sara arévalo
apparel design and direction

email: blackangle138@gmail.com   //   telephone: +44 7888 245919

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SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE

Senior Fashion Design Professional with 20+ years of building brands with managerial roles for industry-leading brands. Designing both mens and women’s Outerwear for Luxury, Streetwear and Action Sports. Proven record in bringing new customers through collaborations and fresh creative direction.

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AREA OF EXPERTISE

Design Direction                              Adobe CC Proficiency                        Fabric/Trim Development

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Trend Analysis                                   Design Team Managment                 Athlete Design Partnerships

Cross-Functional Problem          Overseas Factory and                        Project Management,

Solving and Collaboration            Vendor Communication                    Cost Management

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WORK EXPERIENCE

Senior Design Director - Women’s

Ralph Lauren, New York NY   August 2019-May 2022

Woven Outerwear, Washed Outerwear, Leather.

Brands included: Polo, RLX and Special Projects in Tennis: Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open and Golf: Ryder Cup, PGA US Open and the US Olympic uniforms 

• Managed a team of Outerwear designers under the direction of Mr. Lauren and Creative Director Michal Rider. Ensured vision execution throughout the product cycle, fostering partnerships with Merchandising, Production, and Product Development, resulting in increased market share and exceeding margin goals.

• Revitalised the leather programs by developing a skin library with pre-negotiated pricing and a menu of core designs. Aligned merchandising needs with margin goals, reducing development time and costs while increasing margins and enabling focus on design innovation. This successful process was later mirrored in woven outerwear. 

• Directed the concept relaunch of Women’s RLX, creating the visual brand identity and core design values. Developed a creative roadmap for the brand's evolution, providing the foundation the design team uses to ensure each collection is cohesive and has a distinct point of view.

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Sports Programs Creative Lead

Ralph Lauren, New York NY   August 2019-May 2022

All Category Product Direction and Line planning for RL Sport Partners ensuring design coherence. Led coordination with Design, PR, Marketing, Merchandising, and Production. Partnerships: Wimbledon, US Open, Australian Open, Ryder Cup, PGA US Open, and US Olympic uniforms.

• Uniquely qualified with experience in both Women's and Men's design and trusted by leadership, I worked with Creative directors in both men’s and women’s to help all set direction for each unique Sports project.

• Develop and executed calendar for design, effectively leveraging the unique timing and approval process by each exterior approval committee. Maximising the design teams focus on these seasonal sports projects and delivering the collection, meeting deadlines with Individual sports partners. 

• Spearheaded Design’s intent with PR, Marketing, Merchandising and Production teams. Problem-solving each projects unique set of challenges.

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Senior Design Director - Men’s and Women's

Ralph Lauren, New York NY     2015 - 2019

Managed Design team and Design of Performance Outerwear, responsible for brands: Polo Outerwear, Polo Sport, RLX Golf and Special Sports Projects including Ryder Cup and the US Olympic uniforms. 

• Led small design team in collaboration with Palace Skateboards. Creating a collection including Clothing and accessories including footwear.  Resulting in highest digital impressions the company has ever experienced and created new customers with it’s crossover into Streetwear.

• Committed to sustainability and ethical practices, I was involved in several company groups, including Design with Intent and the Cultural Awareness Working Group. Through my leadership in Outerwear, we achieved our goal of using sustainable fabrics and reducing waste three years ahead of schedule, increasing implementation from 10% to 90% of the line over four seasons.

• Created innovation within the Golf programs in Women’s and Mens Polo and RLX. Used Introduced ultrasonic welding techniques to modernise construction, fit and durability of the product. Infusing a high level of taste into concept developments without abandoning the brand’s core DNA or aesthetics.

Previous positions at Ralph Lauren:

Design Director // RLX Men’s and Women’s 2013-2015

Senior Designer // RLX Women’s Outerwear 2009-2013

Owner Sara Arevalo Design

Seattle WA / New York NY   November 2005–2010

Designing collections for various brands in both men’s and women’s outerwear and sportswear.

Client list included: Smith Optics, The North Face, Planet Earth, Eddie Bauer, REI, Ralph Lauren

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Nitro and L1TA Brand Manager

Nitro Snowboards, Seattle WA   March 2004–October 2005

Brand direction and line structure for Nitro outerwear in the global market. Worked with the Sales Manager and factories meeting pricing goals. Collaborated with professional athletes.

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Apparel/ Accessories Brand Director

K2 Snowboards, Seattle WA   March 2003–February 2004

Line Design for men’s and women’s K2 snowboard outerwear label. Directed the synergy of all soft goods, including gloves, bags, and accessories. Collaborated with professional athletes.

Previous positions at K2 Snowboards:

- Men’s and Women’s outerwear and accessories designer 1999-2003 ​

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Assistant Designer

Pacific Trail, Seattle WA   July 1998–September 1999

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EDUCATION

Seattle Central Community College A.A.S. in Apparel Design 1998

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