Billy Harrison

I'm deeply passionate about fashion and dedicated to crafting captivating Womenswear collections. With extensive experience in trend analysis, range development and supplier relations, I'm thrilled about the opportunity to join a dynamic design team at a leading UK company. Aligning with the company's vision of delivering cutting-edge fashion with global impact while honouring timeless style resonates deeply with my professional aspirations. Proficient in CAD, Adobe Suite,  Photoshop, Excel and embellishment design and equipped with strong organisational skills, I excel in managing diverse design tasks with precision and efficiency. Furthermore, my expertise extends to designing multi-product accessories, adding depth and versatility to design projects. In particular, my background in Womenswear design and commercial product design equips me with a keen understanding of market trends and consumer preferences. From conceptualising trend-driven collections to ensuring the commercial viability of each design, I am well-versed in every aspect of the design process. Thriving in fast-paced environments, I am prepared to lead innovative initiatives and contribute to the continued success of your team.

Freelance Bespoke Fashion Designer/Seamstress
London | May 2019 – Present

• Established and launched a bespoke brand catering to London and international clientele, specialising in luxury evening wear and bridal pieces. The brand's ethos revolves around creating luxury products showcased in upscale boutiques. Featured collections at Bridal Fashion Week for various seasons.

• Orchestrated private fittings and design consultations, crafting couture ensembles tailored to individual preferences, with a focus on elegance and grace. Ran a studio space in King’s Road for private clients.

• Managed a global team of freelance professionals, ensuring seamless project execution and adherence to deadlines. Worked with manufacturers in the Far East and UK to produce collections.

• This leadership role involves overseeing an intricate web of creative talent across the UK and internationally.

• Designed seasonal bridal collections for the brand which are stocked in UK and international retailers.

• Forged collaborative partnerships with clients, manufacturers and stylists, enhancing workflow and outcomes through effective communication and report-building.

• Conducted comprehensive market research to inform product development strategies, driving continued growth and relevance in the competitive fashion landscape.

• Oversaw daily business operations, including meetings, accounts management and marketing strategies, ensuring a well-rounded approach to business management.

• Collaborated with clients on red carpet looks and TV show pieces, demonstrating versatility across various categories, including petite, plus size, and bridal wear.

• Featured in high-profile wedding magazines, TV shows, and international wedding trade shows, garnering recognition and highlighting the brand's appeal.

Freelance Fashion/Textile Designer - Self-Employed (Part-Time)
London | September 2017 – Present

• Collaborated with prominent high street brands and independent designers, including Debenhams, ASOS and House of Holland, contributing a diverse perspective to design endeavours and refining adaptability to varied design requirements. Additionally, spearheaded the design and launch of start-up brands that successfully penetrated the commercial market.

• Designed collections while maintaining the brand's aesthetic and commercial handwriting, spanning from elegant evening wear to versatile day wear across woven and jersey fabrics.

• Generated meticulous technical packs, sketches and fashion specifications for diverse clients, ensuring the precise execution of design concepts through detailed instructions.
• Diversified experience across multiple categories for various brands, encompassing occasion wear, petite day wear, resort wear/accessories and day wear, showcasing expertise in both jersey and woven garments.

• Contributed to collection creation by providing input in pattern cutting, embellishment design and fabric sourcing, demonstrating versatility and proficiency across multiple design disciplines.

• Utilised customer research, competitor analysis and current fashion trends to formulate design strategies aligned with market demands, leveraging strategic insights to foster design innovation and relevance.

• Facilitated seamless communication with international garment manufacturers and fabric suppliers, ensuring effective collaboration across borders.

• Led the design and launch of successful fashion businesses, earning recognition in esteemed publications such as Vogue and Stylist magazine, highlighting the ability to translate compelling design concepts into tangible successes.

• Carried out direct sourcing from fabric mills, with a comprehensive understanding of cut and construction to innovate new concepts and pieces. Additionally, I am adept at collaborating with pattern cutters and machinists to develop standout fashion products for the varied ranges.

Occasion Wear Designer | Debenhams PLC Ltd (Head Office)
London | July 2015 – September 2016

• Collaborated with the Debenhams design team across women's occasion wear brands, contributing to successful brand launches and establishing new brands such as Giles Deacon and Savannah Miller Bridal.

• Played a pivotal role in designing and contributing to successful collections, adding elegance and sophistication to various categories, including Going Out Dresses, Wedding Dresses and Occasion Separates.

• Orchestrated administrative tasks, including sketch and technical pack creation and supplier liaison, ensuring streamlined operations and efficient communication.

• Presented trend analyses and store analysis reports to senior designers, buyers, and merchandisers, providing insights that informed design decisions and market strategies.

• Facilitated supplier meetings internationally, developing detailed technical packs for Indian, Chinese, and UK-based suppliers, and fostering effective cross-cultural communication.

Key Skills & Competencies Aligned with Job Responsibilities

• Trend Research and Analysis: Proficient in researching fashion trends, creating trend boards and staying updated with the latest industry trends to inform design decisions and product development.
• Creative Design Conceptualisation: Skilled in designing seasonal capsule collections, including developing key shapes, selecting colour palettes, and defining fabric direction to ensure alignment with market demands and brand aesthetics.
• Fabric Sourcing and Management: Experienced in sourcing and ordering fabric from international mills, overseeing the procurement process and ensuring timely delivery to meet production deadlines.
• Innovative Product Development: Capable of generating new design ideas, sourcing fabrics and trims and developing both commercial and fashion-forward products that resonate with the target market and client preferences.
• Effective Communication and Collaboration: Possess strong interpersonal skills, able to participate in design meetings, collaborate with team members and stakeholders and effectively communicate design concepts and ideas.
• Sampling and Critical Path Management: Proficient in managing sampling and development processes, ensuring adherence to critical path timelines and providing regular progress reports to relevant stakeholders.
• Adobe Suite Proficiency: Skilled in using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator for design visualisation, technical sketching and creating presentation materials to communicate design concepts effectively.
• Organisational Skills and Attention to Detail: Strong organisational abilities, coupled with a keen eye for detail, enabling effective multitasking and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Team Collaboration and Adaptability: Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, take direction and adapt to changing priorities, while displaying a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and grow.
• Travel: Comfortable with travel in the UK and internationally for supplier/product development meetings and inspirational purposes, I am poised to contribute significantly to the growth and success of the organisation.

Education

MA Art and Design: Fashion Design, September 2016 – September 2017

University of Hertfordshire - Grade Awarded: Distinction.

BA (Hons) Fashion Studies, September 2011 - June 2015

University of Lincoln - Grade Awarded: Upper Second-Class Honours Degree (2:1)

A-Levels, June 2008 – June 2011, Wyke Sixth Form College (Kingston Upon Hull)

Awards – Textile Design: B, Film Studies: C, Sociology: C, Media Studies: B

GCSE’s, June 2003 – June 2008, Hull Trinity House Secondary School (Kingston Upon Hull)

Awards - English: C, Maths: C, Art: B, Media Studies: B, Information Technology: C