Shirley Jaramillo stands out as a paragon of excellence in the fashion industry. With an extensive background encompassing creative design and pragmatic sourcing, Jaramillo’s career is marked by versatility and innovation. Her academic and professional journey, adorned with significant achievements, speaks volumes about her dedication and expertise.
Jaramillo’s educational foundation is robust. She earned a degree in Fashion Design at the Escuela de Diseño Proyectual in Medellin (1994). Her education didn’t stop there; Jaramillo further honed her skills in fabric design using circular FUKUHARA machines and CAD technologies at the Fukuhara Factory in Japan (2003). This training underscores her commitment to mastering fashion design’s artistic and technical aspects.
Her comprehensive knowledge of fabrics, especially knitted fabrics, stems from hands-on experience in various textile companies and numerous courses and training programs. This blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience positions her as a well-rounded professional in the textile and fashion industry.
Shirley’s career commenced in Medellin, Colombia, where she worked with several fashion design firms, including Modas y Diseños, Caribu, and Poster. During this period, she designed pajamas, maternity wear, casual clothing, and menswear shirts, showcasing her versatility and ability to cater to different market segments. Her designs consistently balanced comfort with style, earning her recognition in the industry.
From 1997 to 2004, Jaramillo worked with Vestimundo S.A. (Crystal Group), initially as an Export Account Manager and later in Research and Development. She managed accounts for prestigious brands such as Ralph Lauren and Jones New York. This role provided her invaluable experience handling high-profile clients and understanding the intricacies of brand-specific requirements.
Jaramillo’s career expanded when she joined Gear for Sports as a Country Manager for Colombia (2004-2012). This role marked her entry into the American market, where she oversaw the production of sportswear, enhancing her skills in large-scale manufacturing and quality control.
Her tenure with US companies like Grand Central Trading in New York and Craver2R in Miami (2012-2017) further solidified her reputation. At these firms, she specialized in production and styling, demonstrating her capability to adapt and excel in different cultural and business environments. Her work with Lane Bryant in Columbus, OH, notably involved developing plus-size denim clothing. This niche market requires a keen understanding of diverse body types and the ability to create stylish, comfortable apparel. She collaborated with various companies in the American market, advising them on the feasibility of starting their garment production in Colombia. In the case of Jad International, she helped them connect with a very important company in the country to sell their products in Colombia and then assisted with the entire process of importing their products into the Colombian market.
In her recent role as a Brand Consultant with Pretty Much SAS in Medellin (2018-2022), Jaramillo leveraged her extensive experience to guide brand development and product innovation. Her consultancy work spans various aspects of the fashion industry, including design, marketing strategies, and supply chain management. This role highlights her ability to provide comprehensive solutions that address creative and logistical challenges.
Fluent in Spanish, English, and Italian, Jaramillo’s linguistic skills facilitate her ability to operate in diverse markets and build strong international relationships. This linguistic prowess is particularly beneficial in negotiations and collaborations with global clients and suppliers.
Her impressive design portfolio covers various products, from pajamas and maternity wear to casual clothing and accessories. Her entrepreneurial spirit was evident in her brand of hand-painted leather goods, including belts, bags, sandals, wallets, and cosmetic cases. This venture allowed her to explore her creativity uniquely, earning her accolades for innovation and originality.
A significant aspect of Jaramillo’s career is her work in plus-size fashion. By supporting the creation of stylish and inclusive clothing, she has contributed to a market segment that often faces limited options. Her designs celebrate body diversity and boost the confidence of those who wear them.
Jaramillo’s knowledge extends beyond design to the entire supply chain process. Her expertise includes sourcing raw materials, managing production, and ensuring the timely delivery of final products. This comprehensive understanding allows her to provide invaluable insights into optimizing production processes and reducing costs.
Jaramillo has built a vast network of industry contacts through her extensive career. Her ability to negotiate and establish solid international relationships with suppliers and clients has facilitated significant market expansion for the companies she has worked with. Her role as a bridge between the Colombian and American fashion industries exemplifies her ability to foster collaboration and mutual growth.
Shirley Jaramillo’s vision for the fashion industry’s future is inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability. She aims to continue her work in developing products that celebrate diversity and provide stylish options for all body types. Additionally, her commitment to sustainable practices in sourcing and production reflects her dedication to ethical fashion. In summary, Shirley Jaramillo’s career is a testament to her skill, creativity, and adaptability. Her extensive experience in Colombian and American fashion markets and her comprehensive understanding of design and supply chain management make her a valuable asset to the global fashion industry. Her contributions have advanced the brands she has worked with and fostered greater inclusivity and innovation in fashion.
Published by: Khy Talara
