An apparel, accessories and graphic designer with over fifteen years' experience in industry designing. I started hands-on with cut-and-sew prototyping and patternmaking, then moved into digital development and cross-functional manufacturing communication, overseeing idea generation, market analysis, pricing architecture and customer experience from concept to retail reception. I’ve led production and design for major brands and collaborations, including international capsule projects like Vanson Leather Goods USA, and grown accessory ranges from a handful to dozens. I’m passionate about sustainable materials, retailer partnerships, and delivering on-time with strong creative direction.

Ian Bolano

An apparel, accessories and graphic designer with over fifteen years' experience in industry designing. I started hands-on with cut-and-sew prototyping and patternmaking, then moved into digital development and cross-functional manufacturing communication, overseeing idea generation, market analysis, pricing architecture and customer experience from concept to retail reception. I’ve led production and design for major brands and collaborations, including international capsule projects like Vanson Leather Goods USA, and grown accessory ranges from a handful to dozens. I’m passionate about sustainable materials, retailer partnerships, and delivering on-time with strong creative direction.

Available to hire

An apparel, accessories and graphic designer with over fifteen years’ experience in industry designing.

I started hands-on with cut-and-sew prototyping and patternmaking, then moved into digital development and cross-functional manufacturing communication, overseeing idea generation, market analysis, pricing architecture and customer experience from concept to retail reception.

I’ve led production and design for major brands and collaborations, including international capsule projects like Vanson Leather Goods USA, and grown accessory ranges from a handful to dozens. I’m passionate about sustainable materials, retailer partnerships, and delivering on-time with strong creative direction.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Designer / Accessories category manager / Garment technician at Deus Ex Machina
October 1, 2012 - September 1, 2019
Design & commercial ownership of accessories development, reporting to Director of Apparel and Company business directors. Seasonal collection research and market analysis for priced product architecture. Prototyping via visuals and CAD, patternmaking and sewing small sections or entire products for design reviews. Managed multiple projects across main collections, SpecialMakeUp programs, One-off art installations, and reordered products; led supplier coordination and problem solving across components. Key achievement: Grew accessories from 5 to 50+ pieces across 4 seasonal collections and boosted category revenue by over 200%.
Senior Designer and Design Coordinator at Piping Hot Australia
October 1, 2019 - January 31, 2024
Headed Mens and Boys wear department for seasonal collections, style guides, and art direction. Conducted market analysis, forecasting and trend development. Developed seasonal accessories program for luggage and footwear. Conducted weekly/monthly/seasonal sales analysis and implemented strategies for key sell-through opportunities. Led collaborations and special capsule projects; managed artwork development and art direction in coordination with design team. Managed supplier relationships, material/trim sourcing, cost negotiations, and sustainability testing for future materials. Key achievement: Strengthened partnership with Target Australia, expanding from 3–4 SKUs to 9–10 SKUs per monthly deliveries and achieving >150% revenue growth in male categories over four years.
Production Manager and Senior Designer at Geedup Clothing Australia
January 1, 2024 - April 1, 2026
Led overall brand production timeline and seasonal release scheduling, including Tier 1 monthly collection releases, international collaborations, and accessories categories. Co-developed seasonal apparel products, material trims development, and artwork direction. Maintained constant supply chain liaison, development and planning; sourced product freight and logistics options. Directed seasonal artwork, yardage, and graphic assets in collaboration with founder and marketing. Managed collection costing, stock ordering, sales projections, and post-sale analysis. Key achievement: Led international collaboration with Vanson Leather Goods (USA) through full collection design, pitches, and production planning with US events coordination.
Consulting Designer at Motorino North Bondi
September 1, 2024 - October 1, 2024
Assisted founders with range curation and style development for Autumn 2025. Covered all garment design development, sampling, tech packs and trim specs. Initiated supply chain liaison during handover with existing and new manufacturing partnerships. Artwork ideation, development and supplier handover (file setup and instruction packs).
Consulting Designer at Hayden Shapes Surfboards
May 1, 2022 - December 1, 2022
Production development and factory communication for wetsuit collaboration and Season 2 ready-to-wear apparel collections. Generated tech packs and trim specs, managed supplier discussions and file management. Maintained constant supply chain liaison during sampling and bulk manufacturing; planned development and problem solving for internal/external teams.

Education

Diploma of Fashion Design at Ultimo, TAFE Sydney Institute
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2011
Tailoring apprenticeship at Bespoke Bijan
January 1, 2010 - June 1, 2010
Certificate IV in Design at Lidcombe, TAFE Sydney Institute
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Secondary Education at Christian Brothers College Burwood
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004

Qualifications

Bespoke Bijan Tailoring Apprenticeship
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Diploma of Fashion Design
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2011
Certificate IV in Design
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2008
Secondary Education
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2004

Industry Experience

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