Catherine DiGise: Design Manager; Color & Materials - Home and Wearable in Laguna Niguel, CA

Manage and mentor a driven results oriented team for all material and color design for Apparel and Home categories. Responsible for over 50% of the entire Vera Bradley collection. Work closely with internal and eternal colleagues to implement new process that ensured product would be produce to the highest quality and within in target price points. Ensure material and trim development follows our stick quality regulations while providing trend newness to the assortment. Troubleshoot with mills, factories, and vendors on Print execution and color. Maintain a holistic “one eye” strategy across all product assortments including Licensing and Collaborations.

Manage color design process for a wide variety of fabrications and components for all categories including; Handbags, Luggage, Apparel, Home and Tech. accessories in all segments including; product, web, and marketing campaigns. Create and establish color standards in L*a*b color space and oversee CMYK color conversion for licensing product. Established new processes and procedures to turn around an overwhelmed department into a stress-free deadline driven team. Manage and mentor Assistant and Associate Colorist to drive moral, increase productivity, and established career pathways for success. Re-trained vendors & coworkers on new strategies and procedures to streamline the approval process and hit our target deadlines. Worked with IT to establish PLM needs for the Color Design Department. Established new opportunities to share, view, and export information for approvals and comments to accurately translate to overseas vendors.

* Develop monthly/ seasonal trends & color assortment for all brands & product categories. * Partner with print house to develop on trend original artwork for prints/patterns. * Identify best process route for each color by working closely with mills and dye factories. * Perfect score on Munsell 100 Hue Color Test. * Evaluate all lab dips, bulks, shade bands, strike offs, and handlooms. * Pitch all prints, yarn dyes, and plaids. * Ensure color consistency across all product categories at vendors in multiple countries.

* Concept, design, & manage seasonal merchandise across all categories including;? Knits & Wovens Tops & Bottoms, Sweaters, Activewear, Dresses & Coordinates.?* Present trends, new concepts, protos, and final photo samples to all cross-functional teams. * Develop/ research key volume fabrications, review seasonal fabric directions, & adopt qualities & novelties at negotiated prices. * Partner with cross- functional teams to: Achieve designs while meeting/ exceeding productivity, metrics, & aggressive AUC/ IMU goals. Ensure fit specifications and design aesthetics. Hit all product category goals while introducing new trending product and capitalizing on bestsellers.