Mary Zhou
Fashion Design Consultant · One Hide LLC, Orange County, CA
Dana Point, CA
In My Own Words
Progressive thinking hybrid Fashion Design Consultant, Creative Director, and Brand Strategist, creating a fashion forward and premium brand experience through innovative design, meticulous product execution, and authenticity to brand DNA in the fashion and home industry.
From identifying white space and creating impactful visuals, to developing an overall concept, I deliver cutting edge apparel, accessories, and home decor in the most creative, efficient, and effective way possible.
I gained my fashion sophistication in New York City and Florence, Italy. I've designed for global luxury brands and American heritage brands (Ralph Lauren, Levi's, Oscar de la Renta, and Diane von Furstenberg). And, I mastered the multifaceted apparel business building a performance driven startup brand for a surf hard goods manufacturer in Southern California (Catch Surf).
www.onehide.com
Work Experience
Fashion Design Consultant
One Hide LLC, Orange County, CA2013 – Present
Expert fashion designer, graphic designer, product developer, production manager, and brand strategist producing cutting edge apparel and accessories in the most creative, efficient and effective way possible. Through my global network of manufacturers, vendors, and advisors, I help companies build a memorable brand by navigating the design, development, and production process to create a solid and profitable product line. I've vetted and built strong relationships with domestic and overseas factories to meet the highest standards of ethics, execution, and cost effectiveness. ·Comprehensive Consulting + Brand Development ·Seasonal Concept + Trend ·Fashion & Graphic Design + Full Development Packages ·Prototype/Sample Management + Production Management
Creative Director, Global Brands (Levi's)
Hybrid Apparel2018 – 2019
Cemented brand loyalty through focused apparel design and visual content for Global Brand Licensing of Men’s and Women’s apparel retailing at specialty, department store and mid-tier retailers. Pitched potential brand licensing contracts. Shopped international and domestic markets to strategize business opportunities, impacting the growth of the licensed brand business. Responsible for entire design development process from initial concept to final collection. Lead team of apparel designers, graphic designers. Established strong relationships with critical partners. LEVI’S & LEVI’S SPORT -Creative Director, overseeing entire design cycle of YM’s and Men’s cut and sew tops collection, resulting in $30+ million annual revenue -Pitched and landed 1-year licensing contract for Levi’s Women’s & Men’s sportswear collection (NFL, MLB and NBA) CALIVILLE -Designed and pitched private label YM’s athleisure collection for Brett Young to Kohl’s, landing in a 2-year contract, resulting in $3+ million annual revenue WRANGLER -Designed and pitched tiered Women’s and Men’s apparel collection for a licensing contract, with an estimated annual revenue of $20+ million
Head Designer, Men's Contemporary Sportswear
Thread & Cloth, Los Angeles, CA2017 – 2018
Accountable for all aspects of design operations, product development and merchandising on a fast paced calendar, working directly with the CEO. Travelled seasonally to Europe, forecasting trends and color. Managed product development and sourcing in India, Bangladesh and China. Developed novelty textiles, washes and key items.
VP of Design, Surf Performance Wear
Catch Surf®, Orange County2011 – 2017
Instrumental in building a startup apparel line, established operations and brand identity, for a global surf hard goods Founder. Created the Catch Surf brand aesthetic, translated iconic retro surf with modern appeal; California surf meets East Coast prep. Provided creative leadership and guidance to apparel division. Implemented a time and action calendar, travelled overseas to troubleshoot and enforce key dates. -Designed, sourced and managed a global surf lifestyle brand placing in 250+ surf shops in the U.S. and key accounts in Australia -Expanded the apparel line into headwear, accessories and footwear, retailing in flagship store, top tier department stores in Japan and Canada -Cultivated U.S. and Chinese vendor relations to leverage costing/margins -Directed internal and external creative team to produce campaigns and style guides to deliver brand value and connect target audience -Autonomously performed the role of Merchandiser, Technical Designer, Patternmaker and Product Developer for 3 years
Design Manager, Polo Jeans Co. / Denim & Supply
Polo Ralph Lauren, New York, NY2008 – 2011
Implemented the design process from initial concept to final product. Shopped global and domestic markets, to identify emerging trends and innovative textiles. Interpreted seasonal concepts and created category driven mood boards. Travelled overseas seasonally to understand and educate factory capabilities. Nurtured design team in creation of full tech packs. Provided creative leadership to Graphic Designers to convey visual branding in tandem with brand strategy. Evaluated proto samples for superior fit and construction. Presented final collection at line building and final line review. POLO JEANS CO. (Europe + Asia) -Hired as Senior Designer and promoted to Design Manager in under 2 years -Designed top selling knitwear styles, exceeding record units of 12,000 pcs -Increased sales by 20% and expanded sku’s by 10% in fastest growing category -Selected to take over U.S. Off-Price design operations, replacing Design Manager to oversee a team of 3 designers DENIM & SUPPLY -Creative lead for Men’s Knit category, tasked with designing and launching the first ever collection retailing at big-box department stores in the USA
Denim & Knits Designer, YM's & Juniors
Red Snap Jeans Co, New York, NY2005 – 2008
Designed a collection of YM’s Top’s and Junior’s Denim, retailing at big-box department stores. Created seasonal concept, color palette and illustrations. Responsible for full tech packs, trims and branding. RED SNAP JEANS CO. -Hired as Associate Designer and promoted to Designer within 2 years -Partnered with Chinese manufacturer to build 1st season startup denim line
Assistant Designer, Women's Sportswear
O Oscar by Oscar de la Renta, New York, NY2004 – 2005
Designed women’s dresses and separates, tech packs, applique and embroidery specifications. Created mood boards to convey seasonal concept, color, fabric, and trims.
Textile Design Assistant/Intern, Women's Luxury RTW
Diane von Furstenberg, New York, NY2004 – 2004
Designed signature prints for women's luxury collection. Created digital repeats, pitch sheets, assessed strike offs and lab dips. Preformed hand screen prints, painting and fabric dyes tests.
Merchandiser & Stylist, Women's Luxury RTW
Narciso Rodriguez, Aeffe USA INC., New York, NY2002 – 2002
Merchandised, styled and created visual marketing tools. Analyzed sales goals and prepared sales reports in collaboration with Sales Director and Account Executive. Curated line assortment for key account buyers.
Education
International Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fashion Institute of Technology2000 – 2005
International Bachelor of Fine Arts
