Rory Gartelmann
Senior Footwear Designer
Westminster | United States
Interests
No information
Industries
Fashion
Lifestyle
Snow
Streetwear
Summary
Activity
Work experience
Rory K Gartelmann Design Consulting
Women's Senior Footwear Design Consultant | 05/2015 - Current
Footwear and Design consultant that worked remotely and on-site to collaborate with brands to bring each of their visions to life.
Worked on product briefs through all phases from initial design ideation through
tech packs, material and color, pattern/blueprint corrections, and fit.
Clients include: Sperry, Vera Bradley, JC Penny, Keds, Suns Shoes, Whiting & Davis,
Loudmouth Golf, and Sofft Shoe.
Asia travel if requested by client.
Sperry l Boston, MA

Sperry Top-Sider
Womens Design Team Lead | 10/2020 - 04/2024
Lead Women's team through construction, pattern, color, and material executions while remaining brand relevant across diverse categories and price points.
Works cross functionally with Product Management and Product Development to
execute seasonal requests on an average of 21 TN & NU's, while delivering on both
FOB and margin requirements.
Design and manage product rage across multiple price tiers, from opening price
point, to premium leather executions to serve a diverse consumer range including
Nordstrom, Macy's, DSW, and Rackroom.
Increased product margin 3% 2023 vs. 2024.
Under leadership, consumer sentiment rose from 30% to above 80%.
Executed successful collaborations with full sell through including The Summer I
Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime.
Mentor and lead more junior designers and direct reports.
International market and Asia travel multiple times per year.

Sperry Top-Sider
Designer | 07/2011 - 05/2015
Responsible for sourcing, designing, sketching, and producing Women's Footwear across multiple price points and distributions.
Partnered closely with collaboration brands to develop product while nurturing
relationships and streamlining partnerships.
Established and maintained effective working relationship with sales team and buyers to allow growth within both businesses.
Created original artwork to develop seasonally appropriate prints and materials.
Travel to Asia 3-4 times per year.
Sam Edelman
Womens Footwear Designer | 11/2008 - 06/2011
Footwear designer that focused on Private Label and licensed product including
American Eagle and Ann Taylor LOFT.
Hand sketched entire line, sourced and detailed materials and finishes, built
seasonal line sheets, tracked sampled, and helped with general organization.
Required Asia travel 4-5 time per year.
Education history
Polimoda
Associates | 2007 - 2008
Fashion Institue of Technology
Associates | 2008 - 2009





