Heather Barksdale

Specializing in providing full fashion design packages from concept ideation to design, raw materials sourcing, product development, through to fashion ecosystem and big-picture analysis. - Created full women’s wear design package for leading Inditex brand as part of the global brand strategy to up level its premium luxury womenswear collection. Responsible for creating seasonal design concept, collection direction, color palette, fabric sourcing, as well as product design and development. - Fashion Consulting for the International Trade Commission and Gherzi to create a Fashion Incubator in Casablanca, Morocco, with the goal to develop current and next generation fashion entrepreneurs. Responsible for interviewing key stakeholders in government and fashion industry, analysis on the state of fashion, developing business plan, and leading workshops. - Lead design direction for Jimmy Fairly, French eyewear brand, on key fashion trends and accessories as part of their strategy to diversify and amplify their product range.

Responsible for design of ready-to-wear and accessories collections, creating design concepts, benchmarking and collection planning. Managed end-to-end product development, fostering cross-departmental collaboration and mentoring junior team members. - Took a leadership role in the rebranding as part of a long term strategy to elevate product and increase sales. Designed new monogram logo used in accessories collection as well as ready-to-wear and in-store marketing. - Achieved 53 percent sales growth in accessories category in 2022 vs. 2021, with consistent year-on-year growth.

Responsible for design of ready-to-wear and accessories collections, as well as creating design concepts, benchmarking and collection planning, fabric research and color palette. - Directed designer workflows, overseeing the global design concepts and development of ready-to-wear collections. - Achieved consistent growth in wholesale channels through elevated brand and product positioning. - Presented seasonal collection to key internal and external stakeholders.

Implemented new design concepts, creating high-quality product in line with company financial goals and business strategy resulting in consistent year-on-year growth in all categories. - Successfully hired, mentored, and supervised design teams, ensuring the fluid execution of the creative process as well as individual promotion and employee retention. - Achieved a 50 percent sales increase in woven dresses from 2006 to 2007.

Women's established luxury brand selling in USA and internationally. Implemented new designs and development in line with goals to up level the collection offering to a true luxury brand. Responsible for designing outerwear, jackets, dresses, pants, denim, & leather. Design development in house atelier and overseas, including fittings through collection presentation to wholesale and retail teams. - Managed a team of two designers working directly with atelier on hand mock-ups of embroidery, leatherwork, and detail swatches. - Sales increased as a result of new luxury design strategy and designs implemented.

Womenswear brand in the high-end and luxury market, selling in USA and internationally. Served as right hand and Head Designer to Creative Director, Nicole Miller. Designed ready-to-wear and runway collections for New York Fashion Week, while also leading custom designs for press events and VIP clients. - Directed licensees and approved product sign-off for accessories collections. - Successfully hired and managed team of designers to support their professional growth and employee retention. - Led the creation and fittings for celebrities and VIP clients.