VP of DESIGN

Forward-thinking, creative, and accomplished professional with a consistent record of success meeting and exceeding a wide range of complex business goals. Effective in working across organizations to identify requirements and formulate cost-effective, innovative design solutions. Articulate, persuasive and innovative communicator with established credibility and personal integrity that leaves lasting impressions with clients and staff. Acknowledged as a natural leader and superior relationship builder; a highly competitive self-starter with exceptional motivational skills. Able to see and respond effectively to the big picture. A global thinker. Possess uncanny ability to identify fashion trends and tastes to formulate solutions to exceed revenue and profit expectations and remain an industry leader. Experienced developing value-driven product lines and brands for clients that include Limited Brands, Macys and JC Penney, and high-end clients that include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and numerous specialty stores.

CORE COMPETENCIES
Market & Trend Analysis Forecasting Design Direction Branding Strong Management Skills Cost Reduction Product Development Financials & Budgeting P&L Client Relations Production & Manufacturing Management Strategic Planning

CAREER TRACK
MICHAEL SIMON AND SMITTEN, New York DESIGN CONSULTANT 2006 Present A contemporary / better sweater and knit importer lead by Michael Simon, a CFDA member. This business of 20 years has repositioned its product by focusing on changing market tastes. Key accounts: Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and over 200 specialty stores.

 Provides direction to Design Team to create cohesive product assortments that mirror the company brand. Supervise design selection process, ensuring merchandise consistency. Understands and communicates critical initiatives of the business. Manages the seasonal business by tracking and analyzing sales information to identify opportunities to increase sales and improve margins. Develops and presents overall plan to meet financial goals of all lines. Collaborates with sales and manufacturing on vendor resource calendar and costing strategies. Partners with Sales and Stores to provide product knowledge and serve as an informational resource. EM LAWRENCE LTD. / REFERENCE POINT, ALL POINTS, New York VICE PRESIDENT, DESIGN & MERCHANDISING 1997 - 2005 Domestic importer of missy and junior sweaters and cut & sew knits with two branded lines and private label business geared to the moderate department store as well as major chains and discounters. Directed a staff of 8 with full P&L responsibility for design, merchandising and execution of missy and junior sweater and knit product lines, both branded and private label, representing $150 million at retail. Developed and supervised new product categories including career sweaters for licenses such as Harve Benard , knit separates and casual sweaters for Bill Blass, and t-shirts for JUNK FOOD Planned product calendar targeting deliveries of product to stores by integrating sales, design, and production, forming collaborative teams. FASHION EXPRESS, New York VICE PRESIDENT, DESIGN & MERCHANDISING

1995 - 1997

Private label importer of sweaters, cut & sew knits for Limited, Lerners, and Victorias Secret. Designed and implemented product in response to current business demands. Developed yarns, fabrics, color, and design concepts unique to each client. Supervised a design team of 6 including technical designers. Increased company volume by 25%.

NEXT DAY APPAREL, A DIVISION OF LESLIE FAY, SENIOR DESIGNER 1992 - 1995

New York

Manufacturer and importer of woven tailored career sportswear and two-piece dressing for the moderate and budget markets. Developed, designed, and grew J.C. Penney business from $10,000,000 to $70,000,000 by introducing product categories. Directed all facets of product development, fabric research, color palate, and styling. Reviewed all styles for construction, silhouette, fit, and trim details. Made seasonal line presentations to clients. JIK LTD. / BRITANNIA / GARLAND, New York SENIOR DESIGNER / MERCHANDISER 1990 - 1992 Merchandised moderate knit and woven coordinates and separates for the missy and junior markets. Increased product sales by identifying and translating trends.

LEARNING CREDENTIALS BACHELOR OF ARTS FASHION DESIGN Fashion Institute of Technology, New York George Washington University, Washington, DC