Rafa Aimen

I am a highly self-motivated, agile, and assertive person who is truly passionate about creating quality designs and fostering sustainability in the fashion industry. I excel in problem-solving and approach challenges with enthusiasm and ownership. I possess a lifelong learning mindset, continuously seeking new opportunities and demonstrating strong proficiency in time management to ensure the efficient execution of projects. 

Design Assistant – Fixed Term Contract                                                                     10/2023 - Current Pentex – London

• Oversee the end-to-end design development process for Nightwear, Womenswear, and License departments, guiding designs from initial sketches to supplier coordination, including organizing new samples and managing tech packs.
• Developed and curated knitwear and woven range for Primark and Max (Dubai), involving seasonal shapes, fabric selection, and trend analysis for the customer base.
• Generated CADs and created detailed tech packs, requested patterns to be actioned with team in UK, Moldova, and Bangladesh.
• Established new styles on PLM with information of design, created BOMS and updated system and trackers with relevant information and photos for each customer.
• Supported the Senior Designer in research and developed sketch packs, mood boards, trend reports and shop reports for buyers meeting.
• Sourced and tracked fabrics, samples and trims for our knitwear and woven collection. Coordinated prints and collaborated with fabric and print mills throughout the sampling process.
• Collaborated with in-house sampling and sent patterns and fabrics to factories in UK ensuring styles were cut and made according to schedule.
• Collaborated with the garment technologist to ensure accurate information and timely specking of samples.
• Managed the processing of production and samples, coordinated the distribution and timely dispatch of garments, fabric packs, and sketch packs to buyers.
• Helped both the product development and design teams in managing product information such as spec sheets, color cards, and sample archives.
• Supported the sales manager and merchandiser in their daily tasks, providing relevant and accurate information for costing.

Assistant Fashion Designer Intern,                                                                            12/2022 - 02/2023 AADNEVIK – London, GB

• Collaborated with fabric department to help determine and source the right fabrics for each design.
• Involved in grading and fitting sessions, making necessary adjustments to achieve the desired fit and comfort of garments.
• Actively carried out QC on garments – ensuring amendments had been followed through correctly and reviewing care labels for correct instructions prior to packaging and delivery.
• Collaborated closely with pattern cutters to expedite garment preparation for London Fashion Week, demonstrating efficiency in fabric cutting, trim hand-stitching, tailoring, and alteration of basic pattern pieces.
• Contributed to the new edition of the supplier Manual and supplier management for the brand.
• Managed backstage fittings with exceptional attention to detail, resulting in precise adjustments that enhanced the overall aesthetic on the runway for LFW.

Designer,                                                                                                                          04/2019 - 01/2022 Label Rafa Aimen – Bangalore, India

• Spearheaded a team of 5 to deliver high quality bespoke products catering to a niche Womenswear market in India.
• Designed, developed, and QC'd all products in house ensuring the right fit and quality was achieved while satisfying the client's needs.
• Determining ideal fabrics, threads, and trims based on design sketches ensuring the requirements of the product purpose are being fulfilled.
• Incorporated sustainable practices into manufacturing processes, utilizing eco-friendly materials, and adopting waste-reduction techniques to minimize the environmental impact while maintaining high-quality craftsmanship.
• Gained immense understanding of garment construction, and pattern making while working alongside pattern cutters to translate design ideas into final products.
• Trialled mockups of designs on clients prior to production to ensure the right fit is achieved.
• Developed expertise in price negotiations while sourcing fabric and trim suppliers, achieving a staggering 12% decrease in annual expenses at the close of business.

Brooch Couturier,                                                                                                           02/2019 - 01/2022 Label Rafa Aimen – Bangalore, India

• Designed unique handcrafted brooches based on client requirements.
• Translated design concepts into detailed technical specifications, including measurements, patterns, and construction methods.
• Utilize a variety of stitching methods, including tambour embroidery, to achieve the desired design and texture.
• Conduct risk assessments and quality checks during and after the embroidery process to identify and rectify any imperfections and ensure the piece meets high standards for craftsmanship.
• Learned new skills and applied to daily tasks to increase productivity and improve audience size by 10%

Assistant Fashion Designer,                                                                                        09/2019 - 10/2019 ARMADIO – Bangalore

• Collaborated with the fabric department to help determine and source the right fabrics for each design.
• Managed a team of pattern cutters and seamstresses, fostering team spirit, encouraging innovative ideas, and helping them expedite the garment construction process.
• Spearheaded supplier communications and successfully sourced materials at negotiated price points, assessing their quality to ensure they met established standards.
• Handled all aspects of photoshoot organization, including coordinating with photographers and models to ensure seamless execution.

B.Sc: Fashion And Apparel Design, 2019 

Mount Carmel College Autonomous - Bangalore