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I am a senior fashion and apparel designer with 18+ years of experience delivering commercially successful fashion lines that drive revenue, brand loyalty, and market recognition. I translate art, culture, and consumer insights into market-ready designs that resonate with retailers and consumers. I specialize in concept development, trend research, and cross-functional collaboration—from print development and garment construction to production coordination with overseas factories. I enjoy building cohesive brand stories, leading teams, and creating compelling line sheets, BOMs, and development updates that support strong market performance.…I am a senior fashion and apparel designer with 18+ years of experience delivering commercially successful fashion lines that drive revenue, brand loyalty, and market recognition. I translate art, culture, and consumer insights into market-ready designs that resonate with retailers and consumers. I specialize in concept development, trend research, and cross-functional collaboration—from print development and garment construction to production coordination with overseas factories. I enjoy building cohesive brand stories, leading teams, and creating compelling line sheets, BOMs, and development updates that support strong market performance.

Melissa Lara

Designer, Creative Director, Graphic Designer, +2

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I am a senior fashion and apparel designer with 18+ years of experience delivering commercially successful fashion lines that drive revenue, brand loyalty, and market recognition. I translate art, culture, and consumer insights into market-ready designs that resonate with retailers and consumers. I specialize in concept development, trend research, and cross-functional collaboration—from print development and garment construction to production coordination with overseas factories. I enjoy building cohesive brand stories, leading teams, and creating compelling line sheets, BOMs, and development updates that support strong market performance.…I am a senior fashion and apparel designer with 18+ years of experience delivering commercially successful fashion lines that drive revenue, brand loyalty, and market recognition. I translate art, culture, and consumer insights into market-ready designs that resonate with retailers and consumers. I specialize in concept development, trend research, and cross-functional collaboration—from print development and garment construction to production coordination with overseas factories. I enjoy building cohesive brand stories, leading teams, and creating compelling line sheets, BOMs, and development updates that support strong market performance.

Available to hire

I am a senior fashion and apparel designer with 18+ years of experience delivering commercially successful fashion lines that drive revenue, brand loyalty, and market recognition. I translate art, culture, and consumer insights into market-ready designs that resonate with retailers and consumers.

I specialize in concept development, trend research, and cross-functional collaboration—from print development and garment construction to production coordination with overseas factories. I enjoy building cohesive brand stories, leading teams, and creating compelling line sheets, BOMs, and development updates that support strong market performance.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Work Experience

Assistant Technical Engineer at Eddie Bauer

June 1, 2007 - June 1, 2008

Assisted in technical product development and engineering tasks.

Lead Sales Associate at Nordstrom

September 1, 2008 - February 1, 2010

Exceeded sales goals through strong product knowledge and customer relationship building.

Assistant Designer at TOMMY HILFIGER Women’s Sleep & Lounge (Delta Galil USA – D2 Brands)

September 1, 2010 - April 1, 2012

Supported sleepwear and lounge categories; contributed to concept development, fit, and production support.

Senior Designer at TOMMY HILFIGER Women’s Sleep & Lounge (Delta Galil USA – D2 Brands)

April 1, 2012 - July 1, 2017

Led concept through production for sleepwear/loungewear with strong retail performance and repeat orders; owned color development, fabric selection, fittings, and technical detailing; collaborated with cross-functional teams and overseas partners.

Freelance Designer at TOMMY HILFIGER Women’s Sleep & Lounge (Delta Galil USA – D2 Brands)

July 1, 2017 - December 1, 2017

Led the U.S. sleepwear/loungewear direction with concept-through-production work and trend-driven assortments.

Freelance Designer at Celebrity Pink

March 1, 2018 - August 1, 2018

Designed trend-forward collections across women’s, men’s, and children’s categories; led soft-woven development and CAD/color storytelling; supported men’s private label line and overseas production updates.

Freelance Designer at Torrid

January 1, 2019 - March 1, 2019

Produced flat sketches and colorways across Outerwear, Bottoms and Swim for Fall/Winter; developed CAD designs and PLM-based color/print assortments.

Creative Director at B the Label

March 1, 2019 - January 31, 2020

Co-created and launched a lounge-focused brand; directed end-to-end design vision, governing quarterly collections and a cohesive brand identity; led cross-functional collaboration to ensure fit, quality, and timely delivery.

Youth Leader at SAY San Diego

November 1, 2023 - December 1, 2025

Supervised and supported groups of students across academic and recreational settings; fostered positive relationships and provided academic support and social-emotional development.

Freelance Associate Designer at Rylee and Cru

January 1, 2026 - Present

Contributed to seasonal children's apparel collections with emphasis on print, placement, and visual storytelling; developed repeat prints and art comps; produced sales materials and line sheets for key retailers; coordinated with overseas factories and cross-functional teams.