aBOUT ARLENE

With extensive experience in pattern development and technical design, I’ve collaborated with a range of fashion brands—from startups to established designers—delivering high-accuracy pattern development from concept to mass production. My expertise lies in translating creative visions into precise patterns while ensuring efficient workflow management and timely execution.

I specialize in developing detailed technical packages, attending fittings, documenting feedback, and providing accurate pattern adjustments and grading releases for production. Leveraging advanced skills in Optitex, Gerber & Tuka Tech, I streamline digital pattern-making processes to reduce waste and improve accuracy.

I’m highly organized and thrive in fast-paced environments, maintaining a consistent workflow across multiple projects while meeting deadlines with 90%+ efficiency. Known for my responsiveness and attention to detail, I excel at factory communication, ensuring seamless collaboration and follow-through on every step of the production process.

Core Competencies

Design Handoff & Pattern Development Process

During the design or buyer handoff, I collaborate closely with designers to ensure a clear understanding of the project requirements. My process includes:

• Initial Review: Sitting down with the designer to discuss basic specs, target price points, finishes, fabric, and trims.

• Reference Analysis: Reviewing sketches, store-bought samples, in-house samples, or reference styles from previous production runs to establish the design direction.

• Pattern Creation: Translating the concept into an initial pattern, focusing on accuracy and production feasibility while aligning with the design intent.

• Fitting Sessions: Once the sample is ready, I lead a live fitting with a model, working closely with the designer to gather feedback and document fit notes. I then proceed to make pattern corrections and update the pattern card accordingly.

• Revised Sample & Sew-by: Create a new revision sample, when necessary, which becomes the sew-by sample for factory reference. The DXF file  and pattern card is then sent to the factory for the pre-production (PP) fitting.

• Pre-Production to Top of Production (TOP): I oversee the PP and TOP fitting process to ensure design integrity and alignment with designer comments. Designers typically step back at this stage unless issues arise. My role is to ensure the factory adheres to all comments and that the final product maintains the original design vision. Some companies let the technical design department take over from this stage. 

This structured approach ensures that the final pattern meets both creative and technical expectations, resulting in a smooth transition from development to production. 

Pattern Making & PDS Programs

• Manual & Digital Pattern Making (Quantities are approximate & time does not include fit schedules, meetings, or other cross functional interruptions.)

  • New pattern developments 3-5 styles per day, Complicated Styles 2-3 per day

  • Referenced / existing pattern Development 4-8 patterns per day

  • Minor Corrections on basic to general patterns 6-10 per day

• Expert in Optitex & Gerber 

• Beginner in Tukatech (currently in training for an overview of all functions)

Technical Design & Tech Pack Development

• Full-cycle development from concept to production

• Fast Fashion: 7–15 daily comments for clear communication

• Contemporary Fashion: 4–6 daily comments for accurate fit and design feedback

Digital Fabric Analysis & 3D Visualization

• Browzwear 3D (Beginner level) for modern fabric simulation and visualization

PLM Systems

• Experience with leading platforms: Centric, Flex, Gerber, Full Circle, Blue Cherry, Oracle Netsuite

Adobe Creative Suite

• Proficient in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign for creative design solutions

Microsoft Office Suite

• Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for data analysis, reporting, and presentations