lioba.jego@gmail.com
French Alps . Freelance or full time . Available
From concept and trend direction to product range, design and development, I bring together creative, technical and commercial considerations to build cohesive and relevant collections. My experience across different markets and product categories allows me to adapt to brand DNA, consumer needs, target prices and manufacturing realities.
Seasonal trend research and direction for knitwear, jersey, swimwear or athleisure/loungewear, combining market and brand research, yarns and materials, colour palettes, stitches, details, key shapes and silhouettes. Curious and open-minded, I draw inspiration from modern art, 1970s architecture, contemporary culture and material innovation, always looking beyond fashion to bring fresh and relevant ideas into each collection.
After immersing myself in the brand’s archives and DNA, I develop exclusive designs and variations, from hand-drawn concepts on Procreate to vector artwork in Illustrator. I consider the yarn, fabric, stitch and key details from the early stages of the design process.I work hand in hand with Design, Product and Technical teams throughout development, with regular exchanges and iterations to refine each product and align the creative vision with technical and production requirements.
Passionate about fibres and materials, I particularly enjoy researching and selecting yarns and fabrics, and exchanging ideas with spinners, technicians and manufacturers to understand their possibilities and push each material further. Over the years, I have built a trusted network in France and abroad, from innovative spinners and suppliers to experienced manufacturers and independent French fibre producers. These long-standing relationships help me find the right materials and technical solutions for each project, while balancing creativity, quality, production and target price.
I support the development of collections, from material, supplier and factory recommendations through to final product. My knowledge of pattern making, measurement charts and garment construction allows me to anticipate technical challenges, troubleshoot issues and find practical solutions throughout development. I work closely with technical teams and manufacturers to balance design intent, fit, construction, quality, deadlines and target prices. I can also manage factory follow-up remotely or directly on site, from first prototypes through to production.
I specialise in shaped knitwear, 3D whole garment and seamless construction, bringing a different approach to knitwear development. I also keep a close eye on emerging initiatives, new materials and production possibilities, from independent French wool farmers and the relocation of linen production in France to the industrialisation of plant-based dyes.
I work whenever possible with certified, recycled, organic and plant-dyed materials, including GOTS, OEKO-TEX, BCI and Masters of Linen-certified qualities. I collaborate with high-quality manufacturing partners committed to greater transparency, animal welfare and reduced environmental impact.
Used to working independently as a freelance designer, I am equally comfortable joining existing teams and working closely with Design, Product, Merchandising, Technical, Sourcing and Marketing. I value open exchanges and back-and-forth throughout the process, bringing my own creative and technical perspective while adapting to different ways of working.
