Jason Ahn

Here, I led the end-to-end process of product development and design, from ideation through market launch. This role involved spearheading cross-functional teams to create innovative men's wear collections that aligned with emerging fashion trends and market demands, while also maintaining a consistent brand identity across all marketing platforms. By delivering trendsetting designs at competitive prices, we managed inventory to maximize shelf presence effectively and aligned our product offerings with retailer and consumer expectations. This strategic approach not only solidified our market position but also contributed to substantial brand growth — redefining the US retail landscape for men’s bottoms. Another milestone was the reduction of production costs by 20%. This was accomplished through meticulous optimization of fabric sourcing, garment construction processes, and the implementation of stringent quality control measures. By negotiating more favorable terms with our sourcing and manufacturing partners, we enhanced profitability while maintaining the high quality our brand is known for. I was instrumental in driving the brand's strategic direction and identity, leading a team of seven designers. We ensured our product aesthetics resonated with our target market, maintaining a cohesive and resonant brand image. SELECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS: - Led brand and product campaigns, overseeing photoshoots to unify brand messaging online and enhance visibility. - Built strong vendor relationships to guarantee product quality and reliability, ensuring high production standards. - Cultivated a culture of innovation and excellence in design teams through leadership and collaborative practices. Key Skills: Strategic Planning & Vision, Creative Direction & Design Leadership, Cost Reduction & Efficiency Optimization, Brand Strategy Development, Product Positioning, Quality Assurance & Control Measures, Campaign Direction & Brand Messaging, Continuous Process Improvement

Over here, I led the vision and execution of a men's apparel line, from initial concept to market launch. My leadership focused on premium quality, innovative designs, and aligning product development with emerging market trends, significantly enhancing brand identity and ensuring cohesive visual communication. My strategic focus on diversification and expansion was pivotal in quadrupling brand revenue from $2M to $8M within a single year. By targeting the unmet needs for edgy, affordable men's fashion through in-depth market and customer research, we captured a substantial market share and established a strong brand presence. I led the enhancement of product quality and customer satisfaction by refining our denim's fit, wash, and trim. Through iterative design and rigorous testing combined with strategic sourcing and negotiations, we achieved luxury brand aesthetics at reduced costs. This not only boosted our brand's competitiveness but also filled a crucial market gap by offering high-quality products at affordable prices. Leveraging seasonal market research and consumer insights allowed us to introduce innovative variations of best-selling silhouettes. This strategic move increased our retail shelf space and bolstered retailer confidence, contributing significantly to sales and brand growth. SELECT ACCOMPLISHMENTS: - Implemented a dynamic pricing strategy, improving margins through detailed cost analysis and strategic negotiations. - Optimized pre-production, enhancing efficiency and ensuring on-time delivery via improved supplier communication and guidelines. - Secured premium materials at reduced costs through strategic supplier partnerships, enabling high-quality, affordable products. - Established a cohesive brand identity, enhancing market presence and appeal with a unified logo, typeface, and packaging design.