ELIZABETH LEE SINANAN
WORK EXPERIENCE
June 2021 - Present
Toronto, ON, Canada
FREELANCER
PROVIDING A VARIETY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Notable Impact:
I've been enjoying freelance as every project is different. Every client is different and I love seeing the outcomes!
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Created lifestyle and activewear collections
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Acted as an advisor for several existing businesses and start-ups
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Worked on accessory products like sunglasses, shoe, headwear and bags
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Advisor for metaverse projects as we get into digital fashion
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Advisor for NFT projects
June 2021 - present
Vancouver, BC, Canada
NAVAS LAB
CO-FOUNDER & DESIGNER
Notable Impact:
Created Navas Lab from the bottom up. Worked alongside my brother to make this brand a success. All manufacturing is local, including some fabrics! The brand strives to create minimal, clean, tailored
products for active tall guys everywhere.
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A brand that makes premium apparel locally for tall guys
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True entrepreneurship innovation
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Built company from zero
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Brand, design, production, and expansion strategy
June 2018 - June 2021
Vancouver, BC, Canada
RYU
HEAD DESIGNER OF WOMENSWEAR
Notable Impact:
Directed womenswear to take a softer direction. The styles that have taken this direction have become top sellers for 2019.
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Oversees design and development
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Manage a team of 4 designers
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Travel overseas to meet with suppliers and review developments in China, Philippines and Taiwan
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Active in the vision and presentation of the collections
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Source fabrics and new innovations
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Research trends
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Strategize new innovations and solves in design
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Review and study sales in strategizing how to grow a start-up company
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Work with WFX software
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Live and breathe the RYU culture
Jan 2015 - June 2018
Montreal, QC, Canada
LOLE
SENIOR DESIGNER
Notable Impact:
Women's outerwear made up 70% of winter buys. During those 3 years we had to adapt to the change in climate and demand. The focus has been 50% transitional and 50% winter. Moreover, swim too had to be re-structured to classic, modern and active in order to expand for both wholesale and retail.
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Oversees womenswear design and development of outerwear, swimwear, activewear as well as menswear
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Manage a team of 2 designers
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Active in presentation process and preparations for Sales Meetings
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Active in the merchandising of the collection
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Review sales to learn and improve upon future collections
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Develop fabrics, colors and trim concepts for the season
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Research trends and direction of the collection
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Travel for research to Europe and New York
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Travel to shows such as ISPO in Munich, Germany
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Live the Lole culture
Aug 2013 - Jan 2015
Montreal, QC, Canada
RUDSAK
HEAD DESIGNER
Notable Impact:
Increased leisurewear sales to make up 30% of all sales. The goal was to increase these sales so to achieve healthier summer numbers. Rudsak is known for winter jackets, and we wanted to create year long success with leisurewear as well.
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Manage a team of 6 designers and work with production team
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Develop concept, color and fabric directions for Rudsak, Rud and Atelier Noir collections
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Give creative direction to the design team, buyers, stylists, marketing and merchandising
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Review sales with sales analysts to strategize direction of next collection
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Work with stylists for fashion show at Toronto Fashion Week
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Travel abroad to seek contemporary trends, meet new and existing suppliers
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Visit shows such as Magic in Las Vegas and Canton Fair in China
Jan 2011 - Aug 2013
Montreal, QC, Canada
BUFFALO JEANS
SENIOR MENSWEAR DESIGNER AND PROJECT MANAGER
Notable Impact:
Expand the menswear collection to have novelty pieces. Some challenging concepts were Iklat shirts and multi-media t-shirts. By 2013, t-shirts alone made up 45% of sales.
