Experience

FutureThinkNow

• Germany
• IT Services and IT Consulting
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Co-Founder & CEO

  • Oct 2023 - Present

  What if designers and creatives had access to actionable data? I envisioned a paradigm shift where the same data relied upon by merchants and other buying partners would be readily available to designers, empowering them to make informed decisions. I sought to unlock the untapped potential of data-driven insights, revealing market shifts and consumer preferences in real-time. Transitioning from my role as a fashion designer, I wholeheartedly embraced a new identity an innovator and creator in the tech world. Here, the significance of data takes center stage, serving as the foundation for any creative endeavor. Even before pen hits paper, concepts are built upon fractions, equations, percentages, and trends. The concept of relying on intuition or non-factual decision-making appears as archaic as the belief in a flat Earth. Yet, despite my immersion in the data-driven tech sphere, I’ve retained my belief in intuition or the “gut” feeling that once guided my fashion design pursuits. The key distinction lies in the evolution of this belief. Today, I am thrilled to introduce FutureThinkNow, a groundbreaking tool specifically designed for designers and creatives. This powerful tool quantifies, analyzes, and effectively transforms their ideas and concepts, augmenting their “gut” instincts with data-backed insights. FutureThinkNow signifies a pivotal milestone in the creative business landscape, as it bridges the gap between creativity and data-driven decision making. It empowers designers to align their vision with market demands, fueling innovation and elevating their design outcomes. In this new era, designers no longer need to rely solely on subjective intuition; instead, they possess a strategic advantage that propels them towards success. Show less



Quincy E Russell Creative

• Berlin Area, Germany

• Founder / Managing Director

  • Apr 2017 - Oct 2023

  Guiding and inspiring designers, creatives and leading fashion brands to harness the power of technology and analytics to embrace the data driven design process of the future. Guiding and inspiring designers, creatives and leading fashion brands to harness the power of technology and analytics to embrace the data driven design process of the future.



Target

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Concept Design Manager (Men's Division)

  • Nov 2011 - Dec 2016

  - Managed the development of creative direction, product strategy and assortment planning to effectively align brand positioning and business objectives for all brands. - Achieved 1Billion in total annual sales for the division by the end of 2014. - Led development of Modern Classic & Young Men’s owned brands, for all knits, sweaters, woven's, and outerwear, driving +9.9% comps in classic and 13.3% comps in young men’s, ~$385M business. - Rebuilt knits and sweaters businesses, resulting in +40.4% comp and +$65M to plan. - Conceptualized and implemented new holiday capsules and unique collections for resulting in +27.3% comp for 4th quarter. - Created compelling store and e-commerce experiences through innovative floor layouts, social media content, and product storytelling, resulting in $11M beat to sales. - Conceptualized and introduced 2 new brands (Mossimo Black and Utility) to provide solutions for all lifestyles and occasions. - Increased profitability through fabric innovation and streamlined conceptual workflows. - Drove differentiation, value, quality, innovation and profitable growth. - Developed marketing strategies to constantly grow market share and increase connection with consumers and increased brand recognition. - Continuously evaluated and improved concept to customer product cycle. - Inspired creative excellence, empowered others and championed collaboration. - Identified and sourced new and potential business-building opportunities. - Participated in the recruiting, selection and development of new talent and creatives - Maintained and developed design/buyer relationships at key seasonal presentations. - Collaborated with the Art Team and Graphic designer to ensure trend right and relevant product. - Led innovative initiatives and captained (LTO's) Limited Time Offers, Design Partnerships and collaborations with Neiman Marcus and Phillip Lim. Show less



Kohl's

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Designer Manager (Men's Division)

  • Aug 2008 - Nov 2011

  - Created a vision and provided clear direction that supported strategic, brand and business goals for both men's and young men's divisions. - Drove financial results by providing design solutions for business opportunities that were unique to the individual brands and customer profiles. - Developed and executed seasonal timing and action calendars, managed resources, met all deadlines and drove continuous improvement. - Provided inspiration, support, and guidance to design team via experience, knowledge, and excellent interpersonal skills. - Designed compelling product to achieve or exceed our customer and our organization’s expectations. - Consistently monitored business shifts, new key initiatives and seasonal focuses. - Reinforced brand management principles and guidelines to ensure compelling and cohesive product offering. - Created strong cross functional partnerships with designer, merchants and peers while leading the development of creative direction,brand positioning and merchant objectives. - Partnered with leadership and other groups to ensure alignment on priorities and overall strategic direction. - Worked closely with the technical design organization to ensure overall design esthetic, construction and fit were exceptionally executed. - Identified brand and customer relevant product opportunities through consistent market research. Show less



