Melanie Schwindt

Design & create original sketches of style groups based on concept/direction from Creative Director/VP Design . Develop, demonstrate and maintain a strong knowledge of trends, target market demands, customer, brand objectives . & design aesthetic. . Responsible for designing pants, shorts, shirts, jackets, wraps, & scarves; categories that grossed over $500M in sales annually . Collaborate with merchandisers, & sales partners to create & present seasonal color palettes & concepts . Create technical sketches for garment styling & construction specifications . Create Tech Packs & maintain BOM in Web PLM Manage product submission/ approvals with licensors to ensure we maintain brand integrity . Create mood boards, trend forecasting & illustration presentations . Maintain/monitor calendar & tracks adherence to ensure timely turnover of development, receipt of proto & market samples . Work with Production team to globally source, find fabrics and yarns that are within budgetary guidelines to develop . Perform trend research through shopping for ideas in sihlouette, trim/ fabrics for different markets . Conduct fitting sessions to ensure proper fit/ brand integrity & provide fit comments to tech . Communicate closely with Product Packaging to identify product graphic needs per style, photo shoots & store displays . Oversee & approve all lab dips, trims, & fabrics for production orders . Work with both in-house sample room & overseas for design development Provide leadership & mentoring to the design team continually demonstrate the ability to be a team leader