Kim Thomas
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About
I develop high fashion seasonal women's footwear collections. My process encompasses:
Trend Forecasting
Material Sourcing
Color Theory
Artistic and Technical Design
Material Fabrications
Domestic and Overseas Production
I have the ability to successfully use both hand design techniques and Adobe Illustrator to complete my designs and create accurate spec sheets.
In developing my own collection, Jen + Kim Shoes, I have successfully networked with domestic manufacturers and vendors to create the line entirely in Los Angeles. In working with other clients, I also have a broad range of knowledge on sampling and producing in China.
Specialties:
- Custom Designed Footwear
- Domestic Production
- Overseas Production (China)
- High Fashion Styling
- Knowledge of both Mass and Custom Markets
- Material Maven with Leathers, Exotic Skins and PU's
I have the capability to handle multiple projects, am flexible, have great verbal communication skills and am highly motivated. -
Education
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Associate of Arts Footwear DesignFashion Institute of Design & Merchandising2005 - 2006
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Associate of Arts Fashion Merchandising and ManagementFashion Institute of Technology2002 - 2003
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Bachelor of Science Fashion MerchandisingState University of New York College at Oneonta1999 - 2003
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Experience
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Footwear & Accessory Design Consultant2010 - Present (14 years)* As a consultant my roles include design guidance, sample development, material and component sourcing, factory relations, footwear production and pricing.
* Each consulting project has its' own individual needs so my services can range from maximum to minimum involvement from client to client.
* Previous consultation projects include both small and large companies each which required factory experience both in Los Angeles and China. -
Sampling and ProductionForm and Fauna FootwearMay 2007 - Present (17 years 6 months)I handle all development of samples and production on this vegan collection. I worked with various materials to keep this collection eco-friendly (water based glues, non leather outsoles, Italian synthetic leather, etc.) I worked hand in hand with our heel manufacturer on hand carved wood heels to create shapes that coincided with each design given to me by designer, Bay Bertea. I worked closely with the designer to bring each of her designs into a produce-able shoe that reflected her original design intention.
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Designer/OwnerJen + Kim Shoes2007 - Present (17 years)Jen + Kim Shoes are hand made shoes crafted in Los Angeles. We feature custom made evening shoes for any event and our most recent project is building custom footwear collection specially for designer runway shows. We also host shoe parties where invitees can choose their material and pattern and order their very own custom shoes.
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DesignerJen + Kim for ColorifficsApr 2009 - Mar 2012 (2 years 11 months)Jen + Kim shoes expanded and collaborated with Coloriffics to bring Jen + Kim for Coloriffics to the masses! Spring 2011 was the debut of the collection. It was followed by a Holiday 2012 Collection as well. Its' higher price point allowed me to bring the high fashion aesthetic of Jen + Kim Shoes to the bridal world. See my work on Coroflot here: http://www.coroflot.com/KimThomas/Jen-Kim-for-Coloriffics
Included various trips to China. -
Women's Footwear DesignerAuri FootwearAug 2009 - Jan 2012 (2 years 5 months)After consulting on the Spring 2010 collection and designing the women's Fall 2010, Spring + Fall 2011 and Spring 12' collections, I developed the Fall 2012 collection. Starting with research and trending I moved forward into silhouette and pattern design to bring this company my on-trend design aesthetic that merged seamlessly with their high technology background. Included various trips to China.
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Design and Production ConsultantMi Capri ShoesOct 2010 - Oct 2011 (1 year)By working closely with the designer of this new brand, "Mi Capri" shoes, I lent out my experience and education with designing, sampling and producing footwear. We took Carrie's designs and mixed them with my technical knowledge and Los Angeles factories and suppliers and created a stunning debut collection for Spring 2011.
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DesignerChinese Laundry ShoesOct 2008 - May 2009 (7 months)Designed private label product for labels such as White House Black Market, Skechers, Sears and Laundry List. My process took all of the designs through the sampling process and then onto various meetings with developers and buyers from each company to cull and complete each collection. Inspiration was taken from each labels current offerings (color palettes, materials and applicable trends) to create a collection that worked for the individual label. Included various trips to China.
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Freelance Footwear DesignerMichael AntonioMar 2008 - Sep 2008 (6 months)
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Freelance DesignerChinese LaundryAug 2007 - Mar 2008 (7 months)
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Designer and Production SpecialistChocolat FootwearJun 2006 - May 2007 (11 months)As my first job with my footwear degree I was exposed to the industry at a factory level. I worked to bring the designs of legendary footwear designer Fred Slatten to life. I took each design through the sampling process and worked at our in house factory to order the correct materials and build product that matched his designs. I also worked on the in-house brand "Chocolat" to build a comfort collection for our sales reps. I worked closely with pattern makers, lasters, stitchers, gluers and finishers and gained immense factory experience by doing so. It was here I learned first hand what it takes to make fine footwear.
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Awards
- My designs have been featured in Footwear News with designs for AURI, Jen + Kim for Coloriffics and my own company, Jen + Kim Custom Footwear.
- My designs have been featured in THE KNOT, MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS, SHOESTV, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and IN TOUCH MAGAZINE. -
Affiliations
Shoe's Night Out
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Skills
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Elsewhere on the Web
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On Coroflot@KimThomas, member since 2012
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Followers 4
