apparel & fashion designer
about me
Hello~ My name is Kai-Chen Wu. I am an apparel designer with extensive experience working with a range of respected brands, including the luxury vacation-inspired Tommy Bahama, high-quality children's wear company Kate Quinn, and renowned Seattle-based outerwear brands Outdoor Research and Crescent Down Works. I graduated from Seattle Central College - Apparel Design & Development Program (Associate Degree) in the summer 2019.
With a deep passion for elevated streetwear, my design approach focuses on creating sophisticated yet dynamic looks that blend simplicity with thoughtful mixes of colors and materials. I aim to express my vibrant and approachable personality through my designs, striving to bring joy and creativity into every collection.
I invite you to explore my portfolio and connect with me at kaichen.wu1991@gmail.com
Experiences
FEB 2023 - PRESENT
Freelance Graphic Designer
SELF-EMPLOYED
Engaging in graphic design and the development of prints and patterns for a variety of home goods —from initial mock-ups to final products—while also conducting market trend research and designing storefront concepts. Additionally, I manage an online business, which includes maintaining eye-catching design, fulfilling production requests, and providing excellent customer service.
APR 2021 - FEB 2023
Associate Apparel Designer - Mens
TOMMY BAHAMA
Support the Menswear Director and work alongside the Senior Designer to oversee the development of the knit category and the graphic tee program. Conduct trend research tailored to Tommy Bahama's clients and design men's casual knitwear from initial
concept through production, ensuring alignment with the brand. Create color CADs and technical sketches using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and develop multi-color prints with NedGraphics. Manage Bill of Materials for Tech Packs in FLEX PLM and collaborate with Tech Designers on construction specifications. Tackle sourcing and production challenges with cross-functional teams, and review submissions, strike-offs, lab dips, and knit-downs in accordance with brand standards. Collaborate on meeting presentations and brand launches, ensuring efficient logistics and planning.
Assistant Apparel Designer - Off Price
Assist the Design Director and Designer in the SMU off-price team, supplying menswear to clients like Nordstrom Rack, Macy's and T.J. Maxx. Develop technical packs in FLEX and create precise technical sketches. Oversee the graphic tee program and manage printed camp shirts program for Outlet retail. Design menswear from concept to production, following managerial guidance. Collaborate on seasonal color palettes and generate colored CADs for meetings. Review vendor submissions and present seasonal styles to wholesale buyers. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to complete daily tasks.
NOV 2020 - APR 2021
Assistant Apparel Designer - Kids
KATE QUINN ORGANICS
Assist the Creative Director, VP of Design Development, and Production Manager in their daily tasks to successfully ensure weekly product launches. Engage in all phases of design development, production, and the launch of collections. Coordinate fit sessions, assess prototype samples with designers, and communicate with suppliers and factories for product accuracy and improvement. Develop technical sketches for current and future production needs. Analyze color palettes and prints for fabrics, patterns, and findings. Oversee quality control and safety inspections of samples for production assistants. Participate in WFX PLM training and prepare tech packs for production. Design artwork, logos, labels, and hang tags for new branding initiatives. Work alongside the VP of Production to establish quality standards and inspection guidelines for the Production Department.
NOV 2019 - APR 2020
Assistant Designer / Technical Designer - Outerwear
OUTDOOR RESEARCH
Collaborate with the designer and technical design team to manage daily tasks, evaluate prototype samples against the technical pack, and update Flex PDM specifications based on technical designers' input. Produce the PDM technical pack bill of materials, detailed color sketches, and update vendor information in internal library for effective factory communication. Create various versions of the Outdoor Research logo, labels, and artwork in Illustrator and applying current color palettes to the technical pack for upcoming
collections. Gather and assess Pantone color palettes, preparing chips for future meetings, and participate in prototype sample fit meetings with the technical design team and cross-divisional partners.
JUN 2018 - SEP 2018
Studio Production Assistant - Internship
CRESCENT DOWN WORKS
The role involves supporting the pattern-maker in various tasks related to pattern creation, cutting, and labeling. Responsibilities include preparing and labeling fabrics for internal production, as well as cutting findings and materials for in-house tailors. The assistant aids the pattern-maker in developing markers for patterns and is responsible for organizing stock and inventory data. Additionally, the position entails packaging and verifying orders and shipments, sewing samples, and pre-stitching fabrics for production. The assistant also creates detailed technical sketches of garments for the tech pack.