ABOUT
I have always reported to the Design Director or VP of Product Design as their “right-hand” in all my roles due to my ability to self-start, research emerging trends, collaborate with designers and merchandisers, and anticipate the needs of the lines to reach our target market. Having developed an eye to determine products that continuously drive sales falling in love with brand ideation, respond to last minute key account requests based on the changing needs of the business.
My most recent endeavor, I accepted a position at K-Swiss as the Sr. Color, Materials and Trend Designer where I report to the VP of Product Design and oversee the sr. footwear designers across mens, women’s and kids performance tennis, lifestyle, active, McLaren partnership and any collaborations working hand-in-hand with the product line manager to create briefs based on current and future global trends to bring innovation in silhouette as well as evolve existing best sellers both from a style and function standpoint, including integrating sustainable and vegan materials. I am in the process of expanding the market to elevate the brand bringing premium apparel to create head to toes looks, beginning with Mclaren apparel expanding upon their current fan gear to create vertical authentic styles of performance apparel as well as a tennis capsule cohesive with our brand image both and off the court where I have an understanding of the factory production process for footwear, apparel and accessories alike. I remain up to date on trends utilizing WGSN, complete regular shopping recaps as competitive analysis reports, off-site I attend the NW materials show and supporting events as well a inspirational regional design trips to learn new ideas to bring to the market based on that consumer region gaining direct consumer insight from engagement with the communities and also travel for factory visits. Within my position, I create a cohesive story with an overarching theme to connect my seasonal colors, materials and any graphics provided for presentation at the global sales meeting where I present the seasonal concept and help merchandise the line. I also provide color-block guidelines and graphics for existing styles as well as give sku allotment for a balanced line. I even helped implement a matrix system where you are able to see how styles can be merchandised within a color story and across a style by tier. I work with our factories in China and Vietnam to bring colored CADs to life from pullover and proto stage to final sales samples ensuring specs and quality are on par with Tech Pack, including the technical blueprints having a thorough understanding of the material DNA and complexity of shoemaking and also help to source new techniques and materials upfront in order to be proactively cost efficient and cutting-edge with full ownership of the product outcome. While communicating with the factory having a 24 hr turnaround, I maintain the color and materials library tracking all labdips and bulk materials and comments across all product categories from development to production, as well as work closely with Pantone to ensure all color standards are distributed to the international mills for consistency. I partner with marketing and product management to provide trend-right styling and models as well as provide direction on pack shot backdrops that align with my seasonal story. I assist e-commerce on promotional ideas to keep our warehouse inventory healthy, as I’m always on hunt for new and unusual trends to transcribe into great ideas. I also communicate the anticipated color flow into next season ensuring carry-overs do not create pickers.
Prior to K-Swiss, I took the time to expand my current skill set by taking graphic design online courses while working freelance. Throughout my freelance experience I was able to launch a snow apparel line called Neve, using my analytical and tactical material skills to develop a single layer snow-legging that is windproof, waterproof and warm. I also had the opportunity to design for Petco designing everything from home goods, accessories and pet apparel - in which I co-created product and print briefs with the Manager. I was senior sport designer at RVCA designing men and women’s activewear and hats, hand bags but also responsible for concept, color and print design managing all approvals from freelancers if necessary to balance the workload, and building on that title and responsibility at Vans I designed not only activewear, but lounge and assisted with packs where I also designed corresponding accessories including sunglasses and footwear ensuring color, graphics and trend concepts aligned across all categories as well as the target margin of good, better and best based on the brief.
I also brought on to initiate a design division at Tilly’s as the first designer launching a new RSQ brand and collections for activewear, lounge, sleepwear and home whilst being the point of lead and trend/color designer for the buyers overseeing product categories for existing brands. I assembled and delivered seasonal trend decks and color cards across all classifications to the merchants based the ever-changing competitive audits, best sellers and evolving trends inspired by resources as big as runway and as accessible as TikTok - demonstrating my knowledge of outdoor, lifestyle and streetwear trend interpretations. I created brand personas establishing muses for influencer relations, conceptualized photoshoot and e-commerce initiatives, and partnered with marking to integrate trends cohesive with our brand image.
At Kellwood Company I was selected among a team of 25 to present sales and merchandise product alongside the design director. I also designed concept, color, and fabric boards based on trend research for the design teams of 10 different brands selecting key silhouettes and prints while maintaining calendar deadlines. I created such an impact on the design process for these brands, I was promoted to re-brand GB Girls Social and XOXO. I was able to double the vendor-made design percentage in one month time, saving cost and in house labor. Within a few months time, I was then promoted to My Michelle Designer to continue my influence for shifting sales culture by re-branding.
Beforehand, I accepted a position at AIKO where I was given the opportunity to build an athleisure business from start up of a very small company as the only designer. Not only did I design and develop product implementing my own procedures, I initiated all color, concept, graphics and materials working hands on with local manufacturers.
Building on my former experience primarily focused on overseas development, I was hired at BCBG Maxazria group (a much larger company) where I assisted the design director directly in the development of the sportswear line for styles in every product category. I was responsible for cost-effective designing and creating clear development packages for vendors over seas for all styles with embellishment layouts, including sequins, beading, studs, embroidery, and perforations - as well as crochets and geometric woven textiles realize to canvas slip ons. I also executed color, mood and print boards on behalf of the design director while being responsible for all material sourcing and development.
I am currently seeking a company with more stability and opportunity for growth long-term - a place to call home that will benefit from my proven ability to implement innovative updates to the line, utilizing my skills of communication, detailed design orientation, and management and sales contributions.