Yalei Feng
Leeds,UK
Summary
Menswear Designer with over three years of experience in fashion design, focusing on sustainable practices and premium materials. Skilled in trend research, fabric development, and technical drawing using CAD, with successful collaborations at YEF STUDIO and HEBA SHAIKH. Demonstrated ability to deliver cohesive collections and ensure timely production while prioritising craftsmanship and design integrity. Ready to bring unique skills and creative vision to an innovative fashion team.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Menswear Designer
YEF STUDIO
London
07.2022 - 02.2025
- Carried out trend research and developed seasonal menswear concepts aligned with brand direction, while continuously monitoring fabrics, colours and trims relevant to the target customer.
- Supported the research and development of collections across multiple product areas, contributing sketches, design options and early concept boards.
- Created detailed CADs and technical packs for sampling, ensuring clarity for both internal teams and external suppliers.
- Collaborated closely with the product development team during fittings and sample refinement, recording updates and helping guide adjustments through each development stage.
- Liaised regularly with suppliers and factories, assisting with fabric sourcing, clarifying construction details and ensuring smooth communication for accurate development and on-time delivery.
- Produced garment patterns and helped refine construction techniques to achieve consistent quality across styles.
- Designed denim and leather pieces, overseeing both creative direction and technical development to ensure strong integration within the wider collection.
- Assisted with creative preparation for campaign and lookbook shoots, contributing to visual themes and supporting on-set execution.
Freelance Designer
HEBA SHAIKH
London
02.2021 - 05.2022
- Designed sustainable womenswear key pieces with an emphasis on long-lasting construction and responsible material choices.
- Developed patterns and supported fittings and sample refinement to ensure accurate garment execution across the range.
- Created precise CAD drawings, visual boards and technical packs to guide sampling and production.
- Worked closely with factory development teams to review construction methods, resolve technical issues and uphold production standards.
- Supported fabric sourcing, sample tracking and overall development coordination to maintain an efficient workflow throughout the season.
Design Development & Production Assistant
Roni Ilan
London
01.2019 - 08.2020
- Produced precise technical drawings and detailed technical packs using Illustrator and InDesign to support sampling and production.
- Assisted with trend research and contributed to the development of seasonal design directions and material selections.
- Helped coordinate the development and production calendar, ensuring smooth workflow and timely communication between design, technical and production teams.
- Liaised daily with factories in China and Portugal on sampling progress, construction details and production requirements.
- Supported designers and sample machinists with patterns, toiles and fittings, helping refine construction and fit accuracy.
- Managed fabric, trim and sample inventory and assisted in preparing production order sheets to maintain clear documentation throughout the development cycle.
Design Internship (Menswear)
Alexander McQueen
London
05.2018 - 01.2019
- Assisted the menswear team with trend research, sketching, CAD drawings and the preparation of basic tech packs.
- Supported fittings, swatch and mock-up development, and documented fitting notes and updates throughout the design process.
- Maintained sample archives and organised prototype photography and material references for internal reviews.
- Coordinated with the product development team on prototype progress, ensuring accurate documentation and smooth workflow in a fast-paced luxury environment.
- Provided hands-on support for the SS19 Menswear RTW show, assisting with sample preparation, backstage organisation and last-minute garment adjustments.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - First Degree with Honours - Fashion Design with Professional Placement
Kingston University
London 09.2016 - 09.2020
Master of Arts - Distinction - Fashion Design
Kingston University
London 09.2021 - 09.2022
Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign
- Trend research and market analysis
- CAD technical drawing (Illustrator) & tech pack creation
- Pattern making, fittings support & sample refinement
- Fabric sourcing, material development & trim selection
- Supplier and factory communication (UK / EU / Asia)
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Strong CAD knowledge
Languages
English
Native
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native
Timeline
Menswear Designer
YEF STUDIO
07.2022 - 02.2025
Master of Arts - Distinction - Fashion Design
Kingston University
09.2021 - 09.2022
Freelance Designer
HEBA SHAIKH
02.2021 - 05.2022
Design Development & Production Assistant
Roni Ilan
01.2019 - 08.2020
Design Internship (Menswear)
Alexander McQueen
05.2018 - 01.2019
Bachelor of Arts - First Degree with Honours - Fashion Design with Professional Placement
Kingston University
09.2016 - 09.2020