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Reitmans (Canada) Limited 01/2018 – Present
Montréal, QC Canada
Creative Consultant
• Re-Focus the design direction of the Penningtons plus size brand
• Edit assortments and drive big picture growth ideas
• Direct design team on better practices to achieve higher adoption rates
• Style and direct outfit curation for in-store and lookbook use
• Develop fit ownership and solution technology
• Coach existing team on process improvements
Chico's FAS 05/2013 – 11/2017
Ft. Myers, FL
Sr. Director of Design and Product Development-Collections
• Direct design of Zenergy and Travelers collections, representing half of Chico's volume
• Create strong relationships with merchants to set seasonal goals delivering monthly comp gains
• Present monthly brand direction to merchant team and insure cross functional buy-in
• Manage and mentor a team of designers and product development professionals
• Develop strong cross functional relationships with tech, trend, cad and business planning teams
• Shop regularly to identify emerging trends and categories to drive newness and growth
• Selected as key member of the CEO task force to create new PLC cadence corporation wide
Chico's Black Label 05/2013 – 11/2017
Ft. Myers, FL
Sr. Director of Design
• Create a compelling assortment of the new higher end Chico's line
• Develop unique color stories and prints to differentiate the line from other Chico's products
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Rafaella Sportswear (Perry Ellis International) 09/2007 – 07/2012
New York, NY
Executive Vice President of Design
• Oversaw the re branding of the Rafaella brand
• Launched modern contemporary brands Ellavie and Nicole Miller Chartreuse
• Directed seasonal themes, color palettes, print selection/direction, and silhouette design
• Created extensive private label programs for Kohl's, JC Penney, Macys, Belk, Lord & Taylor
• Conceptualized slimming technology, "fit your shape" solutions & easy care
• Maintained and established seasonal time and action calendars
• Traveled internationally regularly for sample development, trend shopping, and fabric shows
• Partnered with EVP of Production on costing to maintain strict seasonal margins
• Managed design team, merchandising team, and Far East development staff
• Presented seasonal pre-line strategies to key retailers
Hampshire Brands 06/2006 – 07/2007
New York, NY
Vice President of Design
• Oversaw the re launch and re positioning of the Marisa Christina brand
• Developed new merchandising strategies in partnership with VP of Sales
• Created private label programs for QVC, private retailers, and international licensees
• Presented brand direction to regional sales teams and traveled to all trade
shows to ensure sell thru
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Garfield Marks 12/2000 – 06/2006
New York, NY
Director of Design
• Oversaw the design direction for Garfield Marks & Pleinair
• Traveled for shopping inspiration, sample development, and fabric research
• Managed entire design team including pattern room and tech team
• Developed exclusive & private label programs for key retailers such as Nordstrom
Richard Metzger Collection 09/1999 – 04/2005
New York, NY
Owner and Designer
• Launched signature PLUS-SIZE designer women's collection
• Established all New York based manufacturing, including custom couture
• Earned a lucrative clientele, including Oprah Winfrey, Queen Latifah, Star Jones, and many others
• Garnered extensive press coverage
• Designed the entire collection incorporating custom "red carpet" celebrity evening pieces
• Presented and sold the collection to buyers, successfully selling to Saks Fifth Avenue and
boutiques nationally
• Produced two fashion shows annually during New York Fashion Week
Freelance Designer 09/1999 – 04/2004
• Designed for various clients such as Essendi, Queen Latifah, Cousin Johnny, JMS,
Avenue Stores, and Saks Fifth Avenue
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Dana Buchman 06/1995 – 01/2000
New York, NY
Design Director
• Designed 4 seasonal collections for three divisions
• Grew brand volume 100% to well over $200 million, Liz Claiborne's most
profitable brand at the time.
• Expanded the knit & sweater business for Dana Buchman, more than tripling category volume
• Conceptualized seasonal themes and color stories along with Dana Buchman and Karen Harman
• Developed key items/exclusive programs for retailers such as Neiman Marcus & Saks Fifth Avenue
• Travelled to Asia, Europe, and US to work with both suppliers and manufacturers
• Coordinated all sourcing and costing in tandem with production
• Managed and motivated large design team
Anne Klein 09/1992 – 06/1995
New York, NY
Senior Designer
• Designed, sketched and developed four seasonal collections
• Researched and developed all yarns and fabrics
• Traveled to Pitti Filati, as well as Asia and Europe to work with factories and suppliers
• Fit both sample and production garments, supervising tech team
• Worked closely with production team on allocation, execution, and pricing of all styles
Adrienne Vittadini 06/1992 – 08/1992
New York, NY
Design Director—Adrienne Vittadini Collection
• Designed and sketched the runway designer collection
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Liz Claiborne, Inc. 06/1988 – 06/1992
New York, NY
Senior Designer—Lizwear
• Conceptualized six seasonal lines annually
• Maintained tight adherence to time lines and merch plans, growing division to over $300 million
• Researched and developed all yarns and fabrics within price targets
• Travelled frequently to Asia to work with factories and suppliers
• Attended international trade shows, including Premier Vision, Prato Expo, and Pitti Filati
• Partnered with sourcing on allocation and pricing of all styles
• Supervised design team and pattern making team
EDUCATION
Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York
Associate in Applied Science, May 1988
Fashion Design, Specialization: Sportswear/Knitwear Design
Download Resume
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