Rory Gartelmann

Women's Senior Footwear Design Consultant

2015 – Present

Footwear and Design consultant that worked remotely and on-site to collaborate with brands to bring each of their visions to life. Worked on product briefs through all phases from initial design ideation through tech packs, material and color, pattern/blueprint corrections, and fit. Clients include: Sperry, Vera Bradley, JC Penny, Keds, Suns Shoes, Whiting & Davis, Loudmouth Golf, and Sofft Shoe. Asia travel if requested by client.

Sperry l Boston, MA

Womens Design Team Lead

2020 – 2024

Lead Women's team through construction, pattern, color, and material executions while remaining brand relevant across diverse categories and price points. Works cross functionally with Product Management and Product Development to execute seasonal requests on an average of 21 TN & NU's, while delivering on both FOB and margin requirements. Design and manage product rage across multiple price tiers, from opening price point, to premium leather executions to serve a diverse consumer range including Nordstrom, Macy's, DSW, and Rackroom. Increased product margin 3% 2023 vs. 2024. Under leadership, consumer sentiment rose from 30% to above 80%. Executed successful collaborations with full sell through including The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime. Mentor and lead more junior designers and direct reports. International market and Asia travel multiple times per year.

Designer

2011 – 2015

Responsible for sourcing, designing, sketching, and producing Women's Footwear across multiple price points and distributions. Partnered closely with collaboration brands to develop product while nurturing relationships and streamlining partnerships. Established and maintained effective working relationship with sales team and buyers to allow growth within both businesses. Created original artwork to develop seasonally appropriate prints and materials. Travel to Asia 3-4 times per year.

Womens Footwear Designer

2008 – 2011

Footwear designer that focused on Private Label and licensed product including American Eagle and Ann Taylor LOFT. Hand sketched entire line, sourced and detailed materials and finishes, built seasonal line sheets, tracked sampled, and helped with general organization. Required Asia travel 4-5 time per year.

Associates

2007 – 2008

Study abroad program in partnership with Polimoda Fashion School in Florence, Italy

Associates

2008 – 2009

Graduated to 10% of class with honors