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Fawn Desiree

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CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER | CREATIVE DIRECTOR | APPAREL | FASHION |
Los Angeles Metropolitan Area | US

Skills

  • Gross Margin Analysis
  • Growth Strategies
  • Design Leadership
  • Product Vision
  • Key Performance Indicators
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Interests

Art
Snow skiing
Off roading
Cinema
Water skiing
Salsa dancing
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Industries

Lifestyle
Fashion
Outdoor
Skate
Snow
Streetwear
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HomeSummaryActivityProjectsWork experienceEducation historyConnectionsCompanies

In my own words

Fawn

<p>Visionary <strong>Chief Design Officer / Creative Director</strong> with over 20 years of expertise in creating and leading design, trend analysis, merchandising, and product development.

Demonstrated success in steering the design process from initial concept through to production, while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve and surpass organizational goals. Adept at leveraging creative talent, advanced computer skills, technical acumen, and comprehensive fashion industry knowledge to drive business growth and innovation. Seeking to bring strategic insight and leadership to a forward-thinking company. </p><p><br></p><p><strong>SKILLS </strong></p><p>Apparel Design: Expertise in designing Performance Apparel, Activewear, Athleisure, Streetwear, Ready-to-Wear, Specialty Dresses, Denim, Lingerie, Hi-Tech apparel, Footwear and Accessories. In multiple categories including Men, Women, Junior’s and Kids. </p><p>Apparel Color Design: Expertise in creating trend-relevant, narrative-driven color concepts, mood boards, graphics for apparel collections. </p><p>Color Technology: Strong understanding of materials, leather, suede, textiles, print, dyes, finishes, and color achievability. </p><p>Textile Technology: Strong understanding of fabrics, fibers, knits, gauges, leather, print, sublimation, dyes, finishes, treatments, washes and color. Creative Collaboration: Skilled in collaborating with design directors and other designers to develop cohesive color palettes. </p><p>Creative Leadership: Proven leadership abilities, including team development and mentoring, having completed the FARR Leadership Course in North Carolina. </p><p>Trend Analysis: Skilled in researching and analyzing emerging trends and market preferences with a deep understanding of color trends, fashion, art, and sports-related products. Able to pinpoint sellable trends that align with retail, DTC, and B2B and brand ethos. </p><p>Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat), Social Media platforms for design and visual communication. Highly proficient in Microsoft Suite, Google Workspace, Teams, and PLM systems for organization and process management on Mac platform. </p><p>Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of textiles, garment construction, engineering, pattern making, fit, printing, and all manufacturing processes. </p><p>Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey design concepts and changes. Outstanding presentation skills with experience presenting to internal and external stakeholders, including industry events.</p>

