In my own words
— LauraI am seeking Design Director and leadership opportunities in the outdoor/activewear market.
Trajectory
Apr 2016 — Now
Research Specialist: Wholesale, Retail and Textile · Centerstone Executive Search, Inc
-Responsible for research, writing and recruiting projects in support of the Executive Search team
-Produce research, white papers, position profiles in the support and development of wholesale, retail and textile related clients
-Report directly to the CEO
Sep 2016 — Now
Adjunct Instructor · Academy of Art University
• Prepare discussion topics
• Facilitate discussions and give feed back to students
• Critique student work and propose ways for improvement based on the individual student
• Responsible for all grading
• Hold virtual office hours for personal communication with students
• Product Development: Spring ‘17
• Fabric and Fiber Technology: Summer ‘17
• Fabric and Fiber Technology: Spring ‘17
• Product Development: Fall ‘16
Apr 2016 — Now
Independent Consultant · Independent Consultant
• Freelance apparel design,
• market and trend research and analysis
• concept development: trend, color, pattern, material, silhouette
• design
• tech pack creating
• fittings
• vendor communications
• Process development
• Serving active, swim, lifestyle, fashion and outerwear markets for Women’s, Men’s and Kid’s
Aug 2011 — Mar 2015
Design Director · Eddie Bauer
• Launched Men’s and Women’s Performance Activewear division
• Responsible for creative direction & merchandising strategy for M's & W's Performance division
• Built, led and developed design team in all aspects of design and product development
• Product categories included: trek, travel, fitness, water, base layer, outdoor lifestyle
• Established strong cross-functional relationships
• Led Men's and Women's technical outerwear division from '12-'13
• Nominated and winner across multiple years of individual and team "Best of Bauer" awards
Dec 2010 — May 2011
Design Director - Interium · lucy activewear
• As Interim Design Director, led design team in the creation of yoga, gym, run, trek & travel apparel
• Drove new fabric developments and performance standards
• Designed Spring ’12 run collection in absence of Sr. Designer
• Member of the Lead Executive Team developing company turn-around strategy
Jun 2010 — Dec 2010
Designer - Contract · The North Face
• As Contract Designer, collaborated on designing the men’s performance line for Spring/Sumer ‘12
• Created color palettes for Spring / Fall ‘12 women’s & men’s performance division
• Designed and developed performance accessories collection for Spring ‘12
Dec 2009 — Jan 2010
Designer - Contract · Marmot
• Contributed to the design of men's an women's Spring '12 line
• Executed highly technical sketches and tech packs
Feb 1995 — Oct 2008
Design Director · Target / Mervyn's
Design Director, Women's
• Led and mentored a team of 12 designers in the creation, merchandising strategy, and development of 7 brands; representing over $307M annually
• Drove the reinvention of $140M contemporary brand. One Year results exceeded plan by 30%, GM increased by 6.4%
Design Director, Children’s
• Led 7 designers in the creation of 6 brands representing over $280M annually
• The team was recognized as “Most Successful Team of the Year” for 3 years
• Maintained 100% retention rate of team and promoted 4 team members