Lead Womenswear Designer with over 12 years of multi-product experience in Outerwear, Wovens, Knitwear, Jersey and Swim with a focus on sustainable product and solutions.

Contact me: laurajayneakins@gmail.com

Over my career, I have gained experience in full time and freelance positions; which has taught me how to adapt quickly, work collaboratively and manage teams to establish and grow successful collections. In my most recent role as Lead Womens Wear Designer at Finisterre, we grew the gross profit for the womenswear department alone by 370% from 2018 to 2020.

I believe in building better product for better business, focusing on sustainablity and the future of our industry and planet. No product should be should be produced today without sustainability at its core and forethought of circularity for the future.

I am passionate about people, community and culture; I believe in empowering and investing in the people that I work with, understanding the value of feeling valued. A sense of community and a good work place culture is essential to success of any company.

INTERESTS:

Things that occasionally terrify me: climbing cliffs, riding motorbikes, surfing waves. Other activities: hiking, cold water swimming and Muay Thai.

Things that inspire me: painting / drawing nudes (+ people clothed). Music - most recently The Mauskovic Dance Band, always Amen Dunes.

SKILLS

Sustainable strategic thinking

Extensive research - trend, art, people and culture

Creative and colour direction

Design direction - establishing key themes and stories across ranges

Excellent understanding of construction and finish

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Leading multi - level teams

Advanced CAD / Adobe Suite

Proactive problem solving

PREVIOUS COMPANIES

FINISTERRE

SOME IDEAS

URBAN OUTFITTERS

CHINTI AND PARKER

RICHARD NICOLL

SOPHIE HULME

BANANA REPUBLIC