A dedicated and highly motivated Leather Goods Design Specialist, with extensive industry experience covering all aspects of Design, Research & Development, Sourcing, and Manufacturing, from concept and sketch to finished product. I am well organised, dynamic, and results-driven, with a proven record specialising in emerging and creative luxury brands; developing and implementing strategies to elevate product and collections, and drive business growth. Managing tight-knit teams both in the UK and abroad, and collaborating closely with Design, Merchandising, Artisans, Workshops and other External Vendors, and reporting to Senior Management my focus has always been on delivering the highest quality luxury goods. I have strong roots and a background in the luxury sector and have built a wide network of raw material and finished goods partners at different levels, including tanneries, mills, hardware manufacturers, printers, embroiderers and other specialist artisans and crafts people. I am also interested in the evolving world of tech and fashion and how advances in new materials and technologies can help support responsible Research, Design & Development to create the next generation of luxury goods which are mindful to the impact on our environment.
A Contemporary Luxury Leather Goods and Footwear Brand founded in 2016, I joined in 2020, when the brand was on the threshold of an exciting period of growth and ambitious expansion into other categories. This steep transition from start-up to a more structured company, required solidifying the core LG offering through; elevating the quality and offer of raw materials and finished goods, optimising costs, optimising the research and development process, re-evaluating the supply chain and transitioning from initial vendors to ones with a greater level of expertise and suitability (cost/time/location) - which required a process of screening, testing and onboarding; establishing a raw material testing program to ensure materials complied to industry standards; a greater focus on RM and FG costing and price negotiation to improve margins; establishing a more cohesive development structure and foster a closer working relationship between the Design and Development Teams and the wider company including Merchandising, Sales and Production. I led the Leather Goods Category and the above formed the basis of my deliverables, and reported to the Collection Director and C- Suite Management. In detail, but not limited to: - Four Collections per year, c.160 SKUs per collection, LG, SLGs and Belts. Plus, exclusive styles and capsule collections. - Managed 5 finished goods vendors across Italy & Europe. Including performance reviews and negotiating terms. - Approx. 175-200 raw material suppliers covering tanneries, mills, hardware suppliers, printers and specialist works. - Managed and mentored a UK/EU team of 4 and supported in their personal growth through regular 1-to-1 meetings. - Implemented strategies for the research and development of all materials and finished goods within the category. - Created and managed the critical path and development budget. - Responsible for all product specifications, industrialisation, and costing.
Consulting for Luxury and Contemporary Brands, covering Product Design, Collection Development, Research & Development (Trends, Raw Materials and Finished Goods), Supply Chain Management and Brand Strategy. At the heart of the consultancy is an incredible archive of design-related research material, accessible by appointment only. This physical archive brings together thousands of creative and material references from a range of sources including Art, Culture, Fashion, Photography, Architecture, Design, Textiles and Leathers. Please contact me for more details and future collaborations.
An iconic RTW brand acquired by the Kering Group in Jan 2013. With the investment new categories were introduced, and I joined the brand to launch the Leather Goods category, eventually overseeing Footwear and Sneakers too. Working alongside the Creative Directors and reporting to Senior and C-Suite Management the role was a combination of Strategical, Technical and Creative responsibilities covering all aspects of Research, Supply Chain, Product Design and Development from concept to finished product. My focus was to launch, lead and manage the LG category on all fronts, establishing links and relationships with internal and external stakeholders to implement structure, processes, a supply chain, critical path, and research and development, culminating in delivering each season’s collection to the highest standards. During my tenure I worked closely with R&D Teams at Gucci within their headquarters in Florence. The processes, supply chain, research, and high standards I implemented at Christopher Kane were in-line with Gucci’s and the Group’s standards and luxury ethos, confirming our ambition to grow quickly with depth in knowledge, quality and craftsmanship. In detail, but not limited to: - Established the Leather Goods Raw Materials and Finished Goods Supply Chain from the ground up. - Managed 3 finished goods vendors all based in Italy. Including regular performance reviews and negotiating terms. - Approx. 150 raw material suppliers covering tanneries, mills, hardware suppliers, printers and other specialist works. - Worked directly with the Creative Director/Design Team remaining true to the creative vision at all times. - Managed and owned the entire product development process. - Involved first-hand in the technical development of all styles both in the studio and workshop from concept to finish product. - Created and owned the critical path and development budget. - Industrialised and optimised all finished goods and raw materials.
A nine-month workshop-based role gaining a 360-degree practical and technical knowledge of luxury leather goods and accessories, with a focus on; - Pattern Drawing and Model Making - Materials and Selection, including Leather, Fabrics, Exotics, Trims, Prints, Embroideries and other Special Fabrications - Cutting and Preparation - Assembly, Sewing and Finishing - Quality Control
Overseeing and managing the Product Development process and Product Development Team for all Mens and Womens Accessories.
A consultancy based in London, servicing a range of Luxury and Contemporary brands to Design, Develop and Produce their leather goods, soft accessories, jewellery, hard accessories, and bespoke hardware. Clients included, but not limited to: Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Anya Hindmarch, Hugo Boss, Gieves & Hawkes
A consultancy based in London, servicing a range of Luxury and Contemporary brands to Design, Develop and Produce their leather goods, soft accessories, jewellery, hard accessories, and bespoke hardware. Clients included, but not limited to: Alexander McQueen, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Anya Hindmarch, Hugo Boss, Gieves & Hawkes