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WHO

Jennifer Portman is a footwear designer, specialised in creative direction, design and product development, with over 13 years of expertise in the luxury footwear sector.

An intensive apprenticeship in Parabiago, within the hub of luxury footwear manufacturing in Milan, led to extensive “hands-on” technical experience into the complex processes, critical paths and competencies required in footwear manufacturing.

Formerly Head of Product at BIONDA CASTANA – a luxury British women’s footwear and accessories brand. Responsible for the co-design, product and technical development, sourcing and production process in its entirety. Her creative direction and leadership accelerating the brand to commercial success, an impressive celebrity following and media footprint. Accolades include VOGUE Who Is On Next and WALPOLE Luxury Brand of Tomorrow.

Jennifer has collaborated with a host of LFW, British and American brands on Runway and dual-branded activities. Forging a uniquely informed perspective of their demands and vision, whilst ensuring the creation and development of aspirational, authentic and commercially-viable product. Making her proficient in understanding a diverse range of aesthetics and markets from a more complete perspective.

Her design aesthetic is demonstrated in her expansive portfolio of works and underpinned by core product values – inspirational designs, contemporary elegance and meticulous craftsmanship. Producing collections which both impart creative integrity and foster long-term growth and awareness.

In 2016, Jennifer founded Studio78 – a creative footwear design and product development consultancy, which works on the entire end-to-end product creation process, from initial concept to delivery of final tangible product. Whether this be working alongside a brand in its infancy to assist in their creative vision and product development needs. Or supporting brands that are operationally challenged and in need of additional expertise, through an extension of their own in-house team.

SERVICES

 

Footwear Design

Project scope and definition.

Trend forecasting and analysis.

Moodboard and theme / story building.

Range planning / merchandising.

Material and component research and development.

Creative direction and concept definition.

Hand sketch and Adobe Illustrator lineart generation.

Colour study and material coupling.

Product Rendering in 2D.

 

Product Development

Last, heel and component development.

Pattern development and grading.

Prototyping and technical fitting.

Sampling and technical fitting.

Technical specification packages.

Production preparation and guidance for prototype and bulk production phases.

 

Sourcing

Raw material, component and facility sourcing.

Evaluation of Italian / European manufacturing capabilities for ad hoc project commissions (Runway), prototyping and bulk production.

 

COLLABORATIVE WORKS

A.W.A.K.E, Chloe Gosselin, David Koma, Emilio De La Morena, Gabriele Colangelo, H.O.N.O.R, Jenny Packham, LK Bennett, Matthew Williamson, Mother of Pearl, Osman, TANK, Temperley, Vassilisa.

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