Ayanda Masiza

I'm a vibrant, energetic professional who always wants to stay on top of her game. I easily get along with people which helps me build good relationships, both socially and professionally. 

To embrace and appreciate change (which is one thing that is constant in the world) is something I've taught myself to quickly adapt. This has led me to great experiences in my career.

My passion for garment technology was evoked by me landing a Bursary from a then well-known underwear manufacturing company called Playtex (South Africa),while I was doing my Clothing Management Diploma. I started working for the company during the holidays, being placed in all the different departments, from design to dispatch ensuring that I have a solid understanding of the foundation of underwear manufacturing from concept to customer.

After graduating I worked for the company for a few years in the Garment Costing department, first doing CAD Markers for fabric consumption estimates and then later as Work-study officer for labour and elastic usage calculations. This was across men's and ladies’ underwear products.

I then ventured into Quality assurance, starting as a Quality controller for bulk checking of goods at Distribution Centre level, ensuring that product meets standards and specifications set at pre-production approval stage.

My journey grew from that to Garment technology, first for childrenswear (at POLO, South Africa) and I then later went back to my area of specialty and strength which is Ladies Intimatewear, Swimwear and Sleepwear. I worked for EDCON, a big South African retailer for 7 years, exiting as a Specialist Garment Technologist. In my role, I worked with new developments/samples sourced from overseas trips and new designs from the design department, created Techpacks for the factories to make samples and after sample approval, provided the graded specs to make production with. 

I visited the factories in China on a yearly basis to check on bulk and solve or prevent any issues that might be there. And to also be exposed to new ways of manufacturing so that I'm always updated with innovation and better ways of working, that will benefit both the Retailer and the Manufacturer.

For a short time after leaving EDCON, I went back to manufacturing, helping Foschini (South African retailer) in setting up their new factories for underwear manufacturing. My retail and manufacturing experience helped the factory teams understand the expectation levels of the different products.

I'm currently solely running the Quality department for Liwa Trading in the UAE (Abu Dhabi). This company is partners with La Senza and I was brought in because an Inhouse Brand under Liwa called ISLA & EVIE was born. I also look after LS Lingerie, which is a sister brand to La Senza specifically under Liwa.

I have implemented a Quality Manual that includes standards for garment sampling, manufacturing and fabric testing for Intimatewear, Swimwear and Lounge/Sleepwear. I'm responsible for fit appraisals and communicating changes to the suppliers, lab reports approvals, facilitating wearer -trials for new developments and monitoring customer feedback and complaints on bulk for constant improvement.

A dynamic Head of Garment Technology with 15+ years of technical expertise across Woman lingerie, intimatewear and swimwear. Has a pure passion and flare for innovation, creativity and fit for purpose products that directly impact the customer experience and drive brand loyalty. Thrives in a fast pace environment and is able pivot production operations in new directions and establish certainty amidst chaos. Driving and incorporating cutting edge technology that directly impacts the customer. Experience in leading dynamic and creative teams; in hand with a sharp eye for detail and the latest trends. Places a big emphasis on creating working environments that are positive, solution driven and creative. Has experience across the full technical production product lifecycle; from product inception, design, production, QA, through to in store inspections. Provides advice and consultation on garment, pattern and fabric technology. Integrates and balances budget controls, analysis of fit and the refinement of manufacturing and technical processes

Diploma in Clothing Management