OVERVIEW

Gretchen Nelson is a New York City based apparel and accessory designer. She is a graduate of Parsons NYC. Her work is guided by a commitment to functionality, wearability, and thoughtful craftsmanship, with a focus on creating products that enhance the everyday experience. Through a balance of innovation and refined design, she develops pieces that are purposeful, versatile, and thoughtfully executed.

EDUCATION

  • PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
    New York, NY
    BFA Fashion Design Graduate
    8/2022 – 5/2026
    GPA 3.58 • Deans List

  • CENTRAL SAINT MARTINS
    London, UK

    Study Abroad, Womenswear

    1/2025 – 7/2025

WORK EXPERIENCE

  • KATE SPADE Design Apprentice (Outlet), New York, NY • 9/26–current

    • Execute technical flats & CAD layouts using Adobe Illustrator to visualize seasonal color ways, print placements, and technical textile repeats across product lines.

    • Develop accurate spec packages and detailed design cards to ensure smooth handoffs to technical design and merch partners

    • Research market trends, compile physical concept boards, pull material swatches & archive references, prepare for executive milestone reviews, document & file progress

    • Manage the sample lifecycle by tracking prototypes, organizing presentation layouts, and engineering artwork repeats to maintain the brands aesthetic standards

    • Maintain office presentation, improve archival closet organization, unbox & sort new season deliveries, setup showroom for presentations

  • MARYS ALTERATIONS Tailor Lake Tahoe, NV • 12/24—8/26

    • Repair and tailor a range of products, from classic garments to
      advanced items like bridal gowns, ski jackets, technical outerwear,
      performance gear, and boat covers

    • Measure clients for custom garment fittings

    • Calculate costs and manage transactions

  • COLLINA STRADA Studio & Show Intern New York, NY • 1/26–3/26

    • Contributed to collection development and runway execution

    • Tech packs, sample making, patternmaking

    • Studio and runway show organization, errands, and dressing
      models

  • SUPERBLOOM RUNWAY Designer & Production New York, NY • 3/24

    • Designed and constructed a collection of 10 looks

    • Directed sound, lighting, front of house staff, and HMU artists.

    • Created logos, posters, flyers, brochures for print & web

    • Sold 200+ tickets

    • Applied for and received a $2500 grant from Parsons

  • SEKS LLC Studio Intern New York, NY • 1/24–8/24

    • Pattern-cutting and draping for projects in preliminary phases

    • Repaired and crafted chainmail garments, merging metalwork and
      jewelry techniques with garment construction

    • Sourcing and delivery tasks for fabrics, hardware, and shipments

  • BRIDAL FASHION WEEK Showroom Stylist New York, NY • 10/23

    • Dressed models backstage under tight timelines

    • Established a system to maintain order and organization

  • CHARMOLI CIARMOLI Gallery Intern • New York, NY • 5/23–9/23

    • Assisted in organizing and setting up art exhibitions and events

    • Educated clients on exhibited works and artists

  • BANANA REPUBLIC Style Associate • Omaha, NE • 5/22–4/23

    • Built loyal clientele, received outstanding customer-reviews

    • Organized clothing racks and sorted garments and accessories

    • Managed stockroom shelves to maximize space efficiency

  • OMAHA FASHION WEEK Designer & Coordinator Omaha, NE • 8/21

    • Designed and constructed a collection of 12 looks

    • Collaborated with team members to ensure seamless execution of
      all events

    • Created detailed itineraries for events, outlining tasks & deadlines

AWARDS

  • 2026 Parsons Fashion Adaptive Designer of the Year

  • Parsons Merit-based Scholarship

  • 2021 Omaha Fashion Week Best Emerging Designer

  • Scholastic Art Awards Silver Key