Trajectory

Jan 2021 — Now
Chief Design Officer, Creative Director · FDDS
Leads the design and development of apparel lines, including ready-to-wear, special occasion dresses, luxury lingerie, high-tech apparel, and athleisure. Manages trend forecasting, factory negotiations, costing, fabric sourcing, textile development, print and silkscreen, trim development, cross-functional calendar and budget. Collaborates effectively with cross-functional global teams to achieve common goals.
Jan 2018 — Apr 2021
Vice President Design, Product Development Manager · TCW Trends Inc
Multi-million + Global Manufacturer of branded, licensed & private label apparel for Women, Men, Jr's and Children. Specializing in big box, Costco, and Sam's Club. Duty free zone manufacturers in Egypt. Others in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Hong Kong and China. Developed comprehensive product lines for Men’s, & Women’s Premium apparel, including activewear, streetwear, sportswear, and seamless garments. Managed strategic labels such as Hurley, Puma, Levi’s, Eddie Bauer, Orvis, Felina, Natori, Marika, Jessica Simpson, Bally, Eddie Bauer, Columbia, Reebok, Costco, and Sam’s Club PL. Increased sales by 25% through implemented product development processes and launching new customer lines. Travelled to China, Bangladesh and Egypt for textile, factory sourcing and production.
Sep 2015 — Jan 2018
Vice President Design and Merchandising · AYK International Inc.
Multi-million + Manufacturer of branded, licensed & private label apparel for Women, Men, Jr's and Children. Specializing in Canadian and Global brands including Amazon. Created merchandising strategies aligning with multiple company identities and showcasing unique brand assortments. Designed CADs, textiles, packaging, trend forecasts, and line plans, leading to a 20% sales increase through innovative product lines and newly procured licenses. Pajar, Columbia, Realtree and many other brands.
Jan 2014 — Dec 2015
Vice President of Design and Merchandising · Perry Ellis International
Isaco, Perry Ellis International: 600 million + Manufacturer of branded, licensed and private label of Men’s apparel. Key Accounts: Macy’s, Bloomingdale's, Dillard’s, Kohl’s, JC Penney’s, & TJ Maxx. Directed a team of 15+ in design, merchandising, and production, creating line plans, CAD designs, trend boards, and planograms. Implemented collaboration strategies, managing budgets and forecasts to ensure department profitability. Created new labels and boosted sales/market share by over 15% by adding new trend product for a younger demographic.
Jan 2010 — Dec 2013
Vice President of Design and Merchandising · Renfro Corporation
K. Bell: 650 million + Manufacturer of branded, licensed and private label apparel for Women, Men, Junior’s and Children. Directed creative design and merchandising for key accounts including Costco, Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters, Kohls, JC Penney and more. Expanded the team and boosted sales/market share by over 35% by acquiring new licenses and improving Design processes. Managed, hired and mentored design team of 20+. Published styles in Nylon, Marie Claire and many more.
Jan 2007 — Dec 2008
Design Director · Modern Amusement
Created design direction, CAD designs, textile prints, and graphics, ensuring high-quality and visually appealing products. Launched Women’s Contemporary line, successfully introducing trendsetting designs to the market and increasing sales by 30%.
Jan 2003 — Feb 2007
Design Director · Levi Strauss & Co.
Nzania: 550 million + Manufacturer of branded, and licensed apparel for Women, Men, Junior’s and Children. Designed labels for Warhol Factory X Levi’s, Damian Hirst X Levi’s, Levi Strauss, BB Dakota, Unified, Stage 28, Disney, Disney Parks, Dr. Seuss, Strawberry Shortcake, HR Pufnstuf, Costco and Private label. Accounts: Nordstrom, Barney’s, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Ave, Fred Segal, Lord and Taylor, Lane Crawford, Beams, Macy’s, Costco, Sam’s Club, Hot Topic, Urban Outfitters, Boutiques and many more. Managed design projects for notable labels such as Warhol Factory X Levi’s, Damian Hirst X Levi’s, BB Dakota, and Disney. Developed CAD designs, trend forecasts, technical packages, and collaborated on high-profile publications. Published styles in Nylon, Vogue, Rolling Stone magazine and Warhol Factory X Levi’s coffee table book.
Jan 2002 — Dec 2003
Project Manager · Targus
382 million + Global Manufacturer in Brand and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) products. Developed computer accessory lines, bags, OEM, cooler, glacier gear, for brand and private label. Managed full lifecycle from concept, product development to production. Travelled to Hong Kong, and China for factory sourcing and product integrity.
Jan 1996 — Dec 2002
Fashion Designer · St. John Knits
Designed comprehensive clothing, jewelry, belt, and accessory lines utilizing computer-aided illustrations, freehand illustrations, and technical sketches. Oversaw production and procurement of finished goods in Italy, focusing on silk and leather garments to maintain exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Collaborated closely with Italian suppliers and manufacturers to source premium materials and negotiate favorable terms. Ensured timely delivery and quality control of finished products, contributing to successful product launches and increased sales 100% on new product lines.

Activity

Education history

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FIDM

Bachelor of Arts - BA

Connections

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Rene Acuna

Creative Director/Fashion Design
Rene Acuna

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