Laura Griffith
Adjunct Instructor · Centerstone Executive Search, Inc
San Francisco, CAIn My Own Words
I am seeking Design Director and leadership opportunities in the outdoor/activewear market.
Work Experience
Research Specialist: Wholesale, Retail and Textile
Centerstone Executive Search, Inc2016 – Present
-Responsible for research, writing and recruiting projects in support of the Executive Search team -Produce research, white papers, position profiles in the support and development of wholesale, retail and textile related clients -Report directly to the CEO
Adjunct Instructor
Academy of Art University2016 – Present
• Prepare discussion topics • Facilitate discussions and give feed back to students • Critique student work and propose ways for improvement based on the individual student • Responsible for all grading • Hold virtual office hours for personal communication with students • Product Development: Spring ‘17 • Fabric and Fiber Technology: Summer ‘17 • Fabric and Fiber Technology: Spring ‘17 • Product Development: Fall ‘16
Independent Consultant
Independent Consultant2016 – Present
• Freelance apparel design, • market and trend research and analysis • concept development: trend, color, pattern, material, silhouette • design • tech pack creating • fittings • vendor communications • Process development • Serving active, swim, lifestyle, fashion and outerwear markets for Women’s, Men’s and Kid’s
Design Director
Eddie Bauer2011 – 2015
• Launched Men’s and Women’s Performance Activewear division • Responsible for creative direction & merchandising strategy for M's & W's Performance division • Built, led and developed design team in all aspects of design and product development • Product categories included: trek, travel, fitness, water, base layer, outdoor lifestyle • Established strong cross-functional relationships • Led Men's and Women's technical outerwear division from '12-'13 • Nominated and winner across multiple years of individual and team "Best of Bauer" awards
Design Director - Interium
lucy activewear2010 – 2011
• As Interim Design Director, led design team in the creation of yoga, gym, run, trek & travel apparel • Drove new fabric developments and performance standards • Designed Spring ’12 run collection in absence of Sr. Designer • Member of the Lead Executive Team developing company turn-around strategy
Designer - Contract
The North Face2010 – 2010
• As Contract Designer, collaborated on designing the men’s performance line for Spring/Sumer ‘12 • Created color palettes for Spring / Fall ‘12 women’s & men’s performance division • Designed and developed performance accessories collection for Spring ‘12
Designer - Contract
Marmot2009 – 2010
• Contributed to the design of men's an women's Spring '12 line • Executed highly technical sketches and tech packs
Design Director
Target / Mervyn's1995 – 2008
Design Director, Women's • Led and mentored a team of 12 designers in the creation, merchandising strategy, and development of 7 brands; representing over $307M annually • Drove the reinvention of $140M contemporary brand. One Year results exceeded plan by 30%, GM increased by 6.4%
Design Director, Children’s • Led 7 designers in the creation of 6 brands representing over $280M annually • The team was recognized as “Most Successful Team of the Year” for 3 years • Maintained 100% retention rate of team and promoted 4 team members
