CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Vision | Growth Strategy | Leadership
Creative executive with deep expertise across design, brand development, and product strategy in the women’s RTW and occasionwear sectors. Proven success in repositioning heritage brands, launching contemporary labels, and driving growth through strategic merchandising, storytelling, and execution. Strengths include private label development, creative leadership, and building collections that perform at retail across channels from luxury to off-price. A collaborative leader who unites creative vision with commercial viability.
CORE COMPETENCIES
* Creative Direction * RTW + Eveningwear * Private Label Expertise * End-to-End Product Strategy
* Licensing Strategy * Brand repositioning * Market & Trend Analysis *Team Leadership
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
LILY APPAREL HOLDINGS | SHANGHAI SILK CORP. 2022 - Present
Creative Director
Hired to lead creative direction and strategic concept development across private label and branded initiatives. Oversee design and positioning of Gemma + Jane label, sold to T.J. Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Macy's Backstage, Beall's Florida and Saks Off Fifth. Also direct the private label C&V for Dillard’s, focusing on trend-right assortments tailored to drive customer engagement and maximize sales performance. Partner across design, merchandising, sales and production to ensure product excellence aligned to retail needs and brand positioning.
CALYPSO ST. BARTHS 2020 - 2022
Creative Director
Recruited to revive and reposition the iconic heritage brand Calypso St. Barth within the modern contemporary market. Refreshed brand DNA and seasonal assortments to reflect refined ease, artisanal textile use, and aspirational styling while driving margin and retail performance.
JILL STUART INT’L | New York, NY 2010 - 2019
Design Director
Led the growth of Jill Stuart’s eveningwear division, scaling an in-house business from $2M to $8M in four years. Successfully launched Jill Jill Stuart RTW, generating $1.1M in first-season sales with distribution in Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Revolve, Anthropologie, Rent the Runway and Macy’s.
Directed design and development for five seasonal collections annually across RTW and Evening. Oversaw all creative processes from concept to showroom samples – color, prints, fabric and fit. Drove merchandising, projection strategies, and cost engineering to meet margin goals. Managed brand messaging and content across e-commerce, social media and marketing channels. Produced Collection runway shows including all contract negotiations with creatives, agencies and vendors. Partnered with sales to develop growth strategies and analyze market trends for new opportunities.
BAHARI GROUP | New York, NY 1996 – 2010
VP/Design Director
Drove Bahari Group’s transformation from a niche prom label into a $35M multi-label women’s RTW and dress manufacturer.
Led all aspects of design, branding, and business development across in-house and private label programs. Launched Dusk by Sheila Yen and Luxe by Sheila Yen, capturing market share in bridge eveningwear. Created five seasonal collections annually for multiple in-house brands. Secured and managed key licensing deals, including House of Dereon, Nicole Miller for JCPenney, and Jill Stuart Dress. Directed private label programs for White House | Black Market, Talbots, and Cache, generating over $12M annually. Scaled team to 75+, build overseas production partnerships, and reduced costs through Asia sourcing. Oversaw brand marketing, trend R&D, and P&L performance to support sustained growth.
MORTON MYLES for the Warrens | New York, NY 1993 – 1995
Senior Designer
Invigorated an iconic Evening Wear brand, generating new market appeal and audience.
Designed and developed five seasonal collections annually. Oversaw fittings, sample execution, and seasonal market research across European trends. Partnered closely with department store buyers to identify assortment gaps and deliver targeted product solutions.
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EDUCATION
Fashion Institute of Technology | New York, New York