Claire Stephens
Stoke-on-Trent,Staffordshire
Summary
Passionate design professional with extensive experience producing Ladies and Men's nightwear/loungewear. Innovative leader with strong vision for design excellence and passion for driving creative projects forward. Skilled in both team collaboration and project management, ensuring seamless execution and delivery. Committed to transforming ideas into impactful designs that elevate brand presence and user experience. Nurtures positive, productive working relationships to support project progress. Proactive and motivated for flexible, responsive team support. Monitors emerging trends and technology for innovative, forward-thinking client support.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Adults Nightwear Design Lead
Aykroyd & Sons
Leek, Staffordshire
2025.03 - Current
- Mentored junior designers, fostering collaborative work environment.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify design trends.
- Collaborated with customers, translating requirements into functional designs.
- Utilised Adobe to create visually compelling graphics and layouts for digital and print materials.
- Coordinated with external vendors and suppliers to oversee production of high-quality designs.
- Met client deadlines through excellent workload planning and prioritisation.
- Developed innovative, robust design solutions through collaboration with technical teams.
Senior Nightwear Designer
Aykroyd & Sons
Leek, Staffordshire
2015.12 - 2025.03
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, kept designs fresh and relevant.
- Developed and sourced new exciting trims and fabrics for complete design team
- Coordinated with production team for flawless design execution.
- Created compelling visuals by understanding client needs.
- Executed high quality designs using allocated resources and budget.
- Market Research - including UK & Overseas Comparative Shopping Trips.
Senior Nightwear Designer for T37
Crystal Martin International
Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
2011.03 - 2015.12
- Designed and developed nightwear ranges for T37 department at Marks and Spencer.
- Collaborated with large team and had one reporting staff member.
- Created licensed nightwear, loungewear, glamorous satin garments, maternity options, and classic nightdresses.
- Comparative shopping overseas
- Participated in client meetings directly, clarified design objectives.
Senior Nightwear Designer
McGregor’s International LTD
Altrincham, Trafford
2011.01 - 2011.03
- Senior Nightwear Designer On High street - Lipsy, Jane Norman, Next & Sainsbury’s
Senior Nightwear Designer
Maval Lingerie and Nightwear LTD
Crewe, Cheshire East
2009.04 - 2011.01
- Senior Nightwear Designer On High street - George, Evans, BHS & Tammy Nightwear
Senior Nightwear Designer on Brand
Intimas (Formally know as Debfor)
Long Eaton, Derbyshire
2007.08 - 2008.12
- Designed Branded Nightwear - Ted Baker Intimates, and Lepel Nightwear
Nightwear Designer on Brand
L F Intimates (formally know as Intimas & Debfor)
Long Eaton, Derbyshire
2004.08 - 2008.12
- Designed, Launched and expanded branded coordinating nightwear ranges with Lepel Lingerie.
- Conducted office visits in Hong Kong to develop unique designs and source trims/fabrics.
- Coordinated photoshoots and model catwalks for brochure completion.
- Collaborated with sales team and merchandisers at trade shows.
Nightwear Designer (Trainee/Assist Head of Design)
Halle Models
Leek, Staffordshire
2002.02 - 2004.08
- Licensed and Non-Licensed character nightwear for Debenhams, Alders, Bewise and Littlewoods Direct - Positions ranging from trainee to assistant to Head of Design
Associate Designer /Studio Assistant
Jennifer Sanderson (Textile Consultancy)
Strelly, Nottinghamshire
2001.09 - 2001.09
- 2 Weeks (Un-paid work experience)
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Surface Pattern Design
Staffordshire University
Stoke-on-Trent 1998.09 - 2001.06
Higher National Diploma - General Art & Design
Newcastle-under-Lyme College
Newcastle-under-Lyme 1996.09 - 1998.06
GCSEs - Critical Studies in Art and Design and Photography
Newcastle-under-Lyme College
Newcastle-under-Lyme 1996.09 - 1998.06
GCSEs - 9 GCSES (Including Maths and English)
Trent Valley High School (Thistly Hough Academy)
Stoke-on-Trent 1992.09 - 1996.06
Skills
- Excellent Team Leadership and Teamwork Skills
- Fully Trained Technical and Trend led Designer
- Exceptional Organisational skills
- Keen Attention to Detail
- CAD trained in Adobe Illustrator/Adobe Photoshop/Newarc
- Multi-tasking abilities
- Creative thinking
- Customer engagement
- Experienced in working and communicating with overseas factories
- License character proficient – including approval process
Affiliations
- Kick Boxing, Reading, Walking, Puzzles
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Adults Nightwear Design Lead
Aykroyd & Sons
2025.03 - Current
Senior Nightwear Designer
Aykroyd & Sons
2015.12 - 2025.03
Senior Nightwear Designer for T37
Crystal Martin International
2011.03 - 2015.12
Senior Nightwear Designer
McGregor’s International LTD
2011.01 - 2011.03
Senior Nightwear Designer
Maval Lingerie and Nightwear LTD
2009.04 - 2011.01
Senior Nightwear Designer on Brand
Intimas (Formally know as Debfor)
2007.08 - 2008.12
Nightwear Designer on Brand
L F Intimates (formally know as Intimas & Debfor)
2004.08 - 2008.12
Nightwear Designer (Trainee/Assist Head of Design)
Halle Models
2002.02 - 2004.08
Associate Designer /Studio Assistant
Jennifer Sanderson (Textile Consultancy)
2001.09 - 2001.09
Bachelor of Arts - Surface Pattern Design
Staffordshire University
1998.09 - 2001.06
Higher National Diploma - General Art & Design
Newcastle-under-Lyme College
1996.09 - 1998.06
GCSEs - Critical Studies in Art and Design and Photography
Newcastle-under-Lyme College
1996.09 - 1998.06
GCSEs - 9 GCSES (Including Maths and English)
Trent Valley High School (Thistly Hough Academy)
1992.09 - 1996.06