Cynthia Alvarez

Created attractive, functional and age-appropriate products for this manufacturer of toys, dolls, molded play-sets and accessories. Led development of the Lalaloopsy Mini Dolls and Play-sets, working with current trends to increase innovation. Partnered with Design and Marketing to ensure product manufacturability and achieve cost and profit margin goals. Played critical role in generating innovative and creative concepts for the development of complete 3D products for the Mini Lalaloopsy Mini Dolls that have sold 17 million worldwide since launch. Worked directly with Hong Kong and China on all phases of development to ensure timely customer delivery.

Manage all product design and development for this manufacturer of PE/PVC Trees, fiberglass LIVE FORM, shatterproof ornaments, illuminated fiberglass and all greenery items. Work directly with China, traveling quarterly to ensure quality standards and production deadlines were met. Promoted products by creating the design layouts for showroom displays. Supervised the set up of showrooms. Some LIVE FORM products, such as Toy Soldiers, Nutcracker and Santa Chair have appeared in Christmas movies, variety shows, talk shows and at malls and in magazines, creating exposure that generates demand. Increased sales and the customer base by partnering with Disney and Universal studios to design seasonal themes that created cohesive looks for the theme parks globally, resulting in referrals for similar customized designs. Grew the business by more than 30% by designing and launching a new spring line of outdoor natural palms and Illuminated pots that opened up a new market.

Led design and development for this toy and play-set manufacturer, specifically the Cali Girl, My Scene, Fairytopia, World Fashion Fever dolls, Fashion Avenue, Direct Import Barbie Fashions, and Barbie & Me Role Play. Managed the day-to-day art direction and execution with the design team, implementing and communicating the creative vision to support marketing objectives of the brand. Collaborated with the Design Director to translate brand and segment strategy for the design team. Worked directly with Hong Kong and China on product development. Managed a cross-functional team of 16 designers and model makers in the U.S. and China, directing activities to ensure innovation, strategic alignment, manaufacturability and profitability of the products and meet Global design and development process guidelines. Cut costs and reduced time-to-market and overhead by streamlining the Mattel Asia Pacific Sourcing (MAPS) design and development process. This process was adapted by the rest.

In charge of all creative design/merchandising, production and packaging development. Effectively scheduled work and resolved all internal problems; ensured on-time/accurate work; including duplicate sales lines. Source fabric/trims/findings; negotiate price with vendors; handle cost sheets and all other paperwork.