With over 15 years of expertise in developing luxury leather goods, I specialize in pioneering research and innovation across a spectrum of materials and a wide supplier base; my core competencies include budgeting, critical path analysis, and project management, ensuring a solid foundation for delivering excellence. My passion is rooted in the craftsmanship and heritage of leather goods, complemented by a keen and genuine commitment to sustainability. I actively explore how raw materials and product choices can drive meaningful change in the industry's future. What sets me apart is my ability to communicate effectively with both creative directors and every member of the supply chain. I use the right language and possess the tools and technical competencies to understand and bridge the gap between these crucial parts of the luxury business. Renowned for my leadership style, I excel in hands-on management while maintaining a strategic vision, converting insights into actionable and impactful results. Key Strengths Smart and Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to absorb and interpret complex design visions and translate them into tangible results, driving excellence and innovation. Multitasking Expertise: Demonstrated proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery across various collections and special projects. Extensive Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of materials, fabrications, and sustainability practices, coupled with a strong track record of collaboration with international suppliers and startups. Culturally Informed: Well-read and culturally aware, bringing a broad and informed perspective to the workplace, enhancing team dynamics and decision-making processes. Effective Communication: Skilled in maintaining robust communication flows with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and successful project outcomes.
In charge of the Product Development and Pre Production team, covering all aspects of the Leather goods collections, Softs, Homeware, Special Projects and Collaborations. Working alongside the Design team to direct research and development, partnering with Suppliers in Italy, Spain, UK, Turkey and Asia on the sourcing of RM and prototyping up until the sampling and samples sign off. Sitting closely to the Product Merchandising team to deliver excellence on time and respond to market needs. In this role also part of the Made to Last committee, who are in charge to protect and implement the Company’s ambitious sustainability manifesto. Currently enrolled in a mentoring scheme with the well known organisation Mentoring Matters.
Product Development Accessories ∙DESIGN OUTREACH Working closely with the Senior Vice President of Accessories Design and in charge of absorbing and interpreting the Design vision from initial conception to finished product for all aspects of raw material and fabrications - previously under the creative direction of Christopher Bailey, then continuing with Riccardo Tisci's team, until the most recent change at the helm with Daniel Lee. In charge of delivering raw material newness each season after Design brief, to support creation and maintenance of seasonal colour palettes and regularly attending meetings with the Creative Director to present new research and discuss design direction. ∙PEOPLE MANAGEMENT Currently managing a team of six direct reports, covering all product categories and divisions within Accessories (Men's, Women's, Kids, Soft and Hard Accessories). Previously in charge of up to 9 people, putting particular care and effort in nurturing and mentoring each and every one. ∙PRODUCT SUSTAINABILITY As a part of the Innovation Forum within the Company, working directly with suppliers and start-ups to develop materials that carry positive attributes within their own supply chain and the communities around it, exploring and developing successfully biobased materials, recycled fibres and compounds, organic cotton, metal free tanned leather, and in respect of all major certifications currently in place for the industry. ∙CROSS-FUNCTIONAL
reporting into the VP of Product Development Accessories In Burberry, previously working as Product Development Manager of Ladies' Large Leather Goods, Small Leather Goods, Belts, Charms, Jewellery, working on the field with the most important manufacturers in the Florence area and Far East, with extensive experience on Accessories manufacturing, construction, hardware development and techniques.
One of the most interesting among the new British Designers of the past 20 years, I worked alongside Lara to develop all collections from initial concept to finished product across handbags, small leather goods, jewellery and shoes; I coordinated delivery for all prototypes and samples, calculating costs and margins alongside the production development and quality control. ∙Responsible for sourcing and ordering raw materials from manufacturers in Italy and Spain. Negotiate prices, quantities and leadtimes.
John Galliano, Guess, Bluemarine)