Sears

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Sr. Designer (Men's Division)

  • 2006 - 2008

  - Work closely with Design Director, the merchants and my team to create strategies to create new opportunities for business growth. - Worked closely with Design Director, the merchants and my team to create strategies and new opportunities for business growth. - Conducted seasonal line review meetings with DVP, GMM’s, DMM’s and individual merchants while giving insight and market driven recommendations. - Analyzed weekly sales reports to identify best selling styles and colors to further understand the customer mindset. - Intuitively designed all woven and knit categories including outwear and bottoms. - Managed a staff of 2 associate designers and 1 assistant designer, all of which were direct reports. - Created seasonal concept boards, seasonal fabric and trim development. - Monitored and maintained brand consistency by working closely with other Sr. Designer and brand mangers to assure brand clarity. - Closely monitored competitors to make sure our brands remained relevant in the constantly evolving market place. Show less



Tuff Gong Entertainement/ Bob Marley Music Inc/ Catch A Fire Clothing

• New York, New York

• Sr Product Manager/ Sr Design

  • Jun 2004 - Aug 2006

  - Seasonally designed and managed production for a complete line of premium denim and knit products. - Developed and structured overseas and domestic manufacturing supply chain for this newly formed division. - Managed products to sustain a positive profit margin, ensuring the lowest possible sampling cost and maintained a proper mark up structure. - Worked closely with customs brokers and freight forwarders to coordinate product entry into the United States. - Traveled to factories and laundries on a regular basis to ensure on time production, quality control and new seasonal development. - Formed working relationships with manufacturers, fabric mills and laundries. Resources included New Times (Taiwan), Montebello (Italy) and Freshtex (Los Angeles). - Coordinated with sales personnel, merchandising and accounting to create design budgets and inventory cash flow charts. - Designed and developed numerous promotional products, such as iPod cases, belts and promotional tee shirts with specialty vendors. - Coordinated and structured seasonal high-end fashion presentations, including fashions shows and seasonal look books. - Managed and coordinated the effort that landed Catch a Fire Clothing on MTV’s popular series 8th & Ocean. Show less



Rifle Jeans U.S.A.

• New York, New York

• Sr. Menswear Designer

  • Feb 2003 - Aug 2004

  - Designed and managed woven and knit products for the young men’s private and branded divisions, including Sideout, Bugle Boy, Syn, Rifle Jeans (USA), and 485. - Worked closely with Italian design team to develop fashion forward innovative products for the US market. - Developed highly detailed computer generated technical product packages. - Worked with a team of assistant designers, artists and graphic designers to develop any necessary graphics / trim ideas. - Conducted daily fittings with pattern makers, production staff and other members of the design team to assure the proper design aesthetic was achieved. - Worked closely with individual buyers and in office merchandisers to develop fashion-forward product designed specifically for their needs of their customers. - Shopped through European and Asian markets seasonally to find upcoming trends, details, fabrications, and graphics inspiration. Show less



Kenneth Cole Productions

• United States
• Retail Apparel and Fashion
• 400 - 500 Employee

• Designer

  • Jan 2001 - Jan 2003

  - Conceptualized, designed and managed all woven product categories including denim, woven shirts, and outerwear. - Worked closely with corporate office to develop fashion-driven products for both Department and KC Reaction retail stores. - Shopped the European market seasonally to find upcoming trends, details, fabrications, and graphics. - Traveled to our Hong Kong office at the beginning of each season to develop a highly-focused, band- specific line, which entailed working with fabric suppliers, denim mills, trim suppliers and specialty vendors. - Developed and corrected all spec/fit issues during seasonal fittings. - Communicated daily with overseas production personnel, kept track of all work in progress, and maintained all calendar related deadlines. Show less