Mabel Montalva

Mabel Montalva (or Alarcon) is a skilled Apparel Technical Designer and Industrial Pattern Maker with extensive experience in full product development. She has contributed to the design, technical development, and production of apparel collections sold by major retailers such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, Costco, and Walmart, as well as boutique and startup clothing brands.

Her journey in fashion began with formal training at Academia Guerrero in Barcelona, Spain, where she earned a Diploma in Apparel Industrial Pattern Making and Grading and graduated with highest honors. She also received a scholarship to further her studies in Gerber systems. Since then, she has developed a strong technical foundation in garment construction, fit analysis, industrial pattern making, and global production management.

Prior to launching Savvy Apparel Studio, Inc., Mabel gained extensive industry experience working with several modest fashion brands in Utah, including Shade Clothing, Undertease, and Modbod—labels that were carried by major retailers. Through these roles, she developed strong expertise in apparel technical design, garment construction, and product development.

She later worked as a Technical Designer at Downeast Outfitters, where she managed women’s apparel technical design, ensuring product fit, construction accuracy, and quality execution. She subsequently brought her technical expertise to Beehive Clothing (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), where she played a key role in designing temple garments and collaborating closely with pattern makers, production teams, and quality assurance departments.

As the Chief Creative Officer and Owner of Savvy Apparel Studio, Inc., Mabel has led product development for startups and established brands, creating precise patterns and grading using Gerber AccuMark software. She has also overseen multi-factory production processes worldwide, ensuring high-quality standards and efficient delivery timelines. Her expertise includes developing detailed tech packs, collaborating with factories, and leading teams of pattern makers and seamstresses to produce high-quality prototypes.

Her passion for innovation and efficiency extends to her technical skill set, including proficiency in Gerber AccuMark, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop, along with various digital marketing and social media tools. She also brings strong business and project management capabilities, ensuring smooth operations from product concept to production delivery.

Mabel earned an Associate of Applied Business Management from Brigham Young University–Idaho in 2025, completing the program while simultaneously running her company and managing apparel development projects. During her studies, she also earned certificates in Social Media Marketing, Graphic Design Fundamentals, and Commercial Foundations. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design at Utah Valley University and is approximately one year away from graduation. Her continued studies expand her expertise in visual communication, branding, and digital design, complementing her extensive experience in apparel development and technical design.

Through Savvy Apparel Studio, Inc., Mabel continues to provide full-service apparel development, helping emerging and established designers bring their visions to life. With a team spanning the U.S., U.K., and Asia, she leverages global partnerships to optimize efficiency, quality, and scalability for her clients.

Her next goal is expanding globally and continuing to help designers transform ideas into reality—one stitch at a time.