Bio
Born and raised in Philadelphia. Based in New York City. Gia is a designer with background in categories such as knits, sweaters, wovens, denim, activewear, dresses, jackets, sleepwear, swim and innerwear. With experience in developing tech packs, inputting specs and technical fittings as well as leading handoffs, concept reviews, and salesman meetings. Gia has been able to touch many aspects of the fashion industry, making her a jack (or jane) of all trades.
Reach Out
Email
gcgladden@gmail.com
Additional Work
https://www.behance.net/gcgladden
Work History
Designer - The Levy Group, New York, New York 09/2024 - 10/2025
Categories: Knits/Wovens/Sweaters/Dresses/Denim/Bottoms/Jackets/Graphics/Lounge
Advised fit comments in weekly fittings with technical design team
Pitched scale and color for all prints and graphics
Managed assistant and interns in person on a weekly basis
Organized and presented during interdepartmental meetings weekly
Ensured all development arrived from factories and suppliers in a timely manner
Designer - Sunrise Brands, New York, New York 07/2021 - 09/2024
Categories: Missy Knits, Sweaters, Dresses, Wovens
Created Concept and CADs for five brands quarterly
Evaluated proto samples and fittings biweekly
Developed sweaters and knits for all five brands quarterly
Issued an average of 30 tech packs for sampling biweekly
Decreased sampling costs by 33% through thorough size chart specifications
Reviewed lap dips and bulk submits with production daily
Freelance Designer - Empire Apparel, New York, New York 09/2020 - 01/2021
Categories: Juniors Loungewear, Mens Loungewear, Graphics
Established a juniors loungewear brand for the company
Communicated with vendors in China and Egypt via email daily
Created tech packs, spec sheets and BOMs weekly
Designed 15-30 graphics weekly
Associate Designer - One Jeanswear, New York, New York 10/2018 - 07/2020
Categories: Missy Knits, Sweaters, Wovens, Dresses, Loungewear
Created 10-30 tech packs and BOMs in PLM system quarterly
Facilitated sample process from prototype to salesman sample seasonally
Presented seasonal theme and initial sketches to VP of Design quarterly
Attended Missy and Plus fittings 3 times a week
Assistant Designer - Elite Brands, New York, New York 03/2017 - 10/2018
Categories: Missy Knits, Wovens, Dresses, Soft Bottoms, Activewear, Loungewear, Graphics
Measured and fit 10-20 samples weekly
Communicated with Technical and Production teams daily
Sketched and edited 10-15 CADs daily
Researched fashion and color trends seasonally
Assistant Designer - Destination Maternity, Moorestown, New Jersey 09/2014 - 10/2016
Categories: Missy Knits, Sweaters, Swimwear, Sleepwear, Activewear, Loungewear, Graphics, Bottoms, Denim
Designed 2-6 graphics daily
Communicated with vendors on fabric and trim submits daily
Reviewed lab dips and bulk fabrics with Color Team weekly
Created and updates Tech Packs in PLM weekly
Skills
Expertise: Missy, Maternity, Juniors, Menswear, Knits, Sweaters, Wovens, Denim, Graphics, Loungewear, Activewear, Sportswear, Sleepwear, Swimwear
Computer: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo. PLM, Centric, Clo3D, WordPress, Gerber, Make The Dot
Design: Hand/Machine Sewing, Concept Development, Color Equilibrium, Draping/Pattern Making, Fashion Illustration, Visual Merchandising
Education
B.S. in Fashion Design - Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA
Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City, NY - Continuing Education Certification in Clo3D