Hey, my name is Rebekah! I’ve been living and working in the Los Angeles area for over nine years. I am based in North Hollywood, where I live with my partner and rescue dog, Dollar. My home studio is set up with everything I need for remote work, from a powerful updated Mac desktop loaded with design programs to a cutting table and sewing desk for pattern making & sewing.
I graduated in 2013 from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. I received a well rounded arts education from a school that offered a challenging and varied curriculum. I had access to classes that covered repeat fabric design, textile exploration, business of fashion, and computer skills classes focuses on Adobe products.
I’m lucky to have encountered a number of inspirational people who mentored me in the fashion industry. My first job out of school was at a couture boutique in Seattle, Vian Hunter. I traveled with Mrs. Hunter to San Francisco to visit her domestic production facilities. Mrs. Hunter was a designer featured on NBC’s show Fashion Star in 2012 and provided mentorship & advice on getting started in the fashion industry. I was also lucky to meet Pam Kimball, a family acquaintance who had worked at Victorias Secret for over a decade. She met with me multiple times, offering advice and sparking my interest in lingerie design.
I moved to Los Angeles in early 2014, seeking more opportunity and landed at Under One Sky. This handbag, accessories, and softgoods company provided my first experience developing tech packs, working on monthly collections, and emailing daily with our China based team getting samples made. My designs were sold in stores like Tillys and TJ Maxx. Going into stores and seeing my designs for sale in person for the first time was an exhilarating experience.
Ultimately, I wanted experience in womens apparel and moved to Johnny Was in 2015. This was a different world for me, at a much larger company with no budget limits for designs. The team pushed our creativity under the helm of head designer Biya Ramar. I focused on embroidery development in Photoshop and assisted with silhouette development, fittings, and Illustrator CADs. I worked directly with the in-house pattern making team, cut & sewing room, as well as an overseas offices for sample development. Although it was a high pressure environment, I honed my design skills and ability to self edit, as well as understanding of garment construction and high end fabrics.
After a few years passed, I felt a growing interest in intimates, swim, and dance wear. In 2018 I moved to Carrie Amber Intimates, a woman owned company that offered private label, in house brands, and licensed brands. It was another big change where I learned more about the off-price market and designing for volume sales. I worked on multiple brands, developing seasonal mood boards, color palettes, and designs that dropped monthly. I covered sleepwear, shape wear, sexy, swim, bras, and underwear in both missy and plus sizes. I launched their licensed brand collection for Paris Blues Intimates and a private label festival swimwear line that sold to Dolls Kill, Yandy, and Fashion Nova.
During the COVID-19 pandemic I transitioned to a full time freelance designer. I worked for a variety of clients, including Jolyn swimwear, Bee Stings Intimates, and more. Currently I am working at Savage X Fenty. I have assisted in the launch of new categories, including menswear, loungewear, and specialty collections for Super Bowl 2023. I’ve supported the Womenswear department with a focus on lingerie CADs and maintaining tech packs. Whilst I enjoy my focus in women intimates, I am confident in designing all areas of women apparel and accessories. I look forward to future opportunities to keep designing and expanding my skill set.
Thanks for spending the time to learn more about me! -Rebekah
Rebekah Skelly 