Jeandre van der Bergh

I have been in the interior design and fashion industry for 28 years, from positions of being employed to being a successful entrepreneur.

I have been fortunate to work in various fields from luxury premium brands to "down right dirty from the ground up, hard hat and safety boots" projects.

A multi-layered, stimulating sensory experience is the centre of my design approach. Through an exploration of materiality, colour, forms and an intuitive juxtaposition of contemporary and vintage, architectural and organic, graphic and instinctual, I curate a wealth of experiences into every space and garment piece i design.

“Every project and client is diverse but I believe there should be a unified approach to everything you create. I find inspiration everywhere, from traveling, artwork, architecture, music and nature.

 Being involved on a project, the core value / end goal should always be to deliver a superior quality project coupled with unique designs and exceptional customer service. And above all, these should always be executed in a professional well managed way.”

I like to label myself as a ‘creative’ rather than a designer as I am always involved in something unique and inspirational, whether it be working on my own fashion, accessories and product brands, collaborating and styling fashion photo shoots or being involved as production costumier for theatre productions on international cruise liners.

2016 - CURRENT

 DESIGNER/ COSTUMIER/ COSTUME STYLIST

Position:             Freelance Designer/ Costumier/ Costume Stylist

Selected accomplishments:

• Styling and designing garments for magazine fashion shoots
• Working backstage on theatre  and performance productions
• Designing and shipping costumes for International Festivals
• Owning a fashion brand and designing/manufacture garments for luxury boutique stores
• Production costumier for AfroArimba Productions on International Cruise liner
• Interior Design contractor on luxury hotels in Cape Town: Belmont Mount Nelson, Silo Hotel V&A Waterfront

2011- 2016

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT

Position:               Owner &  Creative Director -  Events Co-ordination

Selected accomplishments:

• Invited to feature in various media releases (Wedding & Lifestyle magazines) on a quarterly basis.
• Co-ordinated and catered in-house events for Saachi-Saarchi - included Loerie awards afterparty.
• Guest appearances on Espresso Morning Show and Top Billing
• Implemented and development a training program at a Woman shelter, teaching baking skills to woman to become self sustainable individuals.
   

2005- 2011

CONSTANTIA INTERIORS

Position:              Senior Interior Decorator & Designer / Shop manager

• Presentations & Proposals structured around each client individual requirements (includes customised interior & furniture, design layouts, fabric proposals, floor & wall coverings, sanitary ware, kitchen finishes and exterior finishes)
• Plan, Implement & execute projects
• Project management on larger scale projects which includes liaising with builders & architects.
• Collect all the information required to create a request for an estimate.
• Work with time pressure deadlines
• Manage office and staff as well as liaising with owner’s clients and keeping her diary & schedule
• Train intern staff as well as working closely and training on-site and logistics teams for efficient and professional customer service.
• Merchandise the store on a weekly basis
• Administrative and job co-ordination for each client
• Market and sales projection meetings on a monthly basis.
• Develop sales and pricing strategies.
• Responsible to develop a portfolio of customers (B-C)
• Identify and research potential leads and opportunities.

2002-2005

PETITE HOME DECOR

Position:            Sales representative & Interior decorator

• Service provider to designers & decorators on all their soft furnishing  & furniture requirements.
• Building and expanding the company client database
• Contacting prospective clients by phone and email.
• Identifying  customers needs in the local marketplace
• Dealing with a diverse range of clients in the private and corporate sector

Certifications and Accreditations:

• 1996 Grade 12   Vryheid High School KZN                        
• 1996-1998 - Birthe’s School for Interior Design (Scandinavian structured curriculum)    
• 2000-2002 -  Design Academy of Fashion

Additional courses and certificates:

• Fabric technology
• Theatre costume construction
• Wig maintenance
• Garment care
• CMT - soft furnishing manufacturing & production
• Furniture manufacturing - Structure, materials, production and finishing
• Furniture restoration
• Sustainable design