Nov. 2024 – Present
Currently, I am an Assistant Material Developer, a role that has allowed me to deepen my expertise in fabric development and expand my range of responsibilities beyond what I experienced in my previous internship.
I am grateful for this opportunity and for the promotion that has allowed me to go further into the technical side of textiles. The additional responsibilities have been a rewarding challenge, letting me build on my foundational knowledge while focusing on materials’ sustainable attributes, performance characteristics, and design applications.
APPAREL DEVELOPMENT & SOURCING INTERN
Aug. 2023 – Feb. 2024
After successfully graduating from Erasmus University in Rotterdam, I transitioned into a full-time internship with the apparel development and sourcing team at Red Bull. This role allowed me to be directly involved in the creation of performance garments for athletes, as well as contributing to the development of Red Bull’s lifestyle brand, AlphaTauri.
Development
The garment development team entrusted me with key responsibilities, including measuring samples and ensuring that the patterns were accurately followed by the supplier. I also oversaw the approval of print strike-offs, along with other essential details like labels, stitching, and hang-tags, ensuring that every product met the brand’s high standards for quality.
Additionally, one of my major tasks was to assist in setting up the PLM system Centric 8 for the brand. My daily duties involved organizing materials, managing supplier information, and inputting style data to streamline production processes. This hands-on experience gave me a deeper understanding of the operational side of fashion development, while also allowing me to contribute directly to improving the brand’s efficiency.
Sourcing
As a member of the sourcing team, I was responsible for approving lab dips across a variety of textiles, from knits to woven fabrics, ensuring that colors and materials met the brand’s specifications. I then communicated these approvals directly with suppliers, helping to maintain a smooth production process. Within this process I was responsible for material BOMs, fabric bulk orders and trim supplies. I also had the opportunity to attend multiple fabric fairs, which allowed me to expand my knowledge of textile sourcing and trends within the industry.
In addition to my sourcing duties, I collaborated closely with the quality management team. Together, we tested fabrics for pilling, water-repellency, and snagging, ensuring that each material met the brand’s high-quality standards. This experience gave me an insight into the technical aspects of fabric performance and reminded me the importance of quality management in the production process.
