Cara Chiappetta

ABOUT:
I was recruited out of New York City in 2017 to launch the design team at White House Black Market Outlets. While managing the design and product development for my 3 categories, I co-created the processes and operating strategies for the design team. My goal is to always make my team's design process painless and increase sales!

PORTFOLIO: www.carabethchiappetta.com

I have spent over 15 years designing women's work and polished casual clothes, specializing in sweaters and knits. I've designed various woven categories - including denim and outerwear - from initial concept to finished product. I can perform every aspect of the design development process in every category.

I manage design assistants, freelance contractors, interns and CAD artist associates.

DESIGN SKILLS:
Illustrator and hand drawn technical flats, tech packs, design direction in fittings, yarn and stitch dev, knit downs, handloom dev, embellishments, lab dips, line sheets, trims / proto / artwork / graphics dev, sketch presentations, troubleshooting, special projects/other internal collaborations, print execution and strike offs, activewear, knits, outerwear, suiting, merchandising, seasonal trend and concept boards, trend / market analysis, and comp market shopping

SOFTWARE SKILLS:
Adobe CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Keynote/PPT, Sketch, Website Design, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PP), NedGraphics, FLEX PLM, DESL, WebPDM

CORE COMPETENCIES:
Execution, Decision Making, Communications, Strategy Development, Team Management,
Business Acumen, Technical Competence, Critical Thinking and Leadership

CURRICULUM DEVELOPER & UNIVERSITY INSTRUCTOR:
Course Author / Curriculum Developer (BFA)
Online Instructor (MFA & BFA Courses)
Portfolio Reviewer (AAU Recruiting Office)

HIGHLIGHTS:
- Farnswell-Munsell 100 Hue Test Results: Superior Discrimination
- Scientific approach to problem solving with the ability to adapt strategy based on research and new information
- Entrepreneurial drive demonstrated by ability to thrive in a fast paced environment with high expectations
- Managed and directed design and product development for the $14 million (Q3 / Q4) sweaters category as a 25% penetration into the overall business, with 75-100 style development count per each Q3 and Q4 deliveries, including downtime knit savings capsules.

4X Boston Marathon Qualifier.
2X Ironman Triathlon Finisher.
2X 70.3 Triathlon Finisher.

VOLUNTEERISM

- Votefwd.org, 2020 Presidential Election
- St. Vincent de Paul, Women's Homeless Shelter at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, New York City