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Managing a team of 4 apparel and 3 graphic designers
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Realization of concept and designer of styles
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Strategize the organization of the collections
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Present collections to buyers with the merchandising strategy
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Strategized new branding approach
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Travelled oversees to meets with suppliers in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Deli and Mumbai
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Work with project management, tracking and production timeline with overseas manufacturers
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Research new innovative fabrics, trends and styles
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Work with PDM software
Jan 2010 - Jan 2011
Montreal, QC, Canada
JOSHUA PERETS
SENIOR DESIGNER AND PROJECT MANAGER OF WOMENSWEAR, CHILDRENSWEAR AND MENSWEAR
Managed a team of 4 designers
Realization of concept and designer of styles for both Women’s, Men’s and junior collections
Create merchandising strategy of small manageable groups by fabric for the store vignettes
Create tech packs
Trend research and analysis
Evaluate sales and trends to predict styles and production quantities for the future
Work with project management, tracking and production timeline with overseas manufacturer
Research new fabrics and styles
Dec 2008 - May 2009
Manhattan, NY, USA
ZAC POSEN
ASSISTANT DESIGNER
Worked on furthering designs through construction experimentation with a variety of fabrics
Often given the task of furthering experimental and new techniques
Worked on design packs and presentations
Managed the duties of others
Worked on samples and final garments for New York Fashion Week for Fall 2009
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE
QUALIFICATIONS
Sept 2006 - May 2008
Manhattan, NY, USA
(FIT) FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
AAS OF INTERNATIONAL FASHION DESIGN
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One year study abroad in Florence, Italy at Polimoda Fashion School
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Selected for Art Specialization
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Finalist for Go Red and Swarovski competitions
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Work published in Linda Tain’s book, “Portfolio Presentation for Fashion Designers”
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Member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honour Society
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GPA: 3.83 (Dean’s List)
May 2023 - August 2023
Vancouver, British-Columbia, Canada
CUT DESIGN ACADEMY
3D APPAREL DESIGN & INTEGRATION CERTIFICATE
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Studied 3D apparel design with Browzwear and Clo3D softwares
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Utilized Gerber software for dynamic pattern making
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In depth practice of rendering and avatar use
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Understanding material sciences
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3D fit technology
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Advanced technical apparel product engineering
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Final Grade: 100%
PROJECTS: APPAREL
WORK QUALIFICATIONS
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Experience working overseeing a team and working as a team
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Experienced in fashion design and garment construction
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Experience visiting shows: ISPO, Magic, PV
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Experience working with overseas suppliers and travelling to Asia
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Experienced in illustration and fashion presentations
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Experienced in lookbook and catalogue design
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Experienced in fabric, print and concept research
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Excels in public speaking and presentations
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Speaks English and intermediate French
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Proficient in Browzwear and Clo3D
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Experience with Gerber
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Mac and PC Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, PDM, Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator), WFX
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Lives an active lifestyle: avid yogi and crossfiter!! Also have a history in canoe tripping, competitive swimming, horseback riding, rugby and running
PROJECT 1: 3D FASHION IN BROWZWEAR (2023)
3D APPAREL DESIGN & INTEGRATION CERTIFICATE
PROJECT 2: PERFORATED TIGHTS (2019)
Purpose
High performance high-waisted 7/8 tights
Fabric Content
79% Nylon 21% Spandex Interlock
Technical Tailoring
4-way stretch fabric to maximize flexibility and maintain shape
Pre-shrunk curved waistband for a hug fit
Interior waistband phone pocket storage
Temperature Regulating
Wicking fabric properties
Perforated fabric detailing in strategic areas
Power mesh in waistband for fit and breathability
Anti-Odor
Polygiene finish
Sales
Since the Perforated Tights have been in stores, they have been the top selling tight
PROJECT 3: THOUGH SHORTS (2020)
Purpose
High performance 7" inseam shorts
Fabric Content
79% Nylon 21% Spandex Interlock
Technical Tailoring
4-way stretch fabric to maximize flexibility and maintain shape
Pre-shrunk curved waistband for a hug fit
Easy access side phone storage
Temperature Regulating
Wicking fabric properties
Perforated fabric detailing in strategic areas
Power mesh in waistband for fit and breathability
Anti-Odor
Polygiene finish
Sales
The phone detail made these shorts a must have item
PROJECT 4: NANO WEIGHT TOPS (2019)
Purpose
Very light tops for extreme heat and
semi-transparent to show sportsbra without having to be fully exposed
Fabric Content
100% Polyester Slub Single Jersey
Tailoring
Relaxed fit for all sizes
Temperature Regulating
Extremely light
Fast drying
Anti-Odor
Polygiene finish
Sales
Since these styles have been in stores,
they have been top sellers consistently. RYU has never offered such a light-weight top for womenswear
PROJECT 5: ETHOS HOODIE (2019)
Purpose
Active everyday living hoodie
Perfect to-and-from the gym or just hanging out.
