Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
Timeline
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Carolina Faria

Carolina Faria

San Juan De Alicante,A

Summary

With over 10 years of experience in accessories and footwear
design, I specialise in integrating traditional craftsmanship with
modern technology. My collaborations with esteemed brands such
as TOD’s, Aquascutum, and Mulberry focus on delivering refined
designs through conceptual research and material innovation. As
a multidisciplinary professional with a background in Economics,
I bring strong analytical skills and hands-on creative expertise,
alongside experience in finance, project management, and
stakeholder communication.
Currently based in Alicante, a hub for Spain’s footwear and leather
goods industry, I maintain valuable industry connections while
exploring Teacher Training through online iQTS and iPGCE
programmes with UK universities. I am dedicated to supporting
the development of a Design and Technology department in a
British or international school, helping students create competitive
portfolios for top design schools. My aim is to transition into
education as a Design and Technology Teaching Assistant,
contributing to innovative, industry-connected learning and
integrating entrepreneurial thinking into the curriculum.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Accessories Designer & Brand Strategist

John Lewis, Stevan Saville, Temple London
09.2016 - 11.2018
  • Designed and implemented brand strategies for John Lewis, Stevan Saville, and Temple London, leading to increased brand recognition and customer engagement.
  • Collaborated with clients on short and long-term design projects to revamp and reposition their brands in the competitive market.
  • Utilised creative design skills to develop innovative accessories that aligned with the brand's identity and target audience.

Senior Accessories Designer

Studio Ruuger
03.2013 - 08.2016
  • Conducted conceptual research, 2D and 3D design, and product development under award-winning designer Oliver Ruuger at Studio Ruuger.
  • Assisted in the creation and product development of the studio's RTW brand, Ruuger; of bespoke pieces and commissions for private clients and exhibitions at prestigious galleries and museums like the V&A; and worked in collaborations with luxury brands like Thom Browne, Aquascutum and Holly Fulton, amongst others.
  • Contributed to the development of a hands-on design approach combining 3D mock-ups, 3D modelling and printing, technique experimentation, and in-depth subject research.
  • Promoted to Senior Designer when I led consultancy projects for light luxury start-ups: Danse Lente, Tara Zadeh, Mohsin, Veles, amongst others.
  • Conducted market research, developed branding strategies, and executed digital marketing and PR initiatives.
  • Managed supplier liaison, line sheets, product lifecycle tasks, and overall studio staff and operations.

Freelance Footwear Designer

Pedro Lourenço
06.2016 - 07.2016
  • Collaborated with Pedro Lourenço to design and illustrate footwear collection proposal for TOD's.
  • Utilized creative design skills to bring Pedro Lourenço's vision to life.
  • Demonstrated strong attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.

Luxury Leather Goods Sample Maker and Apprentice

Vrahimis Atelier
04.2013 - 08.2014
  • Engaged in hands-on training in the creation of high-quality samples for luxury interiors and leather goods, while pursuing my MA degree focusing on the design and creation of luxury accessories at LCF.
  • Enhanced knowledge of design principles and production processes within the high-end fashion.
  • Mastered craftsmanship in luxury leather goods sample making for renowned fashion brands.
  • Collaborated with industry leaders to create high-quality handbag samples and interiors.
  • Showcased expertise in pattern cutting and prototype development for luxury accessories.
  • Contributed to the diverse offerings of Vrahimis Atelier, a go-to destination for luxury brands.

Footwear Designer

Kat Maconie Ltd
08.2009 - 08.2010
  • Designed luxury footwear under CD Kat Maconie, leading a successful directional change in product offer and brand image.
  • Managed product lifecycle, line sheet, deliveries, and deadlines for main line and collaborations.
  • Sourced Brazilian suppliers, resolving an Indian supplier crisis for AW09 production.
  • Assisted in product development, production management, and quality control.

Professional Experience in Banking and Stock Market

Various Financial Institutions in Brazil and Spain
05.2000 - 10.2006
  • Financial Consultant & Account Manager
  • OVB Allfinanz España SA | Alicante, ES | Jan 2023 – Aug 2024
  • - Developed B2C business and managed sales funnel, achieving 100% client retention through tailored strategies and high performance products.
  • - Prepared customized proposals and conducted regular follow ups to maintain strong client relationships.
  • Trade Support & Collateral Management Associate
  • Ágora Sénior CTVM S/A | Rio de Janeiro, BR | Sep 2001 - Oct 2006
  • - Assisted front office with client onboarding and trade execution for agricultural commodity futures.
  • - Managed reference data, margin accounts, and ensured compliance with margin requirements.
  • - Analyzed trading books for discrepancies and coordinated settlements with back office and trading desks.
  • - Oversaw timely settlements of client securities transactions, managing margin accounts and ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • - Liaised with IT teams and trading desks to resolve discrepancies and tracked end of day balances for reporting.
  • - Processed post trade events and confirmations for Tier 1 clients, reducing reconciliation breaks and streamlining processes, increasing productivity by 50%.
  • - Started as a junior settlements analyst, then promoted to settlements specialist for successfully managing stock lending operations and collateral and subsequently to middle office trade support associate.
  • Banking Back Office Trainee
  • Banco Personnalité Itaú SA | Rio de Janeiro, BR | Jun 2000 – Aug 2001
  • - Led an important account migration project after successfully leading account openings and preliminary credit analysis.
  • - Assisted clients with banking services such as account reports, deposits, payments, and investments.
  • - Monitored investment, loan, savings, and insurance portfolios of assigned clients.
  • - Developed skills like customer service, business development, project management, treasury trades and settlements, financial compliance.

Education

Master's Degree - Fashion Artefact

London College of Fashion
03.2015

FDA undergraduate degree - Footwear Design

London College of Fashion, University of The Arts London
06.2009

Bachelor of Science - BS - Economics

UERJ
07.2002

Skills

  • Footwear
  • Trend
  • Trend Analysis

Languages

English (Native or Bilingual)
Portuguese (Native or Bilingual)
Spanish (Native or Bilingual)

Timeline

Accessories Designer & Brand Strategist

John Lewis, Stevan Saville, Temple London
09.2016 - 11.2018

Freelance Footwear Designer

Pedro Lourenço
06.2016 - 07.2016

Luxury Leather Goods Sample Maker and Apprentice

Vrahimis Atelier
04.2013 - 08.2014

Senior Accessories Designer

Studio Ruuger
03.2013 - 08.2016

Footwear Designer

Kat Maconie Ltd
08.2009 - 08.2010

Professional Experience in Banking and Stock Market

Various Financial Institutions in Brazil and Spain
05.2000 - 10.2006

Master's Degree - Fashion Artefact

London College of Fashion

FDA undergraduate degree - Footwear Design

London College of Fashion, University of The Arts London

Bachelor of Science - BS - Economics

UERJ

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Carolina Faria