More Information
Multi-faceted design director with a record of accomplishments in Womens, Juniors and Mens. Successful in managing the merchandising and design process for various product categories. Skilled at assessing growth potential, developing and executing product strategies. Effective leader, fostering coordinated teamwork across departments, blending creative objective with focus on business results. Headed all global and domestic market research trips and production trips.
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
PUBLIC SCHOOL, NY, NY
2010 - PRESENT
Director of Merchandising & Design
Recruited to drive revenue and profit growth through long range and seasonal merchandising strategies for this CDFA incubator brand. Plan each line according to style plans, sales needs and emerging trends. Present and pass off line to sales, production & tech design each market. Ensure each collection is cohesive, exciting and properly positioned for the time period and customers needs.
Launched diffusion sportswear brand at lower price point targeting a younger demographic.
Develop seasonal design roadmaps that support strategic growth strategies and margin goals.
Manage and create the time and action calendar seasonally for product development.
Leverage fabrics, designs and big ideas across categories and brands where possible to streamline product development and deliver a cohesive vision for the brand lowering development costs by 25%.
Manage brand direction, continuously communicate with the design team, sourcing, sales and marketing.
Responsible for predicting & tracking consumer and market trends.
RVC ENTERPRISE NY, NY
2007 - 2010
Director of Design & Merchandising
Promoted to direct design and merchandising for one of Iconixs major brands. Developed a team of nine. Revamped the brand into a cleaner, more junior contemporary image. Increased assortment of fast-fashion & key items, increasing the brands rank from #4 to #2 in major department stores including Macys. Increased sales volume 20%, building to $50 million.
Prepared & developed twelve seasonal collections overseeing: trend, color palette fabric, graphic, trim and silhouette direction.
Consistently conducted market research for inspiration and product opportunities.
Presented product, inspiration, design vision and trends to sales team and accounts.
Developed and created brand concepts and strategy for new business product lines & extensions.
Created speed-to-market, key-item and replenishment programs resulting in faster turn at retail adding 10 million to bottom line.
Improved, managed and maintained the time and action calendar for each brand.
Traveled to factories communicating development direction; reviewing prototypes, SMS and production.
LIZ CLAIBORNE, NY, NY
2003 - 2007
Design Director
Oversaw team of five Designers and Assistant Designers, managing creative process of all denim and non-denim bottoms, jackets, active wear, and knits from concept to production. Created and managed departmental budget. Interfaced with licensees as needed as the brand ambassador.
Collaborated with international teams and factories, developing fabric, techniques, washes, trim, accessories & samples. Negotiated pricing and set price points.
Instrumental in securing Federating accounts, playing a key role in building relationships with Junior buyers.
Consistently met corporate projections, achieving margins goals and doubled sales volume to $40 million by increasing deliveries from six to ten yearly.
Supervised, developed and trained design, technical design and product development staff.
Reduced sample cancellation rates from 45% to 15% reducing sample costs.
Reviewed retail sell thrus, bookings to design team, addressing any missed opportunities/open issues in a manner that motivated design team.
MINX, TORONTO, ONTARIO
1998 - 2003
Founder and Design Director
Conceptualized and launched Minx, a contemporary brand featuring cut-and-sew knits and sweaters. The brand was sold successfully to Nordstrom, Federated, Rampage, Wet Seal, and leading specialty stores nationwide.
FREELANCE EXPERIENCE:
Assess companys needs and provide a wide range of services, including: creating brands from inception through production; designing knits, denim, womens, outerwear, accessories from opening price point to designer; designing graphics for tee shirts, branding and promotional print materials.
Conceptualize brand name, identity, and all visual aesthetics including logo and trim packages
Create concept boards to educate sales and marketing team on brand concept and direction.
Expand focus of business to new product categories
Prepare of all Design/Tech Development Packages; review product through sales sample.
CLIENTS: Fred Segal Fun, Disney Vintage, Icer Group, Carols Daughter, New Era Cap, Fila USA & Havaianas
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
FREE ARTS NYC 2010 - PRESENT
Weekly Buddy Volunteer
1:1 volunteer-to-child ratio. Providing under-served children with a unique combination of educational arts
and mentoring programs that help them to foster the self-confidence and resiliency needed to realize their
fullest potential.
SUSAN B. KOMEN 2009 - PRESENT
Fundraising
Participate in fundraising efforts and Walk for A cure event.
CHARITY WATER 2011 - PRESENT
Fundraising
Donate proceeds from handmade jewelry collection (www.shopholbrooke.com) to support fundraising efforts
EDUCATION
SENECA COLLEGE 1997
Communication & International Marketing -Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fashion Merchandising (US accredited) -Bachelor of Fine Arts
SKILLS
Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe Illustrator CS5, Microsoft Office, Pattern making/Draping, Fashion/Garment CAD Illustration, Garment Construction, fabric and wash development
