CIRCULAR DESIGN + PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT + SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Carmen’s consultancy specializes in addressing the complex challenges associated with designing and developing sustainable products. Our solutions are built on a foundation of transparency and traceability in the supply chain, ensuring that every step of the process aligns with our commitment to sustainability. Our circular and sustainable design direction encompasses not only environmental considerations, but also the development of resilient products and innovative solutions that balance profitability, expansion, and meaningful cultural intervention. With a focus on both the present and future, Carmen strives to create products that meet the needs of our clients while also safeguarding the planet for generations to come.
PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
Designing products with the end-of-life in mind
To excel in today’s resource-strapped fashion industry, brands need sustainable strategies that increase revenue, reduce costs and mitigate risks. From strategy to execution, I work closely with businesses, nonprofits, trade organizations and educational institutions to identify the key issues and opportunities required to gain a competitive edge.
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING, SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND MANUFACTURING ALTERNATIVES
Increasing transparency and traceability, identifying future risks, and developing close-looped systems that Improve efficiency, resiliency, and reduce waste are a key focus of my services.
FOCUS ON WELLNESS
The wellness market is considered the fastest-growing sector. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, sustainability has become an important consideration for many wellness businesses. This includes using natural materials and dyes that will not harm our skin, waterways, and environment, as well as supporting regenerative agriculture. The Global Wellness Institute predicts an impressive 21% annual growth rate, which is expected to expand the sector to over a $1 trillion market by 2024.
CO-BRANDING STRATEGIES WITH ARTISANS
Creating brand alliances that increase brand differentiation
FAIR TRADE AND CERTIFICATIONS
Advising on models designed to ensure equitable and clean trade practices at every level of the supply chain.
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
The biggest challenges currently facing the global apparel supply chain include:
supply chain disruption
rising costs for energy, fuel, manufacturing, and raw materials
material shortage and price volatility
political and economic uncertainty
pressure to integrate supply-chains
climate change will impact raw materials production, transport and infrastructure.
implications of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) , Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)
The apparel and footwear industry will need to stay up to date on these developments in order to effectively navigate the changing global trade environment. To succeed in this challenging environment, brands must establish local supply chains, long-term relationships with their suppliers, improve efficiency in their manufacturing process and develop closed-looped systems. Some of my areas of expertise include:
circular design and alternative materials
supply chain analysis
lifecycle assessment
improving transparency and traceability
responsible sourcing and manufacturing
packaging alternatives
waste stream management
material toxicity and regulations
technology and innovation opportunities
consumer behavior
Contact Carmen now for a complimentary 15 minute Zoom conversation on your brand and what she can do to dramatically impact the sustainability of your business' supply chain.
“ALMA SACREDSPACE ... A QUIET BRAND THAT CUTS THROUGH THE NOISE OF FASHION
I designed a line of spiritual garments that support emotional wellbeing.
There is more to the story and the process, but I started my practice after studying medical intuition and receiving the anointing of a Tibetan Rinpoche, a Mexican Shaman, and a Reiki Master.”
Designer for ALMA SACREDSPACE a bespoke line of spiritual garments.
“SUSTAINABILITY PIONEER: In 1999, I launched a line in 100% organic cotton certified and natural indigo in collaboration with The Colours of Nature in India. We explored various dyeing and handloom weaving techniques with artisans and developed a line of fashion accessories, Spa loungewear, and home textiles.”
Sandals in organic cotton dyed in natural indigo, India
“TIMELESS DESIGN: In 1997 I launched a women’s wear line with financial backers. I oversaw the entire operation, from design, sourcing, strategic planning, production, managing my team, and purchased my fabric and trims at major European trade shows. We also had a showroom in NY. ”
“Some of my strengths include design, sketching, illustration, trend research, inspiration boards, color direction, tech packs, full-scale layout for handbags, shoe design, home accents, trims, textile prints and hardware design in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.”
Mood boards, original product design sketches, and illustrated CADs.
Home goods collection planning and design with a focus on textiles.
Surface design- Textile repeats using illustrator and photoshop
Designer/ Owner Viva la Vida NY
Viva La Vida was an initiative seeking to restore Human Capital by creating modern hand-made products through the El Cereso "prison craft program", which taught residents crafting skills they could use to support themselves and their families when they return to society. The program is known for producing a range of beautiful, high-quality products that bring a message of hope.
Featured at Destination Mexico at MoMA and This Is Story in NY. ( handbags, bicycle-baskets, hampers, baskets, decorative storage, etc.),
Illustrations #handsketching
Sketching process #brainstorming
“My design journey started in Milan. Right after high school, I studied BA in fashion design at the Istituto Marangoni, and at 19 I was already working for the best designer at the time, Romeo Gigli.”
Me with my friends and colleagues, Alexander McQueen, Norio Surikabe and Sami Tillouche at Romeo Gigli, Corso Como 10, MIlano, 1990
ROMEO GIGLI STUDIO, Corso Como 10, Milano, 1990
Bill Cunningham New York is a 2010 documentary film directed by Richard Press, documented many of Romeo’s collections. Kirsten Owen on the cover of Details magazine wearing Romeo Gigli.
“I bought a round trip ticket to NY and dropped off my portfolio at Donna Karan’s office without an appointment. Within a week, Donna hired me in person as an Associate Designer for her Signature Collection.”
Donna Karan Spring 1993 Runway Collection
Donna Karan Collection, Spring 1993
Cindy Crawford and Karen Mulder
My desk at Donna Karan, working on textile designs. 550 7th Ave. NY 1991-1992
Donna Karan’s design team: Xiomara Grosset, Edward Wilkerson and Carmen Artigas. Fit models Doreen and Gina Di Berardo. Textile team, Cristina Azario and Michelle Hrynda.
