I'm a freelance intimates designer and product developer based in Lisbon, Portugal, with 13 years of industry experience across lingerie, maternity, shapewear, swimwear and activewear. I partner with small startup brands to take ideas from concept to finished products, including market research, material sourcing, development, creating detailed technical drawings with construction methods, tech packs, factory liaison, overseeing prototype sampling, fittings and comments. I've spent seven years designing for major intimates manufacturers, gaining a deep understanding of bulk production capabilities and workmanship. My background in factory work has sharpened my ability to balance aesthetic goals with manufacturability. I love travel and working across cultures, which has made me adaptable, patient and a strong problem-solver. I’m a friendly, reliable team player who also thrives working independently and delivering under tight deadlines.

Leigh Williams

I'm a freelance intimates designer and product developer based in Lisbon, Portugal, with 13 years of industry experience across lingerie, maternity, shapewear, swimwear and activewear. I partner with small startup brands to take ideas from concept to finished products, including market research, material sourcing, development, creating detailed technical drawings with construction methods, tech packs, factory liaison, overseeing prototype sampling, fittings and comments. I've spent seven years designing for major intimates manufacturers, gaining a deep understanding of bulk production capabilities and workmanship. My background in factory work has sharpened my ability to balance aesthetic goals with manufacturability. I love travel and working across cultures, which has made me adaptable, patient and a strong problem-solver. I’m a friendly, reliable team player who also thrives working independently and delivering under tight deadlines.

Available to hire

I’m a freelance intimates designer and product developer based in Lisbon, Portugal, with 13 years of industry experience across lingerie, maternity, shapewear, swimwear and activewear. I partner with small startup brands to take ideas from concept to finished products, including market research, material sourcing, development, creating detailed technical drawings with construction methods, tech packs, factory liaison, overseeing prototype sampling, fittings and comments.

I’ve spent seven years designing for major intimates manufacturers, gaining a deep understanding of bulk production capabilities and workmanship. My background in factory work has sharpened my ability to balance aesthetic goals with manufacturability. I love travel and working across cultures, which has made me adaptable, patient and a strong problem-solver. I’m a friendly, reliable team player who also thrives working independently and delivering under tight deadlines.

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Language

English
Fluent
Portuguese
Advanced

Work Experience

Senior Designer at Crystal Martin Emprex
August 1, 2020 - October 16, 2025
Hands-on role developing new concepts across intimate apparel, maternity, Santoni and activewear; led a team of junior designers; collaborated with R&D on bonding, lamination, ultrasonic, and moulding; produced tech packs and 3D garment renders; conducted fittings; tracked samples from start to finish; gathered market insights and prepared trend and fair reports.
Senior Designer at Pac Dunlop Clothing & Textile (Zhongshan) LTD
July 1, 2017 - October 16, 2025
Developed and edited design sheets, tech packs and BOMs; produced detailed technical drawings; interpreted sample requests and suggested alternative make-up methods and fabrics to prevent production issues; sourced materials for cost and performance improvements; oversaw cup/wire developments; collaborated with R&D for bonding, lamination, ultrasonic & moulding; conducted live-model fittings and documented comments; tracked samples from start to finish; maintained a cohesive library of tech packs, BOMs and fitting notes.
Freelance Lingerie Technical Designer at The Bodywear Oce (TBO), Rotterdam
November 1, 2013 - October 16, 2025
Translated design drawings into detailed technical sketches; produced tech packs for lingerie, swimwear/beachwear and loungewear; worked closely with design and production teams; designed packaging, look books and hang tags; organized sales samples and conducted trend/store research; assisted on photoshoots and attended fittings.

Education

BA Contour Fashion (2:1) at De Montfort University, Leicester
September 1, 2009 - July 1, 2012
BTEC in Fashion & Design at Liverpool City College
September 1, 2007 - July 1, 2009

Qualifications

Adobe Photoshop
January 11, 2030 - October 16, 2025
Adobe Illustrator
January 11, 2030 - October 16, 2025
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint proficiency
January 11, 2030 - October 16, 2025
Technical drawings
January 11, 2030 - October 16, 2025
Pattern making, grading and construction
January 11, 2030 - October 16, 2025

Industry Experience

Manufacturing, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Education