Available to hire
Hi, I’m Priscilla Rivera. I’m a garment technician and designer with a passion for turning ideas into production-ready garments. I’ve collaborated with designers, merchandisers, and manufacturers across NZ and the US, refining fits, developing tech packs, and guiding samples from concept to delivery. I thrive in fast-paced workwear, government uniforms, and fashion projects, always prioritizing quality, consistency, and clear communication.
I’m based in Auckland, NZ, with a global perspective from earlier roles in Los Angeles. I enjoy solving design and production challenges, mentoring teammates, and keeping up with industry trends to deliver practical, stylish garments on time.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate
Work Experience
Garment Technician at Huffer Direct Limited
March 1, 2017 - March 1, 2017Collaborated with Designers and Merchandisers on new range styles; adjusted blocks to ranges and refined fit with Design; created and amended spec sheets, diagrams (flats); reviewed development and SMS samples for fit, measurements and quality; maintained daily communication with overseas clothing manufacturers and local vendors; prepared graded specs for handover to production with SMS 1; reviewed PPs against tech packs, documented comments and amendments; participated in weekly internal, project and vendor meetings; updated internal tech-pack template.
Intermediate Product Developer at Work Wear Group / Yakka
June 1, 2016 - June 1, 2016Researched market requirements and safety standards to inform product concepts; liaised with manufacturers and Procurement to create or improve products; created and amended spec sheets, diagrams and sketches; updated product database; reviewed samples against tech packs and specs; documented progress and recommendations in project reports; supported customer outfitting activities (sizing).
Garment Technician at Pacific Brands / Yakka
December 1, 2014 - December 1, 2014Catalogued sample room items; learned coding systems; reviewed samples against specs, documented comments; reorganized and consolidated sample filing and storage area, including suggesting and implementing new procedures for filing new, additional or updated versions of item/style; updated Sample Room Database program.
Garment Technician at Verge
July 31, 2013 - July 31, 2013Reviewed style notes / tech pack requests and specs against protos, participated in fittings and style reviews; interpreted and communicated style, fit and quality adjustments / comments, revised sketches and spec points in tech packs; sketched new styles, prepared sample specs; participated in daily progress meetings.
Garment Technician at Verge
June 30, 2014 - June 30, 2014Interpreted and communicated style, fit and quality adjustments / comments, revised sketches and spec points in tech packs; sketched new styles, prepared sample specs; participated in daily progress meetings.
Garment Technician / Production Associate at F.O.B. Direct
May 1, 2014 - May 1, 2014Reviewed and measured samples against specs and tech packs, prepared samples, strike offs and lab dips for submission/approval packages; supported transition from XSOL to WFX by transferring style details, costs and some P.O.’s as well as generating new and current season styles, details and P.O.’s.
Garment Technician at Canterbury of NZ
December 31, 2013 - December 31, 2013Reviewed style notes, sketches and samples to create specs / tech packs, discussed design and styling options and functions; Measured and reviewed samples against specs, participated in fittings and style reviews; Interpreted and communicated style, fit and quality improvements / requests via comments and direct factory communication; Adjusted sketches, set up new art & labels, created new sample FM / measurement spec sheets; Approved and or commented on strike offs, embellishment samples and lab dips.
Garment Technician at Canterbury of NZ
March 1, 2014 - March 1, 2014Reviewed style notes, sketches and samples to create specs / tech packs, discussed design and styling options and functions; Measured and reviewed samples against specs; participated in fittings and style reviews; Interpreted and communicated style, fit and quality improvements / requests; Adjusted sketches, set up new art & labels; created new sample FM / measurement spec sheets; Approved or commented on strike offs, embellishment samples and lab dips.
Wardrobe Stylist at PR Design & Creative
January 1, 2011 - November 3, 2025Owner/Designer; researched markets and trends, sourced materials and vendors; designed or interpreted designs, cost sheets, manufactured garments, consulted on project details, planning and presentation; created fashion illustrations, flat sketches/technical sketches, tech packs, fit comments, direct communication with Chinese and Indian factories; managed administrative tasks (accounting, customer service, marketing and networking).
Technical Designer at Soul Revival / Kismet Clothing Co.
October 1, 2010 - October 1, 2010Interpreted and advised on designs, measured garments, created complete tech packs including: specs, construction details and sewing instructions, trim and fabric info, care instructions, flat technical sketches and HTM. Conducted fittings and advised on design improvements/options; communicated revisions via sketches and email; adjusted designs / tech packs per fabrication, including grading as necessary; participated in design / line review meetings and maintained digital file library and WIP.
Associate Designer/Designer at Jerry Leigh of California
October 1, 2008 - October 1, 2008Researched related markets and trends, shopped and sourced samples, materials and vendors; designed and planned development of multiple design projects; presented design options; created, organized and maintained digital file library and development books; followed projects through concept to pre-pro, including import/tech and production packages, garment fittings and supervision of assistants.
