More Information

Ken Townsend
Brooklyn, NY 11238

Profile:
Innovative and accomplished design creative with 16+ Years of proven success in leadership and driving positive revenue growth, adept business insight and highly effective team vision. Skilled in cohesive collection + item based business models, trend analysis, textiles, apparel and executing fit + technical design solutions.

Specialization:
Menswear

Computer Proficiencies:
• Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign • Web PDM • Flex PLM • MS Office, CLO | 3D * in training

Professional Experience:

English Laundry: Senior Designer – New York 5/17 – 11/20
- Manage C&S knits, sweaters and hybrid activewear with key role in revitalizing and elevating brand aesthetic by introducing new concepts, design details and branding elements
- Increased annual sales from $667K to $6.5 million over three-year period
- Restructured the development process by applying detailed development tracking charts, streamlining collaboration with factories allowing faster turnaround
- Introduced new tech pack format to increase overall sampling and bulk production accuracy

The Apparel Logistics Group / Xcel Brands: Senior Technical Designer – 3/16 – 5/17
- Managed technical design processes and supported product development cycle for Highline Collective and H Halston woven tops & bottoms, C&S knits, and outer-wear
- Created original specs, developed fit and standardized grade rules for all categories which formed consistent measuring guides for clarity across factories
- Led fittings and managed sampling deadlines and tech packs across all categories
- Managed proto through TOP fit comments and quality assurance for four deliveries per year
- Created and managed full graded specs and all correspondence for bulk deliveries
- Traveled abroad to factories ensuring all proto and sampling quality standards were met
- Supervised a team of three junior technical designers, managing development and bulk initiatives

Luna-C Clothing: Senior Designer – New York 6/14 – 3/16
- Worked closely with company president revitalizing brand concepts which generated accounts with Lamborghini, Jaguar & Land Rover and Fiat/Abarth licensed apparel
- Led design, product development and sourcing for brand C&S knits, woven shirts & bottoms
- Guided new fit, construction and quality standards across categories
- Managed two junior staff members, supervising the restructuring of design development and technical processes

Nat Nast Luxury Originals: Designer – New York 7/10 – 7/13
- Hired as Assistant Designer to create merchandise and presentation boards for four lines per year
- Successful in increasing collection design sell through for Saks, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus as well as licensed products
- Worked closely with VP of Design, President and CEO to implement brand revitalization strategies
- Promoted to Designer, leading design and development of C&S knits, sweaters, woven shirts & bottoms and swim
- Introduced new cloud-based delivery methods, cutting lead-time for tech pack and artwork delivery

Freelance Experience:
• John Varvatos • Tumi • Elie Tahari • Jack Spade • Kangol Menswear US • Express • Body Glove • Airwalk • London Fog • Beverly Hills Polo Club • Sean John

Education: Bachelor of Science, Apparel & Textile Design: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI