I am a versatile industry professional who thrives at the intersection of art and commerce, blending luxury brand experience with a hybrid designer/merchant skillset to create innovative, commercially viable apparel that drives growth. As an independent designer and creative consultant, I partner with brands to turn trend analysis and brand identity into compelling seasonal narratives—from concept and fabric selection to final garment. I excel at translating data into design decisions, delivering end-to-end product lifecycles, and elevating visual storytelling through thoughtful styling and merchandising.…

Jennifer Shorten

I am a versatile industry professional who thrives at the intersection of art and commerce, blending luxury brand experience with a hybrid designer/merchant skillset to create innovative, commercially viable apparel that drives growth. As an independent designer and creative consultant, I partner with brands to turn trend analysis and brand identity into compelling seasonal narratives—from concept and fabric selection to final garment. I excel at translating data into design decisions, delivering end-to-end product lifecycles, and elevating visual storytelling through thoughtful styling and merchandising.…

Available to hire

I am a versatile industry professional who thrives at the intersection of art and commerce, blending luxury brand experience with a hybrid designer/merchant skillset to create innovative, commercially viable apparel that drives growth.

As an independent designer and creative consultant, I partner with brands to turn trend analysis and brand identity into compelling seasonal narratives—from concept and fabric selection to final garment. I excel at translating data into design decisions, delivering end-to-end product lifecycles, and elevating visual storytelling through thoughtful styling and merchandising.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Assistant Apparel Product Developer at AWL (contract)
December 31, 2018 - December 31, 2021
Created market-driven apparel graphics and developed corresponding technical designs and tech packs for production, utilizing PLM systems for cost analysis. Supported key commercial goals through competitive analysis, project workflow management, and maintenance of technical design updates to optimize production strategy. Collaborated on flagship garment designs, expanding the brand's offerings into the accessories category and ensuring high-quality production-ready samples.
Apparel Designer & Creative Director at Jennifer Shorten Designs
February 14, 2017 - Present
Independent designer collaborating with diverse brands to deliver innovative apparel collections, custom graphics, and end-to-end creative solutions from concept to completion. Led creative direction, translated trend analysis and brand identity into compelling seasonal narratives, oversaw fabric selection and garment development, created technical sketches and CADs, and managed PLM-driven cost analysis and production readiness. Chaired fit symposiums to ensure garment quality and alignment with brand vision.
Creative Consultant and Principal Stylist at SHAN
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2024
Co-developed and executed a localized buying strategy for the Toronto flagship, curating specialized inventory that drove a 31% sales increase over previous years. Drove RTW design for men and women and defined manufacturing strategies, guided end-to-end seasonal design and development, conducted competitive analysis, and presented design solutions tied to consumer data. Served as principal stylist for high-profile media collaborations and private clients. Led visual merchandising initiatives and authored a company-wide merchandising guide.
Apparel Designer & Creative Consultant at Lifestyles Women’s Wear & Co.
December 31, 2009 - December 31, 2015
Promoted from internship to key team member, gaining exposure to client relations, luxury market sales, strategic buying, merchandising, and brand management. Played a foundational role in cultivating luxury brand operations and delivering design and creative direction across collections and boutique initiatives.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design Communications at Ryerson University
September 1, 2016 - December 1, 2020
Specializing in Human-Centered Design (HCD)

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Retail, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education
    Apparel Design: Menswear F25
    Designing for redacted] Canadian menswear suiting and smart casuals brand for the fall 2025 collection. The following is a small sample of the work I completed in design research, consumer research, creative apparel design, technical design, tech pack development, fittings and tailoring sessions, and assistance with sourcing and overseeing production. resume videoeditor…
    Apparel Designer: Menswear F25

    Designing for [redacted] Canadian menswear suiting and smart casuals brand for the fall 2025 collection. The following is a small sample of the work I completed in design research, consumer research, creative apparel design, technical design, tech pack development, fittings and tailoring sessions, and assistance with sourcing and overseeing production.