CV & EXPERIENCE

FREELANCE DESIGN CONSULTANT

Founder | Crystal Padmore Fashion Designer

With over 15 years of industry experience, I work with brands ranging from startups to established global retailers, supporting every stage of the product development process. From initial trend research and concept creation through to technical packs, fittings and production, I help businesses bring commercially successful collections to life. My experience spans womenswear softs, occasionwear, loungewear, sleepwear and lifestyle product, combining creative vision with a strong understanding of commercial product development.

TOPSHOP

Senior Dresses Designer | ASOS
Softs Designer | Arcadia Group

My time at Topshop spanned both the Arcadia and ASOS eras, where I designed across key softs categories including dresses, blouses, skirts, jumpsuits and shorts. Working closely with buying, technical and sourcing teams, I developed trend-led collections from concept through to production while building strong relationships with global suppliers. This role strengthened my ability to balance creativity, commerciality and fast-paced product development at scale.

URBAN OUTFITTERS

Senior Softs Designer

At Urban Outfitters, I led the design direction across dresses, skirts and blouses, creating trend-led collections that delivered category growth and bestselling product. Alongside mentoring a small design team, I worked closely with buying, merchandising and technical departments to bring commercially successful collections to market. The role also provided extensive international travel opportunities across Europe, Asia and the United States for inspiration, sourcing and product development.

LOST INK

Womenswear Designer

Lost Ink marked my transition from supplier design into branded fashion. As part of a rapidly growing international fashion startup, I helped shape seasonal collections across trend, print, colour and product development. A career highlight was leading the development of a new product category launch while contributing to the brand's expansion across major global retail platforms including ASOS, Zalando and Bloomingdale's.

SUPPLY SIDE

Junior Fashion Designer

My career began on the supplier side of the industry, where I developed a strong understanding of manufacturing, sourcing and product development. Designing for retailers including Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins, Lipsy and New Look, I gained valuable experience working directly with factories, buying teams and pattern rooms to deliver trend-led collections across multiple product categories.

INDEPENDENT BRANDS

Designer & Seamstress

I started my career within independent fashion businesses, developing a hands-on understanding of garment construction, production and collection development. From sewing garments and tailoring vintage pieces to creating capsule collections for small brands, these early experiences provided a strong foundation in craftsmanship, creativity and problem solving that continues to influence my design approach today.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

I had my work published in ‘The Fundamentals of Fashion Management’ book, I was the winner of the Best Emerging Designer in Manchester at The Spring Fashion Show for my university collection and was also the runner up for the ethical fashion forum’s innovation award. Judges included the editor of Vouge.com.

EDUCATION

BTEC National Diploma FASHION DESIGN OCVC College, Oxford - 2006-2008 (Distinction)

 BA (HONS) FASHION DESIGN Leeds Art University, Leeds - 2008-2011 (1st Class Honors)