Nicole Pachkowski
Designer, Apparel · Mountain Equipment Co-op
Vancouver, BC
Work Experience
Designer, Apparel
Mountain Equipment Co-op2018 – Present
- Backcountry & Camp outerwear, apparel and accessories design; Mens/Womens/Kids - Working collaboratively across Buying, Design & Development teams to bring functional, technical, quality product to life for our members. - Owning the design life-cycle, from product strategy, material development, concepts, and seasonal presentations to creating accurate technical sketches, spec packages, conducting fit sessions, partnering with field testers/ambassadors to collaborate on product, to ensuring seasonal calendars are adhered to. - Supporting MEC’s sustainability goals and standards, ensuring feasibility of design to achieve product end use, cost, manufacturability, and delivery targets. - Identify new market opportunities through research, trend analysis, travel, trade shows, and participating in outdoor activities.
Product Designer , Apparel - Woods Outdoor, Outerwear & Lifestyle
FGL Sports Ltd.2015 – 2018
- Created a modern interpretation of a brand with rich heritage in Canadian outdoor pursuits aligning with company vision, seasonal direction and managed design project workflow. - Worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams building line plan architecture, product development calendar, communicated from concept to production to ensure company product standards were met and delivery was maintained.. - Designed into multiple product levels; premium outdoor products with elevated materials and construction finishing, mid to entry level performance outdoor, and logo/lifestyle driven products. - Presented seasonly to cross functional team and executive level for brand development
Product Designer, Apparel - Action Sports Outerwear & Lifestyle
FGL Sports Ltd.2015 – 2016
- Designed seasonal collections for Ripzone & Firefly outerwear and lifestyle. - Strengthened and elevated brands across Men’s/Women’s/Junior apparel commodities by understanding target customer and created profitable product lines while maintaining brand aesthetics and quality. - Assisted with department project workflow and partnered across cross-functional teams on development of product and delivered to seasonal calendar.
Product Development Coordinator
Canadian Tire Corp.2014 – 2015
- Managed development and production approvals within seasonal time lines. - Created technical design packages including measurement specifications for new styles. - Evaluated samples for design and construction quality, conducted fit sessions and panels throughout development, and managed vendor communication.
Apparel Design Apprentice
Reebok International Ltd.2013 – 2014
- Assisted the One Series Training apparel team with daily design practices, seasonal concept creation, trend research, created and maintained design packages. - Attended fit sessions and post development tear-down meetings to improve efficiencies. - Worked cross-functionally with development and product marketing teams to build and deliver technical product
Technical Design Intern
Abercrombie & Fitch2011 – 2011
- Assisted female denim technical design team. - Participated in fittings, evaluated and prepared all samples for fit sessions. - Created technical specification packages, evaluated construction of samples, and maintained change/approval comments throughout development.
