I am an organised and dependable Fashion and Technical designer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. I excel at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and am always willing to take on greater responsibilities to help meet team goals. Throughout my career, I have worked with numerous high-profile brands and have led teams across different continents. Currently, I am focused on sustainable plastics research while continuing to contribute my expertise in technical design, pattern making, and product development. I enjoy collaborating with creative teams and vendors to innovate in materials and techniques, consistently driving product excellence and efficiency.

Joanne Swift

I am an organised and dependable Fashion and Technical designer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. I excel at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and am always willing to take on greater responsibilities to help meet team goals. Throughout my career, I have worked with numerous high-profile brands and have led teams across different continents. Currently, I am focused on sustainable plastics research while continuing to contribute my expertise in technical design, pattern making, and product development. I enjoy collaborating with creative teams and vendors to innovate in materials and techniques, consistently driving product excellence and efficiency.

Available to hire

I am an organised and dependable Fashion and Technical designer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. I excel at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and am always willing to take on greater responsibilities to help meet team goals. Throughout my career, I have worked with numerous high-profile brands and have led teams across different continents.

Currently, I am focused on sustainable plastics research while continuing to contribute my expertise in technical design, pattern making, and product development. I enjoy collaborating with creative teams and vendors to innovate in materials and techniques, consistently driving product excellence and efficiency.

