ABOUT

A dynamic and versatile creative with extensive experience in all aspects of design and development for globally recognized brands, leading creative development and cross functional teams. Passionate about innovation while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, fit, sustainability and market relevance. Thrives in aligning teams, mentoring talent and cultivating inclusive environments that inspire growth and creativity.

SKILLS

  • Strong creative vision

  • Trend forecasting

  • Detail oriented

  • Creative thinker

  • Product development

  • Cost negotiations with vendors

  • Drive for results

  • Global experience

  • Team building

  • Calendar creation

  • Strive for quality

  • Collaboration.

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

DESIGN DIRECTOR - MARCIANO ( GUESS INC.). Los Angeles. 2020 - 2024 Global Design Director

2012 - 2020 Design Director

  • Managed and directed design teams in LA and Switzerland on both retail and wholesale lines for global distribution, increasing sales by 70% in two years.

  • Achieved an average 85% adoption rate, by building a strong partnership with the LA/ EU buying teams, collaborating on seasonal line plans and sales strategies.

  • Responsible for the concept to creation of 4 wholesale and 12 retail collections with a total style plan of 800-900 styles per year. Achieved a +32% comp in the 23/24 fiscal year.

  • Improved productivity by implementing design and development calendars, closer communication with buying and product development teams to ensure quality whilst maintaining IMU goals, plus direct communication with vendors in China, India and domestic USA.

  • Presented the collections Bi- annually to the retail district managers and field. This included powerpoint and catwalk presentations, plus smaller product knowledge sessions to engage and empower the sales teams.

  • Coordinated seasonal look books, selected outfits, styled the shoot and edited the final draft.

  • Improved team community and working harmony by focusing on finding the best talent and right fit for the brand.

SENIOR DESIGNER - MARCIANO ( GUESS INC). Los Angeles 2006 - 2012

  • Based in London and Milan ( 2010 - 2012), I was the key liaison between the US and EU design and buying teams working on a global line.

  • Responsible for all trend, concept and color. Implemented stronger communication tools between the global teams.

  • Ensured the collections were cohesive and retained brand integrity for the global customer by working closely with the buying teams in Milan and Los Angeles.

  • RTW designer.

VP DESIGN - ARDEN B. Irvine CA. 2004 - 2006

  • Established a design team with the goal of developing and strengthening a brand identity for the company.

  • Planned, directed and coordinated all operational activities of the design department including trend, color, print and concept ideas, making 12 presentations per year to the buying and merchandising teams

  • Successfully utilized knowledge of fabric, sourcing and design resources in Asia to achieve higher IMUs and competitive retail prices.

  • Coordinated with production teams and travelled to fabric, print, sweater, garment and accessory companies throughout Asia.

VP DESIGN - TILLSONBURG Co Ltd , Hong Kong. 2002 - 2004

  • Coordinated a team of 10 designers and 18 design associates.

  • Responsible for concept, trend, print design, fabric and style development for each client ( including Limited, Express, Lane Bryant, Limited Too, Bebe, Arden B and American Eagle).

  • Planned and directed sample ranges for specific markets, producing 4 ranges per year per market type.

  • Coordinated with production teams and travelled to fabric, print and garment factories throughout Asia to ensure quality and design integrity.

  • Key role in bringing new accounts to the company. Traveling to prospective customers with presentations specifically created for the individual brand. increased the client base by 60% in two years.

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - G & M RESOURCES, Hong Kong. 2000 - 2002

  • Responsible for development and costing of all BCBG product including fabric sourcing, print creation, RTW, knit, sweaters and embellishment for both the collection and RTW lines.

  • Regular sourcing trips to China, Korea, Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. Sourced new development and production bases in China for sweaters, silks, leather and lingerie.

  • Designed and directed bi-annual trend presentations in Paris, consisting of fabric, embellishments and embroidery concepts plus samples of in-house developed collections of RTW, outerwear and sweaters for EU and US clients including Paul and Joe, Tara Jarmon, Cacharel, Rebecca Taylor and Poleci.

DESIGNER - STERLING AND GRANT, Hong Kong.

  • Contemporary Mens/ Womens Designer. Clients included Firetrap, Top Shop,Ted Baker.

DESIGNER - TILLSONBURG Co Ltd, Hong Kong

ASSISTANT- JOHN RICHMOND / NICK COLEMAN, London, UK.