Inspired by the celebration of imperfection, Kintsukori is a line of coordinates I created with elegant purity and fierce innocence in mind. I incorporated a mix of materials, such as faux Tibetan fur, bouclé wool and silk knit for dynamic appeal and to challenge the boundaries of what historically constituted women's coordinates.
Contracted to design the Portland based handbag company's Spring/Summer 2017 line, I worked on research, ideations/sketches. computer flats, and technical packaging for international factories. I put together design briefs, customer profiles and market analysis. I insured costing reflected desired market entry and worked on landed costing and wholesale margins. Selection of leathers, spec'ing factory samples and acting as a liaison were daily duties.
Jayne Max, a handbag company based in Lake Oswego, Oregon designs in-state and manufactures in Vietnam. Contracted as a designer for the Spring/Summer 2013 line, I proposed sixty designs, completed over one hundred computer flats and issued twenty technical packages (complete with Bill of Materials).
Using vegan leather, the Highway Bag is humanely hand constructed. An interior zipper pouch runs the full length of the satchels' interior with three additional side interior pockets for added storage. The exterior consists of a rear zipper pocket, front slip pouch and two more openings bordered by a buckle strap. The lining is 100% woven cotton with a Japanese wave repeat and gold accent ink while the outer is made of 100% Polyurethane with a recycled cotton flocked backing.
The Gladiator Sandal was created for the Sacred Corners Collection. Constructed from a Polyurethane leatherette with a cotton flocked backing, these shoes have the appeal of leather, but employ vegan ethics. Straps with nickel buckle closures run the length of the shank and complete the gladiator look. A center back zipper makes easy removal of the knee high footwear.
Observing a hole in Nike's apparel offerings, I designed and created Indigo Girl for the female skateboarder. The nine-look capsule collection was created to meet the needs of the athlete. The silhouettes offer maximum movement and technical fabrics with wick-a-way and anti-microbial properties were mixed with more traditional fabrics for that perfect blend of fashion and performance. Indigo dye techniques were applied to organic stretch cotton fabric and extended double ribbing was used to offer protection to the skateboarder's shins and elbows.
I was chosen from a national pool of entrants as one of five designers to participate in the first sustainable fashion show at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. The festival is the world's largest eco-conscious music festival and is held annually in Manchester, Tennessee. I designed a nine-look collection inspired by the Navajo Nation, the Diné, who are known for their bold aesthetic. The Sacred Corners Collection was based on the Diné Nations' iconographic approach to nature and their elemental derivatives. The collection contained over forty pieces; including jewelry, shoes and belts.
Inspired by Pendleton Woolen Mills, I designed and created the Tundra Boot. Off-cut woven Pendleton wool scraps, locally sourced brass grommets, 100% organic cotton laces and re-purposed tartan fringe blankets make the boots an eco-conscious project. The finished boots are showcased on Pendleton's blog under Nancy's Boots.
Ladies First is an Oregon based manufacturer of post breast surgery medical wear. The challenge was to create a line of apparel that met medical requirements while still appealing to a client base between the ages of 45 and 65 years of age. The clothing was designed to give comfort and assurance during a medically intensive time in a woman's life and look amazing while meeting all her medical needs.
The Bonnaroo Music Festival attracts over 150,000 attendees annually. The production merchandise team asked for souvenir designs that would embody the bright and playful nature of the festivals' surroundings. I designed over twenty products that were presented to the team. Three were selected for production; eyewear, socks and t-shirts.
