WHO I AM….
Professional, creative, results driven, merchandising and design expert with domestic and global production experience. Strong collaborator and communicator with an ability to lead diverse, multifunctional teams in achieving sales and client goals. Able to articulate design strategies and connect them to business goals. Thrives in a fast-paced, result driven environment.
SKILLS: Microsoft Office, pattern making, trend forecasting, Sourcing, Product Development
SOURCING, PRODUCTION, AND SHOPPING EXPERIENCE IN: Korea, Turkey, Pakistan, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Bangladesh, Yap, India, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Denmark and Italy
WORK EXPERIENCE
GOLD MEDAL INTERNATIONAL - New York, NY
Vice President of Merchandising & Design 2/2009 - 3/2024
Apparel, Cold Weather Accessories, Slippers, and Hosiery
Responsible for leading a team of senior designers focused on the development of unique andproprietary designs for multiples of different products.
Manage development of product for in-house brands: Forever 21 hosiery, Ecko Unltd hosiery and2(X)IST hosiery
Provide timely data to sales team identifying trends and market opportunities for all labels andbrands
Expertly lead merchandising and development for all product in- house labels, GMI private brandsfor both men’s and women’s
Oversaw the creation of Gold Medal International’s first Cold Weather Line launch
Successfully partner with client’s directly on private label program development.
Lead seasonal product creation and direction with sales, design team to ensure we exceed client’ssales objectives
Customers: Macy’s, Nordstrom, Giant Tiger, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Kohl’s, Ross Stores, Burlington, T.J. Maxx, J.C. Penney and Dicks
LANE BRYANT - Columbus, OH
Product Development Manager 1/2004 – 8/2005
Missy Cut & Sew and Active
Division Vol. 220 Million – Women’s Sportswear/Active
Developed a cohesive trend/brand assortment in partnership with the merchandising teamPartnered with marketing, visual and stores to provide product information and label developmentEffectively managed and understand IBP develop/production calendar in tandem w/overseasoffices
Identified and developed key items to successfully support foundation businesses
Supervised 2 Assistant PD Managers & 1 CAD asst. to achieve their objectives
Thoroughly understood our target customer needs to determine and address needs in both areas
Partnered with merchant & vendors/suppliers in growing activewear to 54.3M from 32.5 w/possiblefree standing stores
Shared information and best practices with cross-functional and cross divisional partners to gainsupport and improve business
Developed “Jr.Plus” merchandise for E-Comm website.
TILLSONBURG USA - New York, NY
Head Designer/ Merchandiser 11/2005 – 2/2009
Worked directly w/retail management teams designing and merchandising private label products
Directed Hong Kong development team
Utilized up- to- date product and trend knowledge to partner with sales to open new accounts andgrow existing accounts.
Traveled to Asia 2 to 3 times a year to work with design team
Project manager for establishing NY office
Customers: Motherswork, Maurice’s, Wal-Mart USA/Canada. White House/Black Market
SAN SIMEON AND THE MALCOM GROUP - New York, NY
Head Designer 9/2002 – 11/2003
Product Development/Kids/Label Line
Customers: Stein Mart; Nordstrom; Laura Ashley; Saks Inc.
SERGERMAN INTERNATIONAL - New York, NY
Head Designer 1/1998 – 9/2002
Woven, Cut & Sew
Customers: Dillard’s, Avenue, Kmart, Wal-Mart, HSN, August Max, JC Penney, Casual Corner
REGATTA, (USA) LLC. - New York, NY
Head Designer 12/1996 – 1/1998
Customers: Kathy Ireland, Mervyns, Caldor’s, Meijers
EDUCATION
Parsons School of Design, New York, NY
Area of Study: Fashion Design, B.F.A