About
Motto: Always be Unique
With expertise in wovens, knitwear, cut & sew knits, and accessories; Lara has extensive knowledge of fit, construction, and costing. Understanding the unique characteristics of fabrics and yarns fulfils the design vision. She likes to note creating a sweater is like a science project and a woven top always needs the right wash. Each product is created with purpose and to be unique.
Meet Lara
Lara Widdig is the founder of Lara Jayne Freelance & Consulting, LLC. With over 20 years of experience in the apparel industry, Lara has worked with leading omni-channel retailers from active to lifestyle apparel creating innovative best-selling products, always focusing on quality and brand excellence. With experience in design, technical design, merchandising, and sourcing, Lara loves to see a product through the entire lifecycle of product development. Design is a part of the journey, and product development brings an idea to the destination.
Lara’s journey started with a focus in creative design with a degree in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production from Iowa State University. She also had the opportunity to study at the London College of Fashion where beautiful millinery creations and bespoke tailoring were amongst the unique skills taught by professional artisans. Having traveled to nearly 20 countries, Lara is no stranger to an adventure. The opportunity to visit factories and make in-person connections with manufacturers makes her one of the few "boots on the ground" experienced apparel experts today.
Throughout her career, Lara obtained a unique knowledge of multiple product categories, omni-channel businesses, a diverse background in overseas travel, direct sourcing, and communication with factories in the womenswear industry. Along the way, she has developed connections with apparel professionals and manufacturers that can help with unique needs in menswear, childrenswear, design, and technical design.
Home is the Heartland
From living in bustling cities to the mountains of Idaho, and the beautiful Upstate New York, Lara now calls the Heartland home. Based on the family farm in Southeast Iowa, Lara embraced the remote work life and went back to her roots to live closer to family where she and her husband are raising their three children. In her spare time, Lara enjoys walks with her German Shepherd, collecting farm fresh eggs from her flock of twenty chickens, writing her upcoming cookbook, and coaching youth sports. She finds inspiration and peace on the farm when she isn’t hitting the road for a textile show.