Associate Designer/Account Manager at V.C.I.
April 1, 2007 - April 1, 2007Designed and planned development of multiple design projects; tracked progress and collaborated with clients; created development books, line sheets; researched trends/colors and communicated with production; participated in fittings and line reviews.
Assistant Designer at Eco-ganik / California Apparel Inc.
June 1, 2006 - June 1, 2006Supported head designer in execution and development of embellished garments, designed seasonal basics group, researched trends and colors, attended design meetings and participated in line reviews; sourced fabric and trim; oversaw duplicate line; created line sheets, costing, liaison from design to production, tech packs; maintained the design room.
Design Assistant at Self Esteem / All Access Apparel
March 1, 2005 - March 1, 2005Developed fabrications with head designers including custom color schemes and artwork direction; sourced fabrics; attended design meetings and line reviews; created presentation boards for sales team; acted as liaison from design to piece goods purchasing; maintained fabric library; approved lab dips.
Freelance Designer / Tech Designer / Sketch Artist at Various (Los Angeles, CA)
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2011Sketched and revised flat / technical renditions for pattern cards, tech packs and line sheets; created line sheets / lists and presentation materials; performed general design room functions and contributed to tech packs.
Wardrobe Stylist at Dual NRG / JC photo (Freelance)
November 1, 2008 - November 1, 2008Created wardrobe concepts per project, evaluated clients, selected outfits, coordinated fittings with photographers, and provided inspiration materials; managed hair/makeup recommendations and location/lighting considerations.
Garment Technician at Huffer Direct Limited
July 1, 2016 - March 1, 2017Met and communicated with Designers and Merchandisers on new range styles; adjusted blocks to ranges; refined fit and design; created/ amended spec sheets, diagrams and flats; reviewed development and SMS samples for fit, measurements and quality; liaised with overseas manufacturers and local vendors; prepared graded specs for handover to production; reviewed PPs against tech packs, documented notes and amendments; participated in team, project and vendor meetings; updated internal Tech Pack template.
Intermediate Product Developer at Work Wear Group / Yakka
January 1, 2015 - June 1, 2016Researched market needs, safety standards and price points; liaised with manufacturers and internal Procurement to create/improve products; created/ amended spec sheets, diagrams and sketches; updated product database; reviewed samples against tech packs; documented progress and recommendations; prepared phase reports and participated in client/status meetings; assisted with sizing activities.
Garment Technician at F.O.B. Direct
April 1, 2014 - May 1, 2014Reviewed and measured samples against specs; prepared samples, strike offs and lab dips for submission; supported transition from XSOL to WFX with style details, costs and P.O.’s; generated current season styles and P.O.’s.
Owner/Designer at PR Design & Creative
January 1, 2011 - PresentWomens designer formal/casual dresses, designer casual apparel, lingerie/lounge, accessories, uniforms and costumes; menswear; created fashion illustrations, flats, tech packs, specs; liaised with factories in China/India; managed product concepts, vendor relationships, and line planning; oversaw admin, accounting, marketing and networking.
Associate Designer/Designer at Jerry Leigh of California
April 1, 2007 - October 1, 2008Researched markets/trends; designed and planned development of multiple projects; managed digital file library; presented design options; oversaw line through pre-pro, import/tech and production; trained assistants.
Associate Designer/Account Manager at V.C.I.
July 1, 2006 - April 1, 2007Designed and planned development of multiple projects; tracked sample/production progress; maintained development books; liaised with production; participated in client fittings and line reviews.
Assistant Designer at Eco-ganik / California Apparel Inc.
April 1, 2005 - June 1, 2006Supported head designer; researched trends/colors; attended line reviews; sourced fabric/trim; oversaw sample/dup line; created line sheets and costings; maintained design room and tech packs.
Design Assistant at Self Esteem / All Access Apparel
May 1, 2003 - March 1, 2005Developed fabrics with head designers; attended design meetings; created presentation boards; liaised from design to production; maintained fabric library and approved lab dips.
Freelance Designer / Tech Designer / Sketch Artist at Various
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2011Sketched/revised flat/technical renderings; created line sheets and presentations; supported general design room functions; prepared tech packs and specifications for multiple clients.
Wardrobe Stylist at Dual NRG / JC photo (Freelance)
January 1, 2007 - November 1, 2008Created/researched project themes; client collaboration; model selection; wardrobe review and fittings; selected outfits and managed styling for shoots, including hair/makeup guidance and location choices.
Education
Associate of Arts Degree: Fashion Design at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000Associate of Arts Degree: Fashion Design at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2000Business Education / Small business start-up course at Small Business Association / PACE
January 1, 2010 - May 2, 2026Qualifications
Small Business Start-Up Course
January 1, 2010 - November 3, 2025Small business start-up course
January 1, 2010 - May 2, 2026Industry Experience
Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Consumer Goods
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
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