More Information
SKILLS
Global sourcing and product development
Trend analysis and competitor/marketplace research
Extensive knowledge of materials, construction and pattern making
Textile/Pattern Design
Hand Sketching
Photoshop CS5
Illustrator CS5
Word
Excel
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
FREELANCE DESIGN New York, NY
August 2011 - Present
Textile and Surface Design
Costume Design and Construction
DESIGN DIRECTOR
November 2007 - July 2011
NINE WEST GROUP, New York
Tripled sales volume through design and collaboration with Head Merchant, building successful brands with strong retail and margin results
Successfully designed 7 new styles with strong selling results that were identified as replenishment styles. Over the last 2 years these 14 skus have resulted in unit sales of over 3.0 million units
Maintained full responsibility for establishing direction and designs for Nine & CO brand and private label businesses: White House Black Market, Macys, Bon Ton, Kohls and Target
Worked closely with Product Development teams both domestic and international to reduce and control
over development and stay on calendar
Re- branded the Nine & CO brand for JCP. Strong selling results effective with Fall 2011 sets. Established branding pyramid that was executed for Fall/Holiday 2011
Formulated big ideas and color and print direction for quarterly markets
Created seasonal trend and concept presentations for Senior Management, Merchandising and PD
SENIOR DESIGNER
January 2007 - October 2007
FUSION ACCESSORIES LTD. New York
Established design direction of lines for showroom as well as private label
Worked directly with retail/wholesale partners and design/product development teams to ensure brand alignment
Proficient in designing both leather and synthetic articles
DESIGNER/OWNER
February 2000 December 2006
DEBRA FINN WEDDING COUTURE ACCESSORIES, New York
Designed exclusive bridal accessory items for salons: Kleinfeld, Amsale, Yumi Katsura, Carmela Sutera,
Paula Varsalona, Reva Mivasager, Veka and The Wedding Salon of Manhasset
Worked with private clientele creating one of a kind designs
Responsible for design, production, sourcing and selling of product line: Veils, Headpieces, Handbags and Wraps
DESIGNER
1998 - 2000
LA RUE INTERNATIONALl, New York
Directed design and PD from initial concept to production for brands: Steve Madden, Fubu, Jordache
Worked directly with Licenses at concept of Sportswear and Shoe direction to coordinate product lines and ensure consistency in brands
Researched domestic markets for current trends
Worked with sourcing division on country and factory placement
Traveled to Hong Kong and China to work with factories and vendors
DESIGN DIRECTOR
1995 - 1998
IDEA NUOVA ACCESSORIES, New York
Established direction and designs for womens accessories lines: Cold Weather, Handbags, Hats, Scarves,
Hair Accessories and Gift Items
Managed and directed team of five direct reports
Directed design and product development from initial concept through production
Worked directly with key retailers on exclusive brands and items:
Limited, Lerners, Victorias Secret, Diane von Furstenberg and Avon
Contributed to a 42% annual increase in sales volume with exclusive designs
Researched domestic and European markets for new trends to maintain fashion edge
Worked directly with domestic and overseas factories
Sourced and developed product with quarterly travel to:
Asia/Pacific Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand and the Philippines
DESIGNER/PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT 1991 - 1995
FANTASIA ACCESSORIES, New York
Designed and merchandised new and existing lines
Worked closely with merchandising and sales teams in program development of current and projected lines
Developed highly successful licensing programs: Looney Tunes Barney, Lambchop
Disney Pocahontas, Cinderella
Traveled quarterly to Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines
Developed and designed ladies and kids domestic lines
Implemented all domestic production