Fabric Content
80% Cotton 18% Polyester 2% Lycra
Tailoring
Tailored darts for the perfect fit
Bonded hem, cuffs and pockets for weightless finish
Underarm diamond gussets for dynamic movement
Temperature Regulating
Spacer fabric creates a 3-D microclimate between layers
Provides maximum airflow
Anti-Odor
Polygiene finish
Sales
An essential product that's been on repeat orders
PROJECT 6: ETHOS LONG BOMBER (2020)
Purpose
Active everyday living long bomber
Perfect to-and-from the gym or just hanging out
Long length for extra coverage
2-way zipper for maximum mobility
Fabric Content
80% Cotton 18% Polyester 2% Lycra
Tailoring
Tailored darts for the perfect fit
Bonded hem, cuffs and pockets for weightless finish
Underarm diamond gussets for dynamic movement
Temperature Regulating
Spacer fabric creates a 3-D microclimate between layers
Provides maximum airflow
Anti-Odor
Polygiene finish
Sales
Product sales were good, 2-way zipper helped fit most body types
PROJECT 7: YOGA TO PADDLE BOARD SET (2019)
Purpose
A matching sports bra and tight set that can be worn actively at the gym or at the beach
Fabric Content
78% Nylon Regnerated 22% Elastane
Technical Tailoring
4-way stretch fabric
Specifically Bra:
Mid support
High neck design for full protection while on paddle board
Detail power mesh for breathability
Mobilon and flex elastics used internally for secure fit
Specifically 7/8 Tights:
Invisible zipper at back
High waisted for full range of movements
Power mesh used internally at the waistband for secure fit
Beach and Pool Performance
UPF 50+ - Protect your skin from the sun
Sun creams and oils resistant
Chlorine resistant
A Better Tomorrow
ECONYL®: Regenerated nylon fibres, sourced from fishing nets and other post-consumer products
OEKO-TEX® Certified: Free of harmful chemicals
Sales
The tight in particular has been a top seller for both summer 2018 and 2019. They are now becoming a repeat styles.
PROJECT 8: REVERSIBLE X REVERSIBLE SWIM (2018)
Purpose
Reversible swim both front-back and inside-outside
Fabric Content
78% Nylon Regnerated 22% Elastane
Technical Tailoring
4 way stretch to maximize flexibility and maintains shape
Top can be worn as full coverage or semi-coverage options
Bottom is a sporty classic silhouette
Flex elastic used at strategic areas of top and bottom for a secure fit
Beach and Pool Performance
UPF 50+ - Protect your skin from the sun
Sun creams and oils resistant
Chlorine resistant
A Better Tomorrow
ECONYL®: Regenerated nylon fibres, sourced from fishing nets and other post-consumer products
OEKO-TEX® Certified: Free of harmful chemicals
PROJECT 9: SEAMLESS SET (2017)
Purpose
Activewear set of seamless bras and tight for medium activities
Fabric Content
77% Polyester 17% Nylon 6% Elastane
Technical Tailoring
Circular knit seamless construction
Rib specified for secure fit
Specifically 7/8 Tights:
High waisted tight for full range of movement
Crotch gusset for technical tailored performance
Specifically Bra:
V-neck thin strap bra option
High neck long line bra option
Adjustable straps for customized fit
Removable cups
Moisture Control
Knit mesh detailing for ventilation
Anti-Odor
Polygiene finish
PROJECT 10: LOUNGEWEAR NYLON KNITS (2019)
Purpose
Clean minimal mercerized nylon knit series for working or lounging
Fabric Content
55% Viscose 43% Nylon 2% Elastane
Silhouettes
Sleevless v-neck
Cover-your bum cardigan
Easy throw long sleeve v-neck
Tube skirt
3.5'' inseam shorts
Moisture Control
Inherently wicking
PROJECT 11: FINE TERRY LOUNGEWEAR (2019)
Purpose
Must have loungwear
Fabric Content
51% Polyester 49% Cotton
Silhouettes
Long sleeve sporty crew
2 1/2'' inseam 1970's gyms short
A Better Tomorrow
OEKO-TEX® Certified, free of harmful chemicals
PROJECT 12: 100% SANDWASH SILK (2019)
Purpose
Machine washable shirting for the everyday
Fabric Content
100% Silk
Silhouettes
Boyfriend shirt
Cropped bandeau blouse
Sheath thin strap dress
PROJECT 13: VEGAN LEATHER ACCESSORIES (2019)
Purpose
Create travel accessories for the everyday
Fabric Content
55% Polyester 45% Cotton
Technical Tailoring
Specifically Bucket Bag:
Detachable strap
Internal cellphone pocket
Specifically Travel Wallet:
Holds cellphone
Conceals passport
Organizes credit cards
Zippered pouch to store coins
PROJECT 14: WATERPROOF/RESISTANT SERIES (2019)
Purpose
Waterproof and resistant series
Fabric Content
100% Polyester (Jackets in 1.5 layer)
Silhouettes
Long Hoodie Jacket, Short Hoodie Jacket, Trench:
Waterproof
Designed to keep you dry with seam sealing
Both wind resistant and DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
Long jackets have a 2 Way Zipper
Packs into a pouch
Tote, Duffle Bag, Drawcord Bag, Fanny Pack:
Water-resistant
Water-resistant zippers
Always storage space for cell phone
Sales
Raincoats at Lole are a consistent top seller. They are in constant repeat.
