I am an extremely hard working individual who will always give my all in every task given to me. Over the last 5 years I have done freelance work in fashion styling at a private resort in Seychelles where I have worked with sheiks, models, celebrities, performance artists and high profile clients. I am an extremely patient person so I find working under these tight deadlines and high pressure clients rewarding as I feel I can make them feel at ease and always deliver my promise of styling them to the their briefs and the best of my abilities to ensure that they are happy and comfortable. I am very aware of trends and what is going on in the fashion industry and am quite intuitive picking up on trends before they hit the mainstream stores in full force. I can see where garment patterns are used between different brands all together and point out where a big retailer found their inspiration from overseas brands once they are in store in SA. Research and trend forecasting is a big strength of mine. Styling in Seychelles also involved doing a lot of couture needle and thread work by hand, design, pattern adaption for better fit, sourcing, sewing and coming up with a ‘plan B’ on the spot if that was necessary. I absolutely love this and thinking on my feet while working with others. I can grab a garment and add a touch of detail in a classy way that does not come across as tacky or cheap. When it comes to sourcing an item- If I can’t find exactly what it is they are looking for I will make it either by hand or on one of my industrial sewing machines. I love driving around to different fabric stores to source only the best in trims and fabrics and will not stop until I know I found the best piece at the best price that suits the currents trends best. I absolutely love going out there and following a brief in finding exactly what it is a client is looking for. I also enjoy doing a lot of research on that client/celebrity/target LSM market to get a look and feel of what will suit them best. I moved to Cape Town 2 years ago and love every moment of it. My handbags are being manufactured in a factory and I feel that finally I can go out there and work in and develop my other fashion skills and interests in styling/ buying/ sourcing/ design/ trends and working with others, which is something I would love to start doing asap. I am a go-getter and will always do my best to add value to any company I am working for. Two years ago I was selected as a finalist in the 10th Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards as one of two South African finalists, amongst all the other global finalists, that was held in New York City in June. In 2010, I was chosen as a Vodacom Durban July Gauteng semi- finalist and in 2011 as a SAFW Vodacom 4u Denim to Dress finalist. Please see my CV attached and I hope to hear from you soon Kind Regards Marissa