CALISTA TEKAWY

I’m Calista, a Los Angeles native with an unwavering passion for fashion history and a keen eye for detail. I’ve always been surrounded by a diverse blend of culture and creativity that fuels my work.

With a strong foundation in organization and an innate creativity, I thrive in crafting designs that not only capture the essence of where a style has been but also push the boundaries of where it can go. My love for fashion and art history informs every project I undertake, allowing me to bring modern innovation to tried and true garments. I truly believe the path forward lies in the intent of it's intended creation, that a garment's history can guide where it can grow for the future. I am dedicated to contributing to the cultural landscape through thoughtful and impactful design, aiming to create pieces that resonate on a personal level. 

When I am not working in fashion, I pursue various other creative passions. I have previously created successful social media filters reaching up to 50 million impressions.  Additionally, I have expanded my creative skill set by learning to dye artwork into hair. Being a creative is inherent to my being and I am on a constant pursuit to find new skills and outlets. 

Thank you for visiting my portfolio. I’m excited to share my journey and explore new opportunities to shape the future of design! 

Experience

SKIMS
Associate Designer, Men's (2023 - Present)

•  Create and maintain detailed tech packs, including sketch pages, construction details, and BOMs
• Present concept research and design sketches based on direction from Design Director, adapting to feedback and evolving project needs
• Conduct research on contemporary market trends and costumer needs
• Source and request fabrics and trims from overseas vendors by coodinating with PD Manager
• Create and maintain systems within the team to ensure productivity and organization
• Responsible for communicating hand off and fit notes to tech team
• Use Adobe creative suite to render samples 
• Curate color for all trim and artwork, track and manage related lab dips
• Research, artwork and development for elastic

Free People, URBN
Assistant Designer, Intimates (Winter 2020- Spring 2022)  & Movement (Spring 2022-Spring 2023), Philadelphia

• Designed, created and developed product for Initmately and FP Movement
• Draped and sewed multiple samples on a biweekly basis for recurring design meetings
• Created multiple session teaching peers and seniors how to use Procreate and create photorealistic renderings of samples 
• Created original design ideas communicated through fashion illustrations, technical sketches and sewing samples
• Collaborated with Design Director to execute sesonal development initiatives
• Maintained design sketch updates 
• Strategized technical and creative development of cost effective product according to line plan needs
• Set up spec sheets for private label product & maintain communication for market developments
• Commented on fit and communicated notes to cross functional teams 
• Accurately analyzed industry trends, colors and fabrics to inform design strategies 
• Oversaw approvals for washes, fabrics, trims and lab dips

Freelance Designer / Assistant Stylist
Los Angeles 2016-2020

• Treatment & Pitch Deck Designer, Republic Records
• Designer, ConColour Studios
• Designer, Capsule Collection for Toit Volant
• Custom Costumes for Saweetie & Dancers, Ciroc 2019 Holiday Ad
• Custom Background Costumes (Vinyl), DJ Snake ft. Sean Paul & Anitta - Fuego
• Custom Background Costumes, Goldlink Ft. Tyler, the Creator & Jay Prince - U Say
• Custom Background Costumes, Lil Pump - Drug Addicts
• Custom Background Costumes, Future - F&N
• Custom Costume for FKi1st, FKi1st Ft. MadeinTYO - Good Gas
• Custom Costume for FKi1st, 2Chainz & A$AP Ferg, FKi1st, 2Chainz & A$AP Ferg - How I Feel 
• Assistant Stylist & Custom Background Costumes, Tom Grennan - Barbed Wire
• Assistant Stylist, Kali Uchis feat. Steve Lacy & Vince Staples - Only Girl

Zana Bayne
Studio Intern, Los Angeles 2019

• Coordinated the preparation and sourcing of raw material
• Managed and optimized hardware inventory
• Supported production process from initial leather preparation to completion of products, including harnesses, corsets and accessories 

Vidakush
Designer, Los Angeles 2017-2019

• Contributed to the design and production of jewelery and body harnesses
• Research of seasonal trends, color, and hardware to develop comprehensive trend packs
• Upcycled vintage garments by creating and implementing new designs from thrifted items
• Assisted team on photo shoot sets

LF the Brand, LF Stores
Designer, Los Angeles 2017-2019

• Collaborated with design team and brand leaderson on seasonal development projects
• Managed and updated all design sketches including technical sketches
• Maintained and organized sample inventory- Developed line sheets and decks to communicate notable details of each collection
• Set up spec sheets for private label products, including graphic design and placement on garments, while managing market development communications
• Conducted industry research and reported on trends
• Contributed to brand development and identity by assisting with website development, managing social media platforms, and creating engaging content

Are You Am I
Design Intern, Los Angeles 2017 

• Supported designers in creating and correcting patterns for samples
• Maintained and organized fabric inventory
• Assisted designers in prepping fabric & materials for samples
• Prepared and organized necessary items for photoshoots

Education

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising
Los Angeles // 2015-2017
Associate of Arts In Fashion Design

Fashion Sketching, Industry Sewing, Draping, Technical Sketching, Business of Fashion, Pattern Drafting, Computer Aided Fashion Design, Collection Development, Creative Design Analysis, History of Costume, Color & Design Theory, Art History, Textile Science

Citrus Community College
Florence, Italy // 2014
Survey of Western Art - Renaissance

ArtCenter Saturday High
Pasadena // Summer 2011 & 2012
Figure Drawing, Graphic Design, Draping, Patternmaking