Available to hire
I’m Rahnel Alvarado, a seasoned fashion development professional with over a decade of experience driving design, production, and vendor relationships in high-end denim and ready-to-wear. I excel at translating creative concepts into actionable development plans, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering on time with quality and cost targets.
My hands-on expertise spans technical design, fabric development, washes, finishes, and global production coordination. I thrive in fast-paced environments, collaborating with designers, patternmakers, and suppliers to bring innovative product to life while optimizing processes and profitability.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Co-Founder at Co.Lab Fashions
January 1, 2020 - PresentFounded a collaborative platform supporting emerging fashion designers in launching their own collections. Provided end-to-end design development services from concept through production, oversaw costing, sample making, and full production runs with small MOQs to enable accessible entry for new brands; coordinated domestic manufacturing in Los Angeles to ensure timely delivery and craftsmanship standards; mentored designers toward sustainable growth.
Design & Sourcing Manager at The Evans Group
December 31, 2021 - October 20, 2025Built the Design & Sourcing department from the ground up in partnership with ownership, shaping creative and operational direction. Led a cross-functional team of designers, coordinators, and vendors to deliver on-time, on-trend collections; sourced innovative fabrics from domestic and international shows, introducing concepts that increased client engagement and retention.
Senior Development Manager at Edwin
December 31, 2020 - October 20, 2025Directed seasonal product development, managing workload allocation for patternmakers, sewing vendors, laundry, and finishing partners. Produced detailed tech packs, sketches, and technical specifications for domestic and international vendors; coordinated weekly fittings, garment specs, and revisions to ensure quality and consistency; developed costing strategies, achieving favorable pricing through effective vendor negotiations.
Director of Development & Production at Jean Atelier
December 31, 2019 - October 20, 2025Managed a 15–20 member team overseeing all operations from initial design concept to production. Directed creation of denim washes and finishing processes aligned with brand vision; administered seasonal budgets, vendor allocation, and WIP tracking for efficient production; negotiated vendor pricing and contracts, achieving cost savings without compromising design vision; managed development of four collections per year from concept through final production.
Design & Development Manager at RtA Brand, Los Angeles
December 31, 2016 - October 20, 2025Collaborated directly with ownership on initial design concepts, fabrics, colors, washes, trims, and fits; developed and implemented office procedures to streamline design and production workflows; oversaw fabric sourcing, wash development, fittings, costing, and SMS sample creation; managed an approximate $100K development budget per season.
Designer / Developer at Citizens of Humanity / Goldsign / GBTSO
December 31, 2014 - October 20, 2025Early roles partnering with Adriano Goldschmied on fabric selection, washes, and trims for multiple divisions; managed calendars, fittings, vendor communications, tech packs, and costing analysis.
Executive Assistant- to President and VP Brand Managers at Citizens of Humanity, Luxury Denim
February 1, 2011 - November 10, 2025Provide executive-level support to the President and VP Brand Managers, maintain weekly selling reports from major department stores, manage expense reports, and handle administrative duties. Coordinate domestic and international sales efforts, develop and maintain international line sheets and sales reports, and collaborate with Design, Production, Sales, and Marketing to drive projects.
Assistant Property Manager at Riverstone Residential, The Marlowe Luxury Apartments
February 1, 2011 - February 1, 2011Coordinate site tours, lease apartments, and prepare legal documents. Demonstrate and close sales; manage day-to-day property operations including posting checks, deposits, coding bills, auditing files, and collecting delinquent accounts. Administer move-ins/outs, renewals, and post charges.
Human Resource Generalist at Personality Hotels, Corporate Office
December 1, 2008 - December 1, 2008Responsible for 7 boutique hotels; participated in Union negotiations and mediations; coordinated employee events; recruiting: postings, interviews, pre-screening, job fairs; managed unemployment claims, state disability, EEOC, workers comp, OSHA logs, LOA; benefits billing/enrollment; generated reports; advanced Excel proficiency; coached management on employee relations.
Assistant Front Desk Manager at Marriott International, JW Marriott & San Francisco Marriott
November 1, 2007 - November 1, 2007Management development program; ensured smooth operation for opening/closing of shifts; MOD responsibilities; in charge of all departments; focused on employee morale, retention, and coaching; addressed associates and guest concerns.
Assistant Director of Human Resources at Embassy Suites Hotel, Hilton
April 1, 2007 - April 1, 2007Coordinated orientations; administrative duties; benefit enrollment; recruiting: job postings, interviewing, organized/administered; conducted additional training for associates; designed recognition programs to boost morale; payroll administrator; improved AOS scores through personalized involvement and events; mentoring managers on employee relations.
Server at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
May 1, 2005 - May 1, 2005Provided friendly service in a fast-paced restaurant; strong menu knowledge; multitasked as a cocktail server; supported team in delivering quality guest experiences.
Director of Development & Production at Jean Atelier
January 1, 2017 - November 10, 2025Directed development and production efforts, collaborating daily with the Creative Director on concept to completion. Managed a staff of 15-20, oversaw end-to-end operations, and maintained workflow for patternmakers, sewers, and production coordinators. Established denim washes for development and production, created seasonal costing with vendors to meet business goals, and planned work allocation to optimize efficiency. Oversaw tech packs, fittings, and all technical callouts for domestic and international vendors, coordinated weekly fittings, and created WIP charts for vendor use. Tracked fabric and trim samples and production orders to ensure timely delivery, and generated full-circle reports on materials and production cuts.
Designer/ Product Development Manager at Freelancer
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017Created initial design concepts from seasonal trend research, produced graphics using various mediums, and developed trend boards and silhouettes. Attended fabric shows, sourced innovative fabrics, and contributed denim wash knowledge. Served as a Technical Designer/ Pre-Production/ Production Manager, ensuring accurate spec development and clear communication across vendors.
Design & Development Manager at RtA Brand
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016Collaborated directly with the owner on initial design concepts, sketches, fabrics, washes, trims, and fit. Created reports and procedures to streamline design and production, attended fabric shows, and developed washes and technical packs. Managed domestic and international vendor communications, tracked production timelines, and led fittings, maintaining WIP charts to hit target dates.
Assistant Designer & Product Developer; Citizens Men - Product Developer & Design; GBTSO (Knit Line) – Design & Production Manager at Citizens of Humanity
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014Worked across three divisions (Goldsign, Citizens Men, GBTSO knit line) with Adriano Goldschmied on concept development, fabric and trim selection, and fit. Managed calendars and weekly design/product meetings, attended fittings, and collaborated with laundry and laser tech for washes. Coordinated with fabric and trim vendors, oversaw all tech packs, performed cost analyses, and sought production efficiencies. Duplicated lines for sales samples and coordinated international shipment.
Education
A.A., Merchandise & Product Development at Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
January 11, 2030 - October 20, 2025B.A., Business Management at University of New Mexico, Anderson School of Management
January 11, 2030 - October 20, 2025B.A., Hospitality Management at University of New Mexico
January 11, 2030 - October 20, 2025B.A. Travel and Tourism: Hotel Management at University of New Mexico – Anderson School of Management
August 1, 2001 - May 1, 2006B.A. Organizational Management at University of New Mexico – Anderson School of Management
August 1, 2001 - May 1, 2006A.A.: Merchandise Product Development at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2011B.A.: Business Management at University of New Mexico – Anderson School of Business Management
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006B.A.: Organizational Management at University of New Mexico – Anderson School of Business Management
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2006Qualifications
Industry Experience
Retail, Manufacturing, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate & Construction
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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