PROJECT 15: TRANSITIONAL INDOOR-OUTDOOR JACKET (2018)
Purpose
Light-weight jacket that can be worn indoors or outdoors
Fabric Content
100% Nylon
Technical Tailoring
Secure grip snap design
Inside baffle quilting
Packs into a bag
Temperature Regulation
LOFTECH™ insulation with a 700 Fill Power
Recommended for temperatures 0⁰C and up
Wind resistant
DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
A Better Tomorrow
LOFTECH™ insulation, a vegan-friendly synthetic down
that feels just like the real thing, to keep you warm against rain and wind all winter long
Sales
Lightweight packable always do well. This is a novelty option of our more classic packable. The softness and lightness of this jacket has become a top seller.
PROJECT 16: HEAVY WINTER TRANSFORMATION HOOD
Purpose
Winter jacket that with option to wear as a collar or as a hood
Fabric Content
100% Nylon
Technical Tailoring
Hood transforms from collar to mock
Front 2-way zipper for mobility
Hood adjustment system for secure fit
Internal adjustment system at waist for fit options
Hand zipper pockets
Temperature Regulation
LOFTECH™ insulation with a 700 Fill Power
Wind resistant
DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
A Better Tomorrow
LOFTECH™ insulation, a vegan-friendly synthetic down that
feels just like the real thing, to keep you warm against rain and wind all winter long
PROJECT 17: SONIC WELDED QUILTED WINTER JACKET (2019)
Purpose
-30 Winter jacket with sonic welded quilting
Fabric Content
100% Nylon
Technical Tailoring
Front 2-way zipper for mobility
Removable hood
Hood adjustment system for secure fit
Internal adjustment system at waist for fit options
Hand zipper pockets
Temperature Regulation
Sonic Welding maintains heat as fabric is not punctured as with sewn quilting
Downglow™ Insulation 700 Delivers unequalled compression
recovery and an impressive warmth-to-weight ratio
Wind resistant
DWR (Durable Water Repellent)
A better Tomorrow
Recycled Polyester
PROJECTS: HIGH FASHION
PROJECT 19: Red Dress (2008)
Purpose
Zac Posen Fall 2009 Collection: Theme was Victoriana meets 1940s
This was the final dress on the runway at NY Fashion Week.
The hem was made of gathered tiered taffeta.
Holding this hem was chiffon, cut into a structural triangulations of godets.
To help bare the weight of the hem, the torso section was styled in taffeta
and finished with an ornate belt.
PROJECT 20: Jackets (2008)
Purpose
Zac Posen Fall 2009 Collection: Theme was Victoriana meets 1940s
This collection had many floral and free flowing pieces.
To contrast this, structured blazers and dresses gave a 1940's tailored homage.
PROJECT 21: Sleeves Construction (2008)
Purpose
Zac Posen Fall 2009 Collection: Theme was Victoriana meets 1940s
The bell, mutton and extended cap sleeves were something very much explored.
We played with gathers, pleating and structure.
In addition, ribbons inspired by the Victorian era, and found new ideas of detailing.
PROJECTS: ARCHITECTURE
PROJECT 22: Cube (2004)
Purpose
One of the first projects submitted in school.
The purpose was to deconstruct a cube.
The staircase was a symbolic reference to milestones and their relationships.
PROJECT 23: Space Frame (2006)
Purpose
Team was assigned to construct at 1:5 span utilizing space-frame hybrid design.
No power tools, nuts, bolts and screws were allowed.
The design practiced triangulation using tetrahedrons which achieved a curve like a double helix.
We created a form with false foam and tubes that could be manipulated to achieve our desired shape.
With our shape, we created pin joints with lashing that created lateral-bracing and cross bracing.
Finally, we had to break the span. We used bricks at the weakest parts of the structure.
PROJECT 24: Greenhouse (2006)
Purpose
Team Project to create a greenhouse for a local community garden with $70.
We focused on climate, portability and capturing light and rain water.
Recycled water bottles were used to heat the North wall.
Coroplast was used to control light on the South wall.
Designed the building to work best with the Sun from Spring-Fall.
PROJECT 25: Sustainable Building (2006)
Purpose
Team project to study sites in relationship to how we design a building.
Using the site, angle of the Sun and climate we proposed how to best naturally heat, cool and collect water.