Experience

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  Nina Footwear

  • New York, New York, United States

  • Vice President of Merchandising/Product Development for Handbags & Jewelry

    • Mar 2016 - Mar 2020
    • New York, New York, United States

    Responsible for direction of all Design, Product Development and Merchandising efforts for Handbag & Jewelry divisions including NINA and TON labels. Managed team of 3 Designers. Modernized product assortments to expand business from traditional social occasion category to include fashion offerings resulting in improved sell thru performance and increased editorial presence- Increased Handbag internal margin over 15% thru focused product assortments, decreased dropped development and improved delivery cadence

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  Alexis Bittar, Inc.

  • Brooklyn, New York, United States

  • Vice President of Product Development/Sourcing & Production

    • Oct 2012 - Jul 2015
    • Brooklyn, New York, United States

    Directed all Product Development and Sourcing/Production efforts moving the business from a local development model to finished goods overseas while successfully launching the Fine Jewelry Division with total company volume over $50M - Developed and maintained a viable portfolio of overseas suppliers capable of meeting company objectives; moved 50% of fashion business overseas within one development cycle resulting in a 20% IMU improvement while reducing sample expense 20% in first full year- Created and implemented strategic and tactical initiatives (including establishing specific Time & Action schedules) with suppliers to support and improve costing, shorten lead-times, reduce MOQs and minimize possible inventory risk - Managed in-house sample room, linebuilding and executing special projects & cut-up programs utilizing existing stone and component inventory (depleting inventory over $500k in 2014)- Travel 4-5 times per year to Asia for Product Development/Production/Sourcing trips; managed team of 30 people

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  Talbots

  • New York, New York, United States

  • Director of Product Development/Sourcing for Accessories & Footwear

    • Aug 2009 - Oct 2012
    • New York, New York, United States

    Responsible for direction of all Product Development and Sourcing/Production efforts for all accessories and footwear totaling volume over $200 million at retail - Managed direct price negotiations with vendors and determined development distribution which actualized a 5% increase in initial margin versus 2008 while simultaneously upgrading product quality- Instituted Accessories specific Time & Action schedules, resulting in improvement to in-store delivery- Established product category specific regulatory testing and approval guidelines; hosted annual Accessories vendor seminars to provide regular updates- Traveled 3-4 times per year to Asia for Product Development/Production/Sourcing trips; managed team of 6 people

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  ROMAR INTERNATIONAL INC., / MA’AM ACCESSORIES INC

  • New York, New York, United States

  • Senior Vice President/Creative Director/Founder & Creator – Ziordia Handbags

    • Nov 2005 - Jul 2008
    • New York, New York, United States

    Launched high-end contemporary women’s handbag line; sole responsibility for all Design, Development and Production. Developed and implemented brand strategy including target segment positioning (price range $295 - $695) and sales approach focusing on trade and trunk shows (specialty stores distribution). Managed all Product Development and Sourcing including leathers and hardware components; responsible for all costing and price negotiation. Traveled four times to Asia for Product Development/Production trips; managed team of 5 people.

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  Camuto Group

  • New York, New York, United States

  • Senior Vice President/General Manager - Accessories

    • Nov 2003 - Feb 2005
    • New York, New York, United States

    Directed all Design, Product Development and Sales efforts for Accessories Division comprised of BCBGirls license, Antonio Melani and Gianni Bini (Dillards private label brands) totaling approximately $25 million in annual cost volume.- Achieved a 75% increase in volume over last year; successfully launched exclusive Dillard’s brand, Gianni Bini- Traveled 4-5 times annually to Asia for product development trips; managed team of 15 people

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  Kasper ASL

  • New York, New York, United States

  • Vice President of Accessories - Anne Klein

    • Apr 2003 - Oct 2003
    • New York, New York, United States

    Responsible for managing all aspects of Accessories division totaling $25 million in annual wholesale volume; increased volume 60% over year previous making company more attractive for eventual sale. Coordinated all Product Development and Design direction for AKNY and AK Anne Klein brands of handbags, small leather goods and luggage.- Streamlined production process – developed cut file procedure, instituted new quality control process and strengthened direct factory communication resulting in 6% increase in gross margin- Traveled 4-5 times annually to Asia for Product Development trips; managed team of 7 people

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  Donna Karan

  • New York, New York, United States

  • Director of Merchandising & Production - Accessories

    • Jun 1999 - Aug 2002
    • New York, New York, United States

    Developed seasonal line plans for DKNY and CITY DKNY brands totaling approximately $43 million in wholesale volume.- Increased internal margin by over 5% over year previous- Managed Product Development efforts for handbags, small leather goods, cosmetic bags, luggage & box program - Served as internal point person for Accessories division; assumed Sales Director position in addition to daily responsibilities during division transition period- Traveled 4-5 times annually to Asia for Product Development trips; managed team of 8