DESIGN DIRECTOR
Vision | Growth Strategy | Leadership | Sustainability
Creative brand leader with extensive knowledge and experience in designing women’s Ready-to-Wear and Evening collections with proven track record of selling and growth. Has an instinctual understanding of how to create aspirational designs that are profit-making with a strong following from consumers as well as major department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom and online retailers from Rent the Runway, Shopbop and Revolve. Strength in developing growth strategies and overseeing all aspects of a brand including planning and creative direction in E-commerce. Led positive business transformation in company’s culture and team building. Encompasses both creative and business mind set bringing a holistic approach.
Creation. Prolific designer that instinctually creates styles that adhere to a brand’s DNA while compelling the aesthetic forward.
Strategic Thinker. Consistent driver of profitability. Passionate about growing businesses with inherent entrepreneurial drive and proven ability for positive change.
Executive Leadership. Confident and passionate. Inspirational leader who motivates teams to deliver and fosters a collaborative, creative and strategic company culture.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
JILL STUART INT’L | New York, NY 2010 - 2019
Design Director
Brought a 2M Licensee business in-house to Jill Stuart Int’l and grew it to 8M within the first 4 years for the Evening Wear collection. Launched Jill Jill Stuart RTW with first season sales of 1.1M with placement in Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Rent the Runway, Revolve, Anthropologie and Macy’s.
Conceptualization, creation and design for 5 collections a year for Jill Jill Stuart RTW and Evening.
Executed collections from establishing mood, selecting color stories, prints & fabrications through to final showroom samples.
Extensive trend and market research and analysis.
Supervised fittings, maintaining consistency in quality standards, measurement specs. and grading & marking.
Merchandised collections and planned seasonal cutting tickets to achieve sales goals.
Worked with Production Director on costing to maintain a profitable gross margin.
Created strategies with sales for growth.
Researched, initiated and implemented sustainability plans and goals.
Directed creatives and functionality of E-commerce sites with constant monitoring for upgrades, best practices, and maintaining sites’ integrity. Budgeted for SEO/SEM. Analyzed data and sales to plan growth strategies.
Directed and oversaw all content for brand messaging on multi-channels for the Jill Jill Stuart labels.
Supervised production on main Collection’s runway shows and presentations.
Planned marketing strategies on multi-channels and social media for both Jill Jill Stuart collections.
Negotiated and reviewed contracts and usage ranging from out sourced creative agencies, model agencies, HMU talent, photographers, event spaces and licensees.
BAHARI GROUP | New York, NY 1996 – 2010
VP/Design Director
Propelled Bahari Group from a little-known prom business into a major dress manufacturer with multi-labels and private label businesses. Acquired several licensee deals including House of Déreon, Nicole Miller for JC Penney and Jill Stuart Dress. Oversaw all aspects of the business to bring the company to 33M in five years.
Launched Dusk by Sheila Yen and Luxe by Sheila Yen, gaining market shares in the bridge evening wear sectors.
Conceptualized and created 5 collections a year for DeLaru, Dusk by Sheila Yen and Luxe by Sheila Yen.
Set and implemented company’s growth strategies.
Managed 75+ employees, created a productive company culture.
Set and achieved quarterly and yearly profitability goals.
Analyzed and maintained a balanced P&L.
Initiated and nurtured key relationships to acquire private label and licensee deals.
Brokered and negotiated licensee deals.
Market and trend research.
Fabric and trim R&D.
Oversaw and managed all brand marketing messaging and content.
Expanded domestic production to Asia significantly reducing the cost of goods.
Designed, led and produced for private label businesses with White House/Black Market, Talbots, & Caché to generate 12M a year revenues.
Sourced and established relationships with oversea factories.
MORTON MYLES for the Warrens | New York, NY 1993 – 1995
Senior Designer
Invigorated an iconic Evening Wear brand, generating new market appeal and audience.
Conceptualized and designed five collections yearly.
Supervised fittings and oversaw sample room.
Conducted trend and market research seasonally in Europe.
Worked with department store buyers building relationships and fulfilling their voids.
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EDUCATION
Fashion Institute of Technology | New York, New York