Adding to the philosophy of sustainable design, I set out as Lead Designer to expand the product categories within the lifestyle company, Mona B, to include not only fashion and accessories, but also options for sustainable home goods. The home collection is made from rPET, jute, and bamboo fiber, which is nontoxic, melamine free, and 100% biodegradable. I designed and maintained all communication with vendors for this development.
As Lead Designer, I was responsible for trend research, illustration, and technical design of all womenʼs apparel. This included woven and knits for basics, athletic wear, and resort. I created the technical specifications for each style and communicated directly with vendors for sample procurement and timely delivery of bulk production.
In collaboration with Asia Life Magazine, I assisted as Art Director for this Spring/ Summer 2012 editorial shoot. All apparel is from Keokʼjay, when I was Assistant Designer for the environmentally sustainable womenswear company. Photographer Balazs Maar captured these shots in the rice paddy fields outside Phnom Penh and among the ruins of an old school designed by the famous Cambodia architect Vann Molyvan. We wanted to convey the beautiful and raw essence of Cambodia, while highlighting the up-cycled and hand woven materials made with natural dye techniques.
Working directly with the Creative Director at Mona B, I executed all seasonal design concepts for their Menʼs division. I organized presentation boards and lead all team meetings to get style, fabric, and trim approvals. I maintained all technical specifications and communicated directly with all vendors for sample procurement and timely delivery of bulk production for all backpacks, duffels, messengers, crossbodies, dopp kits, wallets, and various gift items.
Working directly with the Creative Director at Mona B, I executed all seasonal design concepts for their Womenʼs division. I organized presentation boards and lead team development meetings to get style, fabric, and trim approvals. All materials were sustainably sourced and my role in fabric development helped improve overall quality and durability. I created the technical specifications for each style and communicated directly with vendors for sample procurement and timely delivery of bulk production.
Ora is a brand developed for a client that wanted to create sustainable products that combine functionality with minimalistic design elements so they can be used for commuting to work or traveling the world. Choosing to work with recyclable, lightweight, and weather resistant fabrics, I designed products that are built to last. High quality recycled nylon mixed with vegan leather mixes long lasting style with sustainable practices. Ora, Life Unbound.
Shown at Mercedes Benz China Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011, my collection was inspired by the simple yet complex organisms, EXTREMOPHILES; lovers of extreme environments. These bacteria grow in fractal formations, cooperating to adapt to the harshest of environments, such as acidic hot springs or molten lava. Magnified illustrations of microscopic fractals are digitally printed on silk organza and charmeuse as they organically span across the undulating drapes.
As Lead Designer of several product categories, the expansion into Baby and Kids accessories and home goods was the most recent launch for the lifestyle company, Mona B. Having had several years of experience in Women and Menʼs apparel and accessories the jump into Kidʼs products was a natural evolution. This expanded their customer base and made the brand a one stop shop for every lifestyle. To continue our philosophy of sustainable design, we chose to use rPET or 100% recycled plastic bottles woven into a waterproof nylon for all soft goods. For hard goods we used bamboo fiber, which is a sustainable and biodegradable option. And lastly, all packaging was made from recycled paper and eco friendly inks. I designed and maintained all communication with vendors for this development.