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Language

Chinese
Advanced
Italian
Advanced
Japanese
Advanced
English
Fluent

Work Experience

PHD Researcher in Sustainable Plastics at Plastics Research Center, Arts Bournemouth University
July 1, 2025 - Present
Researcher within the sustainability program in the plastics lab.
Senior Technical Designer Mens outerwear and Womens and Mens Denims bottoms at Boot Barn inc
November 30, 2025 - July 18, 2025
Led technical development of outerwear and denim, ensuring cost-effective production. Improved construction techniques to meet design goals and optimize profit margins. Created measurement charts and collaborated with suppliers on innovative materials. Coordinated with the creative team on trend research and material technologies. Monitored seasonal calendar to ensure timely achievement of development milestones. Led technical teams through digital transformation initiatives, implementing cutting-edge solutions while fostering cross-functional collaboration. Optimized resource allocation and workflow efficiency through data-driven decision making and strategic process improvements.
Contracted Technical Designer for Lingerie range at Spice Racks LLC
November 30, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Directed technical lingerie design, enhancing product quality and cost efficiency. Advanced construction techniques aligned with design and profit goals. Partnered with vendors to innovate in cup molding and bra trimmings. Supported supplier development and optimized vendor portfolio. Streamlined lingerie development processes, achieving measurable results.
Contracted Senior Technical Designer for Knitwear and Women's WOVENS at Pistola Denim
September 30, 2024 - July 18, 2025
Oversaw RTW and knitwear fitting processes, ensuring timely approvals and quality standards. Coordinated with vendors to streamline fit feedback from prototype to production. Ensured alignment between design and production, fostering collaboration and clarity. Developed tech packs in line with design vision, enhancing product development efficiency. Drove measurable improvements in fit consistency and production timelines. Streamlined technical design workflow for RTW and knitwear collections by implementing standardized fit approval processes and vendor communication protocols.
Design & Technical Specialist /Consultant at Cicero Design LLC
March 1, 2018 - Present
Designed and managed technical design for an LA-based contemporary lingerie and knitwear brand. Worked with clients including SKIMS, LVMH, SAVAGE X Fenty, Wacoal, and Third Love. Collaborated with brands to source materials, designed patterns and silhouettes, and executed line samples with Chinese manufacturers.
Senior Design Manager at Elastique Group
December 31, 2022 - July 18, 2025
Senior manager for internal R&D in Shanghai and Shenzhen offices. Collaborated with vendors on design projects for American brands including American Eagle, Aerie, Hugo Boss, and LVMH. Oversaw R&D for cut & sew, lingerie, swimwear, knitwear, active & loungewear, sweaters, and woven products. Managed collaborative R&D projects, provided creative direction, material sourcing, and timeline management. Prepared seasonal trend and market intelligence reports, researched and developed new wash techniques and sustainable fabric alternatives. Project led on-site and virtual multi-media design presentations. Managed workload and creative direction for the internal design team.
Head Designer for Denim and Mens Wovens at DKNY Jeans International
December 31, 2014 - July 18, 2025
Led design for denim and mens woven categories.
Senior Designer at DKNY Jeans International
December 31, 2012 - July 18, 2025
Senior designer role in Singapore.
Creative Director at Mamiye Brother New York
December 31, 2011 - July 18, 2025
Creative director role based in Shanghai.
Design Manager Womens Wovens RTW at ICE Fashion
December 31, 2008 - July 18, 2025
Managed design projects for women's woven ready-to-wear.
Designer/PD Womens Denim & Mens Wovens at ICE Fashion
December 31, 2006 - July 18, 2025
Designer for women's denim and men's woven categories.
PHD Researcher in Sustainable Plastics at Plastic Innovation Centre AUB
July 1, 2025 - Present
Delivered detailed reports summarising research findings to key stakeholders. Presented findings at international conferences, boosting organisation's reputation in academic circles. Conducted thorough literature reviews for insightful study foundations. Managed multiple research projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion. Identified relevant sources of data to support research objectives. Leveraged modern technology platforms for efficient data management and analysis tasks. Promoted transparency by documenting all methods, procedures, and results accurately.
Senior Technical Designer at Boot Barn inc
November 1, 2025 - July 28, 2025
Led technical development of outerwear and denim, ensuring cost-effective production. Improved construction techniques to meet design goals and optimize profit margins. Created measurement charts and collaborated with suppliers on innovative materials. Coordinated with creative team on trend research and material technologies. Monitored seasonal calendar to ensure timely achievement of development milestones. Led technical teams through digital transformation initiatives, implementing cutting-edge solutions while fostering crossfunctional collaboration. Optimised resource allocation and workflow efficiency through data-driven decision making and strategic process improvements.
Design & Technical Specialist /Consultant at Cicero Design LLC
January 1, 2025 - July 28, 2025
Design Manager, Designer and Technical Design consultant for an LA based contemporary lingerie and knitwear brand. Worked with customers including SKIMS, LVMH, SAVAGE X Fenty, Wacoal, Third Love. Collaborated with brands to source materials. Designed patterns and silhouettes. Executed line samples with Chinese manufacturers and mills.
Contracted Technical Designer for Lingerie range at Spice Racks LLC
November 1, 2024 - July 28, 2025
Directed technical lingerie design, enhancing product quality and cost efficiency. Advanced construction techniques, aligning with design and profit goals. Partnered with vendors to innovate in cup molding and bra trimmings. Supported supplier development, optimizing vendor portfolio. Streamlined lingerie development processes, achieving measurable results.
Contracted Senior Technical Designer for Knitwear and Women's WOVENS at Pistola Denim
September 1, 2024 - July 28, 2025
Oversaw RTW and knitwear fitting processes, ensuring timely approvals and quality standards. Coordinated with vendors to streamline fit feedback from prototype to production. Ensured alignment between design and production, fostering collaboration and clarity. Developed tech packs in line with design vision, enhancing product development efficiency. Drove measurable improvements in fit consistency and production timelines. Streamlined technical design workflow for RTW and knitwear collections, implementing standardized fit approval processes and vendor communication protocols.
Senior Design Manager at Elastique Group
January 1, 2022 - July 28, 2025
Senior Manager for Elastique group, internal R&D for both Shanghai & Shenzhen offices. Collaborated with vendors to execute design projects for American Brands including American Eagle, Aerie, Hugo Boss, LVMH. Oversaw R&D for cut & sew, lingerie, swimwear, knitwear, active & loungewear, sweaters, and woven product. Partnered with vendors on collaborative R&D projects, providing creative direction, materials sourcing direction and timeline management. Prepared seasonal trend and market intelligence reports for customers. Researched & developed new wash techniques and sustainable alternatives to existing fabrics & methods. Project led both on-site and virtual multi-media design presentations. Created and curated market research website for LF customers highlighting key retail trends in NY, Seoul and Hong Kong. Managed workload and creative direction for internal LF design team.
Head Designer for Denim and Mens Wovens at DKNY Jeans International
January 1, 2014 - July 28, 2025
Held the Head Designer position overseeing denim and men's woven collections.
Senior Designer at DKNY Jeans International
January 1, 2012 - July 28, 2025
Senior Designer role, based in Singapore.
Creative Director at Mamiye Brother
January 1, 2011 - July 28, 2025
Creative Director role in Shanghai, China.
Design Manager Womens Wovens RTW at ICE Fashion
January 1, 2008 - July 28, 2025
Managed design for women's woven ready-to-wear clothing.
Fashion Designer Denim at NEXT sourcing office
January 1, 2006 - July 28, 2025
Denim fashion design role involving product development.

Education

Masters of Fine arts at OTEMAE University Japan
January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2004
Bachelor of Arts at OTEMAE University Japan
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2002
Dual Honor Bachelors at University of Sheffield UK
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025
Master of Arts at OTEMAE University
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2004
Bachelor of Science at OTEMAE University
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2002
Associate of Fashion Design at Kobe University of Arts
February 1, 1998 - January 1, 1999
Dual Honor Bachelors at University of Sheffield
September 1, 1996 - February 1, 1999

Qualifications

Machine Knitting Certificate
June 1, 2005 - August 31, 2005
Knitwear Development & Pattern Making Software
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2005
Knit-1 Design Workshop
June 1, 2005 - August 1, 2005
Clo 3d & Gerber
January 1, 2005 - July 28, 2025

Industry Experience

Retail, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Professional Services