard's and William Rast Research & forecast trends/color for each season Created flat sketches, CADs & line sheets for each brand Attend appointments with art studios, purchase artwork for textile prints & graphics Work with the art department to rework prints for swimwear Communicate with team to source new fabrications and trims, as well as passing comments and approvals Tech pack creation Attend fittings - analyze fit and correct fit issues with pattern maker Presented sewn samples to sales, merchandising buying teams at major department stores and market weeks

Senior swimwear and cover up designer for the juniors private label brand HeartSoul. I worked directly with the licensee on launching a new swimwear line that compliments their junior's sportswear. Established color stories, themes, fabrications, and styling. Responsible for all presentation CADs, tech packs and communications with the factories. Creating brand recognition and look book by way of photo shoots. Designed multiple looks at various locations thru creative styling as well as trade show booth design and accents.

Designed high end swimwear and cover ups for the contemporary market.

Designed and developed trend-right swimwear and knitwear collections, executing technical drawings and pattern specifications. Created detailed BOMs, tech packs, and spec packages for seamless design-to-production execution. Led material sourcing, vendor negotiations, and fit sessions, refining silhouettes and construction techniques. Provided creative direction and concept storytelling, ensuring product differentiation in the competitive apparel market. Increased company earnings by designing private label, girls 7-14 swim lines for Target and junior dresses for Charlotte Russe.

Designed innovative silhouettes for each season consistent with the Op brand identity Established seasonal design direction including mood, key inspiration, color palettes, print, pattern, and graphic direction from market research Prepared technical packages and BOM's for patter maker and production team Supervision of in house sample production from start to finish having expertise in fit Presented lines to top retailers Macy's, Victoria's Secret and Diane's Swimwear.

• Prepared and styled wardrobe for film, video, commercials and print ads for clients including Seventeen Magazine, Samsung and Dwayne Johnson