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GENE SANTILLO
333 East 53rd Street, New York, N.Y. 10022 917-903-7447 gsantillo@nyc.rr.com

SENIOR LEVEL DESIGN DIRECTOR WITH EXPERTISE IN SPORTSWEAR, SWEATERS AND KNITWEAR

CORE COMPETENCIES:
-Highly creative, organized and detail oriented working from concept through production
-Strong leadership and management skills, training and mentoring associates
-Effective in identifying and interpreting trends for diversified markets
-Solid technical knowledge in knits and wovens, managing Design and Technical Design teams
-Expertise in color and print, fabric and yarn development
-Collaborate with Sales, Merchandising and Production teams
-Excellent at flat sketching and hand illustration, Advanced knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Designer
TIGER J.LLC, 2015 – 2016
-Designer for Celebrity lines for HSN, QVC and Evine including lines for Hal Rubenstein, Pamela McCoy Paula Deen, Vanessa Williams and Wendy Williams
-Product categories including Sportswear, Dresses, Sweaters, Suede and Leather and Outerwear
-Responsible for color and print direction, trend and concepts, new fabric development both imported and domestic.
-Partner with Buyers and celebrities presenting concepts seasonally

Independent Designer/Consultant
2010-2015
-Design consultant specializing in Sportswear, Sweaters and Knitwear working on product from initial concept through production including all pattern, stitch and embellishment development
-Alfred Dunner: Designed Novelty Sportswear for Lark Lane, Sapphire Star and Ruby Road lines
- Li & Fung/Ralsey Group: Designed Sweaters and C&S Knits for Chicos and White House, Black Market

Design Director
HUDSON BAY APPAREL, 2008 - 2009
-Designed for private label accounts in all classifications including Novelty Sweaters and C&S Knits Career Separates, Casual Sportswear and Novelty Updated Blouses, Golf and Active wear
-Successfully launched Novelty Blouse line as well as Men’s Active/Lounge wear line for mass market accounts
-Shopped stores locally to research and identify trends, anticipating specific needs of varied accounts
-Worked closely with buyers: presented color, concept and seasonal trends
-Partnered with production and Technical Design teams on a daily basis to achieve profitable margins

Design Director
JONES APPAREL GROUP, 2004 - 2007
-Directed and managed design team of 6 to design trend right product from initial concept focusing on trend right items to $100 million plus multi-lifestyle business for Norton McNaughton brand
-Successfully launched Rena Rowan brand for Sears reaching $35 million plus in 2 years
-Updated brand aesthetic, adding profitable key items to the assortment
-Coordinated and strategized with production team to help achieve mark-up goals
-Worked closely with technical team on fit and garment construction
-Partnered with sales team; presented concepts and final product to key accounts seasonally
Designer/Consultant
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, 2002 - 2003
Designed updated novelty sweaters, including contemporary cashmere line, as well as wovens for both men and women. Initiated tech-pack including specs using Style manager system. Responsible for all stitch layouts, patterns and artwork.

Senior Designer
LESLIE FAY/ L.F. BRANDS, 2002 - 2003
-Conceptualized and designed all knit product for Leslie Fay Sportswear brands
-Helped successfully re-launch Leslie Fay Sportswear as a younger, more modern brand
-Managed knit design and technical design teams; Oversaw all fittings
-Involved in sourcing and pricing; Responsible for maintaining profitable margins
-Traveled to Asia for research and development

Design Director
REQUIREMENTS, 2001 - 2002
-Directed design team with color, pattern and silhouette to develop a modern, updated sportswear line
-Worked with sales and merchandising teams on showroom presentations
-Sourced new fabrics domestically and overseas
-Traveled to Europe seasonally to shop new trends

Design Director
LIZ CLAIBORNE, 1997 – 2001
-Directed team of 5-6 to design career, casual, denim and knit dressing focusing on key item knits and wovens, core suiting and classification dressing
-Presented seasonal concepts to management as well as to key accounts
-Worked on initial concepts, color and prints and developed knit and woven fabrics
-Helped expand Villager brand to a $160 million multi lifestyle business
-Instrumental in launch of First Issue and Axcess brands for Sears and Kohls, respectively
-Presented concepts to licensing divisions to ensure a cohesive brand message across all product categories
-Traveled to Asia and Europe 3-4 times yearly for research and product development

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Senior Designer; Sweaters
PHILLIPS VAN HEUSEN

Designer; Knitwear
LIZ CLAIBORNE

Designer; Sweaters
I.K.L. INT’L.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor of Fine Arts: FASHION DESIGN
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Student Exchange Program: KNITWEAR DESIGN
TRENT POLYTECHNIC, Nottingham, England