Erin Garrett
VP Apparel | Design, Development, Merchandising | Active, Swim, Lifestyle Apparel
Nashville | US
Skills
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Product Presentation
- Sporting Goods
- Merchandise Planning
- Merchandising Strategies
In my own words
— Erin<p>Apparel leader with 18+ years of experience overseeing design, product development, and merchandising for global fashion, activewear, swimwear, and lifestyle brands.
Skilled at building product roadmaps, leading cross-functional teams, and balancing creative direction with margin goals, I’ve launched category-defining collections, streamlined go-to-market processes, and scaled DTC and wholesale businesses—driving up to 2x revenue growth and double-digit margin improvements. I love creating products that connect with people, blending innovation and functionality with a story that makes the brand stand out.</p><p><br></p><p>Currently splittng time between Nashville & LA/Orange County, CA. </p>
Trajectory
Jul 2024 — Now
Director of Product · Swannies
Lifestyle & golf apparel (Men's, Women's, Kid's)
Jan 2009 — Aug 2024
VP of Design & Marketing | Consultant · Fashion Incubator – Various Brands
Freelance Consultant working directly with founders/CEO's to create and scale apparel brands - Activewear, Swimwear, Loungewear, Outdoor, and Lifestyle - (Women's & Men's)
Design, Creative Direction, Product Development, Merchandising/Planning, Marketing/Social Media, Events, Website/E-commerce Management, Overall Brand Strategy, Operations, Team Leadership
Oct 2018 — Feb 2020
Director of Design, Development, & Marketing · LumberUnion
Men's & Women's athleisure & lifestyle apparel sold DTC / Amazon
Led creative design and product development process from concept through delivery while managing a cross-functional team
Managed creative and brand marketing initiatives
Jan 2017 — Dec 2020
Director of Design, Development, & Marketing · CHILL BY WILL
Designed & developed 4 seasonal activewear collections per year selling into Revolve & Carbon38
Launched a successful private label activewear division with clients including: Carbon38, Bloomingdales, Soul Cycle, Peloton, CorePower Yoga, and various social media influencers
Oversaw brand marketing and content strategy
Jan 2012 — Jul 2014
Swimwear Design & Development Manager · MINIMALE ANIMALE
Fashion forward swimwear brand selling into Revolve & Nastygal
Managed design process from concept through delivery, working directly with manufacturers
Coordinated photoshoots & fashion shows (Miami Swim Week)
Jan 2006 — Dec 2011
Product Development, Events, & Marketing · Party Rock Apparel
DTC merch line for the band LMFAO
Jan 2006 — Jun 2007
Associate Designer · A Fine Mess Apparel – FP&L
Junior's private label tops & dresses sold into Forever21, Delias, & Hot Topic
Aug 2005 — Jan 2006
Pre-Production Assistant · Juicy Couture
Activity
Projects
Activewear
Active – Carbon38
Swimwear
Education history
The Art Institutes
Degree | 2003 - 2005
