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Senior Swimwear Designer/Merchandiser | In Mocean Group 6/2015 - 6/2020

• Designed and merchandised RBX, Cole, Ibiza, Aquatik DNA and Private Label swimwear lines.
• Created full graded specs for Cole Men’s, RBX Men’s and RBX Boys swimwear divisions.
• Prepared technical packages with all design and print details for sampling and bulk production.
• Commented on and corrected all fit approval samples and trims with overseas vendors.
• Created original all-over swimwear prints and patterns including multiple color ways for all divisions.
• Measured and made production approval comments on Pre-Production and TOP samples for Anne Cole, Cole of California and Loft by Anne Taylor women's swimwear divisions.

Creative Director I Northstar Designs LLC / 65 MCMLXV 06/2012 to Present

Responsible for the fashion design, technical design and graphic design of all product categories.
•Responsible for managing the entire Design and Merchandising process from conception to final production.
•Created website and set up all ecommerce systems on the following platforms: Wix, WordPress, Shopify, Shipwire, eBay and Amazon.
•Established brand identity on several social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Tumblr, Google Plus and Instagram.

Senior Designer / Merchandiser | Star Ride Kids Inc. 04/2003 to 12/2010

Directed associate designers, technical designers, and freelance graphic artists. Identified trends, generated successful product concepts, and devised eye-catching color palettes while creating seasonal line plans.
Developed product categories for a wide variety of distribution channels, from mass/discount to mid-tier department stores.
Secured the seamless execution of diverse lines, from initial design through production/delivery.
Ensured correct fit and styling in pre-production samples; supervised fittings.
Presented collections to Sales team, provided presentation support, and prepped the team for market.
Divisions Managed: Boy’s 4-20 & Infant / Toddler Divisions, Carter’s Watch the Wear license (all product categories), Panyc, Boyz Threadz Infant/Toddler line, and all Private Label programs.
Increased annual sales volume from $5 million to $15 million by creating new product categories and expanding the line assortment in fresh and exciting ways.
•Grew market share by effectively strategizing with Sales and Production Departments.
•Continually improved line strategies and identified new opportunities by analyzing retail sell-through reports, market feedback, competitive trends, and product performance information.
•Met tight production deadlines and adhered to merchandising calendars by skillfully managing workflow and resources.
•Achieved the highest standards of manufacturing quality control and improved margins on all programs.

Freelance Senior Designer / Merchandiser | Marko Apparel 9/2002 to 11/2002

Directed and in-house graphic artist and communicated sample details to vendors in India, Taiwan, and Korea.
Designed unique knit and woven tops for music legends such as the Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam, Metallica, and Billy Joel.
Created diverse apparel items for Jesse James, West Coast Choppers, and Monster Garage brands.

Freelance Senior Designer / Merchandiser | Savante International 12/2001 to 06/2002

Designed complete Fall and Spring lines of knit tops and sweaters.
Oversaw CAD board development and communicated pre-production details to international agents/suppliers.

Design Director | JayGur International 10/2000 to 04/2001

Led 4 department heads to enhance merchandising, design, and technical design for all product categories; established levels of accountability and clarified job responsibilities.
Shopped the market for the hottest items/trends for Men’s, Boy’s, Missy, Junior, and Girl’s divisions.
Facilitated structural reorganization in other departments.
Implemented highly effective systems and procedures for sales, pricing, production and design teams; coordinated all projects and set guidelines/deadlines.

Senior Designer / Merchandiser | Kids International Corporation 10/1999 to 09/2000

Oversaw design and merchandising for the Full Alert line, including Toddler, Boy’s, Young Men’s, and Men’s categories.
Merchandised product categories in all size ranges for better department stores.
Traveled to Europe, Hong Kong, and throughout the U.S. to conduct trend research, formulate product development strategies, and finalize sample lines.
Developed sample lines for sales/private label opportunities.
Delegated staff responsibilities. Supervised production approvals and fittings.

Past Success:

•Freelance Senior Designer / Merchandiser | Depa International
Head Designer | Mamiye Brothers / American Character Classics
Senior Designer / Merchandiser | Paco Sport Limited ▪ Designer | Kids International Corporation
Associate Designer | Gitano, U.S.A. ▪ Assistant Designer | Bugle Boy, U.S.A.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Fashion Design | Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY
Fashion Institute of Technology l School of Continuing and Professional Studies l New York, NY