Erin Garrett
VP Apparel · Swannies
Nashville, TN
In My Own Words
Apparel leader with 18+ years of experience overseeing design, product development, and merchandising for global fashion, activewear, swimwear, and lifestyle brands. Skilled at building product roadmaps, leading cross-functional teams, and balancing creative direction with margin goals, I’ve launched category-defining collections, streamlined go-to-market processes, and scaled DTC and wholesale businesses—driving up to 2x revenue growth and double-digit margin improvements. I love creating products that connect with people, blending innovation and functionality with a story that makes the brand stand out.
Currently splittng time between Nashville & LA/Orange County, CA.
Work Experience
VP of Design & Marketing | Consultant
Fashion Incubator – Various Brands2009 – 2024
Freelance Consultant working directly with founders/CEO's to create and scale apparel brands - Activewear, Swimwear, Loungewear, Outdoor, and Lifestyle - (Women's & Men's)
Design, Creative Direction, Product Development, Merchandising/Planning, Marketing/Social Media, Events, Website/E-commerce Management, Overall Brand Strategy, Operations, Team Leadership
Director of Design, Development, & Marketing
CHILL BY WILL2017 – 2020
Designed & developed 4 seasonal activewear collections per year selling into Revolve & Carbon38 Launched a successful private label activewear division with clients including: Carbon38, Bloomingdales, Soul Cycle, Peloton, CorePower Yoga, and various social media influencers Oversaw brand marketing and content strategy
Director of Design, Development, & Marketing
LumberUnion2018 – 2020
Men's & Women's athleisure & lifestyle apparel sold DTC / Amazon Led creative design and product development process from concept through delivery while managing a cross-functional team Managed creative and brand marketing initiatives
Swimwear Design & Development Manager
MINIMALE ANIMALE2012 – 2014
Fashion forward swimwear brand selling into Revolve & Nastygal Managed design process from concept through delivery, working directly with manufacturers Coordinated photoshoots & fashion shows (Miami Swim Week)
Product Development, Events, & Marketing
Party Rock Apparel2006 – 2011
DTC merch line for the band LMFAO
Associate Designer
A Fine Mess Apparel – FP&L2006 – 2007
Junior's private label tops & dresses sold into Forever21, Delias, & Hot Topic
Education
Projects
Active – Carbon38
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBDRGLdoo2q78df5G_CldZbYvKfiucjj/view?usp=drive_linkPrivate label design & development for Carbon38 Hero collections.
