MELISSA LARA

Freelance Associate Designer at Rylee and Cru

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.

Youth Leader at SAY San Diego

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

Creative Director at B the Label

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.

Freelance Designer at Torrid

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

Freelance Designer at Celebrity Pink

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

Served as a freelance designer supporting concept-to-production work for women’s sleep/loungewear categories. Developed designs aligned with brand direction, including CAD/color development, technical detailing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams and overseas partners to meet development timelines and quality standards.

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

Owned design development for sleepwear/loungewear (2012–2017), serving as the sole U.S. designer from concept through production. Developed commercially successful collections with strong retail performance, including repeat orders and multi-retail adoption (Macy’s, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters). Developed trend-driven assortments recognized by WGSN and industry peers. Owned color development, fabric selection, fittings, and technical detailing. Collaborated with cross-functional teams and overseas partners to meet development timelines and quality standards.

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

Sole U.S. designer for sleepwear/loungewear, leading design through production. Developed commercially successful collections with strong retail performance, including repeat orders and multi-retail adoption across Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Urban Outfitters. Owned color development, fabric selection, fittings, and technical detailing. Partnered with cross-functional teams and overseas partners to ensure schedule adherence and quality execution.

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

Supported design development across sleepwear/loungewear categories. Assisted with seasonal concept development, sketch/CAD work, and coordination with cross-functional teams and overseas partners to help deliver on time and on-spec product.

Lead Sales Associate at Nordstrom

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