Christian Arkins

Executive Consultant; Creative/Design, Brand/Marketing

2016 – Present

I have been consulting for years now for multiple organizations, I am focused on creative and design, brand evolution, creative marketing and all social media + digital marketing.

Creative Director + Head of Menswear Consultant

2016 – Present

• Direct & execute all aspects of creative, brand, design, merchandising, marketing for mens division. • Strong 100% divisional growth in 1 season. • Developed comprehensive vision for mens division; concept, product & marketing strategies. • Hands on design & development, and photoshoot execution. • Partner closely with commercial team & owners on all aspects of brand, product & business. • Re-branding, photoshoots, labeling, marketing creative- Kinross womenswear.

Creative Director

2010 – 2016

Direct all aspects of creative, brand, design, creative marketing/VM for all divisions, accessories, and footwear for men's, women's & kids; includes 21 By McGregor. • Head of Design; 3 Design Director direct reports + teams. • Developed a new brand strategy; heritage based, includes creation/launch of 21 By McGregor + new retail store concepts for mens, womens & 21 By McGregor, includes trade show stands. • Created thorough & detailed presentation of "Brand Filters"; applied to whole brand to keep vision clear & consistent; includes new branding/labeling. • Worked closely with digital team for new online experience, responsible for photography/video & creative content. • Deliver frequent, international brand presentations. • Introduced critical women's re-branding initiative; new design team + "brand filters".

Women's Creative Director

2009 – 2010

Directed all women's creative for product, visual merchandising, and marketing, including online brand experience & all brand photography. • Worked closely with CEO & Executive Team as a turn-around executive to re-position the brand strategically and restructure operations, resulting ultimately in a successful company sale.

Propr, Head Designer

2008 – 2009

Responsible for full cycle introduction of a new better-contemporary brand from design to concept to final presentation. • Worked directly with Courtney Cox, David Arquette, Laura Dern, and Ben Harper. • Directed all product development functions, including manufacturing and sourcing, and built partnerships/operations from scratch on an extremely aggressive timetable. • Delivered the collection successfully - sold to Barneys, Fred Segal, Intermix, Scoop, and other top- tier target customers.

Creative Director/President

2007 – 2009

• Conceptualized, branded, and operationalized a new women's designer/luxury label. • Developed all product, marketing, PR, website, sales, and pricing strategies. • Led a cross-functional team of 8 FTE through the brand launch, including fashion shows with all major retailers/press/celebs in attendance. • Directed and coordinated all patternmaking, fabric/trim development, fittings, and sample/production development. • Initiated and maintained strong relationships with all vendors and partners. • Directed a full team including design, PR, sales, finance/legal & branding. • Successfully launched product at premium retailers (eg. Harvey Nichols, Takashimaya, Bergdorf's)

Men's Design Director

2007 – 2008

• Managed the men's product teams. • Responsible for all design, merchandising, product development, production, pricing, and sourcing. • Led high-level product and marketing strategies/initiatives in Luxury Golf Market. • Presented product vision to large cross-functional and executive audiences.

Head Design & Creative Director

2002 – 2007

Senior Designer

2003 – 2005

Designer

2002 – 2003

• Built the Original Penguin business from $0 - $80 million in revenue in less than 5 years. • Functioned as company Creative Director plus Head of Design for all aspects of design for 5 labels, plus national roll-out of Penguin's retail stores. • Managed separate men's, women's, graphic design, and tech design teams. • Work closely with Perry Ellis CEO on strategic planning for all aspects of Original Penguin brand. • Drove all brand photography direction & execution, including online, lookbook, and campaign. • Merchandised every collection side by side with company President. • Introduced various new product lines and a licensee business that scaled revenue rapidly. • Travel the world frequently for inspirational and manufacturing requirements. • Began as a Designer in 2002 and promoted twice up to Design & Creative Director by 2005. • Awarded 2004 Perry Ellis Designer of The Year, 2005/06 winners both members of my design team.

Freelance Designer

1998 – 2000

• Focused on knitwear, wovens, and denim. • Moodboards, vintage shopping, seasonal concept (styles, color & artworks). • Very technical/fitting, wash/development intensive. • Presented to senior executives, including Ralph and Jerry Lauren. • Was back at RRL after JCrew, & continued to help Ralph/RRL with side projects through 2004.

Design/Marketing Consultant

1998 – 1998

Performed market research and designed 2 collections for a full collection launch of a new worldwide beach concept. • Traveled globally (UK, Europe, Middle East, and East Asia) for R&D of concept. • Presented regularly to Speedo International President and upper management teams.

A.A. in Apparel Manufacturing Management and Fashion Design

1998

A.A. in Apparel Manufacturing Management and Fashion Design

B.A.

1996

B.A.