Resume
CREATIVE DESIGN/CONCEPT
Diverse creative professional Concept Team Leader, Design Director and Trend Forecaster with extensive experience with fashion startups as well as leading and growing established fashion brands. Committed to establishing clear brand direction and aligning creative initiatives with company goals. Broad experience in all aspects of apparel design and development, from concept creation to prototype production and final product offering.
CONCEPT/ CREATIVE THINKING- Organize and conceptualize meaningful Macro Trends based the modern zeitgeist and consumer shifts. Successfully translate trends into exciting merchandise that supports brand strategy
DESIGN INNOVATION- Effectively execute inspirational mood, identifying seasonal big ideas, key silhouettes, color, print, and fit solutions to fuel product innovation and growth initiatives. Leader demonstrating adaptability and organization in development of omni-channel collections, as well as web & store exclusives and special project /capsule merchandizing
PRODUCT EXECUTION - Create cohesive partnership with sales and merchandising teams to lead strategic growth plan. Create technical specs and manage cross functional communication.
BUSINESS STRATEGY/GROWTH - Identify business opportunities and plan measurable growth accross sectors of business
LEADERSHIP - Lead, empower, and mentor creative teams in person and remotely, fostering a collaborative, productive, and positive environment. Consistently achieve impressive longevity and team retention
SUSTAINABILITY - Tapped as head of Sustainability Task Force at Doneger to lead sustainability discussions for brand solutions to narrow concepts into executable, achievable initiatives for brand adoption
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
The Doneger Group, NY, NY 10018
April 2013 - April 2018
Creative Trend and Design Consultant for a multi-national, multi-brand, hands-on design consultant agency. Organize and present macro trends based on informed consumer shifts to guide executive team decisions on brand strategy and positioning, white space opportunities and marketing themes.
INDEPENDENT DESIGN CONSULTANT
J.Crew, NY, NY 10018 & Santorelli, Irvine CA 92618
June 2018 - Jan 2019
Multi-brand consultant for Santorelli and J.Crew, managing 2 divergent projects simultaneously. J.Crew as in-house freelance Design Director over multi-category collection overseeing 5 member design team. For Santorelli, acted as team of one, to Direct Knitwear collection from concept and sketching to tech packs, and sourcing through landed SMS.
HEAD DESIGNER/CONCEPT
Rachel Rachel Roy NY, NY 10018
Sept 2008 - March 2018
Led the creative force behind Rachel Roy’s apparel and accessory business comprised of all categories of apparel as well as licensing teams for outerwear, swim, and jewelry. Conceptualized and Directed seasonal vision, built mood boards, identified big ideas, key silhouettes, print and color to fuel product innovation and meet merchandizing and assortment needs of a branded business
DESIGNER KNITS & SWEATERS
CALVIN KLEIN, NY, NY 10018
Dec 2005 - Sept 2008
Partnered with Design Director on seasonal knitwear concepts. Executed sketching, yarn development, and stitch layouts. Managed day-to-day production, factory and technical team communication
OWNER/DESIGNER
Alessi.Bennett, NY, NY 10018
May 2004 - Nov 2006
Created, developed, and launched a unique contemporary women’s sportswear brand. Drafted flat patterns and draped garment designs on form. Managed domestic production of sample rooms, factories, and grading facilities. Composed public relations communication and ran sales.
SPECIALIZED SKILLS
Design, Concept/Color/Theme,
Brand Development & Management
Product Innovation Development
Consumer Shift/Market Research
Trend Analysis/Forecast
Photoshop, InDesign, Keynote
Fashion Illustration
EDUCATION
FASHION & SUSTAINABILITY: Understanding Luxery Fashion in a Changing World
Continuing Education London College of Fashion in collaboration with Kering
NY, NY Spring 2018
STOLL.
Continuing Education for Jacquard knitting 101:
NY, NY Spring 2012
FIT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY.
Continuing Education Fashion Design
NY, NY Fall 2008
Intro to Machine Knitting- Fashion Design
PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN. Associate Degree Fashion Design
NY, NY May 2004
Recipient of AS Dean’s List Scholarship for Academic Achievement
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY Columbus, Oh, Bachelor of Science Human Ecology,
June 2003
Cum Laude with Distinction; received full academic research scholarship 2002-2003
AMERICAN INTERCONTINENTAL UNIVERSITY
London, England, Summer 2001 Curriculum focused on concept execution, construction skill & illustration
SPECIAL PROJECTS
THE REDWOODS INITIATIVE.
Faculty member, Fashion Start-Up and Design Consultant
NY, NY Nov 13 - Jan 2018
DAMSELS IN DESIGN.
Guest Speaker on “Personal Creative Process”
NY, NY April 3, 2014
DESIGN CONSULTANT.
Business Start-Up Consultant ÖHLIN/D
NY, NY Nov 26, 2013 - Nov 2014
CONTACT
624 Vanderbilt Ave, apt 2
Brooklyn, NY 11238
rachael.bennett@gmail.com