Christy Solomon
St. Louis,MO
Summary
Creative, detail-driven design leader with 15+ years of experience across private-label and branded fashion companies. Proven ability to lead teams, manage the full product lifecycle from concept through production, and align design vision with brand strategy. Highly skilled in CLO 3D, Adobe Illustrator, and hands-on garment construction, with a reputation from mentorship, innovation, and delivering trend-forward, consumer-focused designs.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Design Lead – Performance Apparel
Weissman Dancewear
St. Louis, MO
11.2019 - Current
- Lead design and development of performance apparel collections across multiple categories, overseeing concept, materials, fittings, and production execution.
- Manage and mentor a team of designers and interns, setting creative direction, workflow standards, and development timelines.
- Create 2D and 3D design packages using CLO 3D and Adobe Illustrator to support internal reviews and stakeholder approvals.
- Partner with merchandising, sourcing, and production teams to align designs with brand standards, cost targets, and delivery schedules.
- Conduct market and competitive research to identify trends, fabric innovations, and silhouette opportunities.
- Drive process improvements that enhance design efficiency, communication, and speed to market.
- Translate performance-wear innovation into scalable, commercially viable product solutions.
Senior Designer
RDG Global LLC -Private Label
New York, New York
08.2018 - 11.2019
- Designed private label collections for three retail brands, focusing on Missy and Plus sizes.
- Conducted thorough research on industry trends to inform creative direction and maintain competitive edge.
- Developed presentation boards and visual content for buyer meetings.
- Merchandised the showroom and presented seasonal collections.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative design solutions that enhance user experience.
- Mentored junior designers, providing guidance on best practices and
- Led design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with brand standards and client vision.
Senior Designer – Women’s Plus Private Label
LF Americas
New York, NY
11.2017 - 07.2018
- Designed seasonal private label collections for three national retail brands, focusing on Missy and Plus size categories.
- Led design projects from concept to execution, ensuring alignment with brand standards.
- Owned product development from concept through sample approvals, collaborating with local sample rooms and pattern makers.
- Incorporated influencer insights, consumer data, and market research into collection development.
- Partnered with overseas vendors, sourcing teams, and technical designers to execute product on time and to spec.
- Prepped seasonal assortments and supported showroom merchandising to drive sell thru.
Senior Freelance Designer – Women’s Plus / Private Label Dresses
JCPenney
New York, NY
11.2012 - 09.2016
- Designed private label dress collections for multiple in-house brands, including Liz Claiborne, at national retail scale.
- Collaborated with Ashley Nell Tipton on the launch of her exclusive celebrity plus-size collection.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive branding strategies across product lines.
- Selected fabrics, trims, and embellishments aligned with trend direction, margin goals, and brand identity.
- Selected eye-catching prints and collaborated with graphics to execute artwork into the collection.
- Created technical sketches and tech packs using Flex PLM.
- Worked directly with overseas factories on sample development, lab dips, approvals, and production execution.
Education
Associate of Arts - Menswear Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York (City), NY05.2003
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Fashion Design & Marketing
American InterContinental University
Atlanta, GA05.2001
Skills
- CLO 3D
- Adobe Illustrator
- Photoshop
- Flex PLM
- Microsoft Office
- Sewing
- Draping
- Garment Construction
- Hand Illustration
- Hand Embroidery
- Styling
- Design & Trend research
- Fabric R&D
Timeline
Senior Design Lead – Performance Apparel
Weissman Dancewear
11.2019 - Current
Senior Designer
RDG Global LLC -Private Label
08.2018 - 11.2019
Senior Designer – Women’s Plus Private Label
LF Americas
11.2017 - 07.2018
Senior Freelance Designer – Women’s Plus / Private Label Dresses
JCPenney
11.2012 - 09.2016
Associate of Arts - Menswear Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Fashion Design & Marketing
American InterContinental University