Doreen Brennan: in Playa Vista

(http://www.mbwswim.com), Cypress, California/ Major Multi-Label Resort Wear, Activewear, Leisurewear and Swimwear Manufacturer, October 2010-June 2020 ? Vice President of Design and Merchandising Manhattan Beachwear Inc. acquired Apparel Ventures Inc. forming the single largest Swimwear and related Lifestyle Manufacturer in the Nation. After working extensively with all levels of new Executive Management, was given primary Design/ Merchandising responsibility over the entire company. This comprised 16 brands including Ralph Lauren, La Blanca, Nanette Lepore, Trina Turk, Kenneth Cole and all private labels for every level of distribution, with a focus on the emerging social media/on-line retail landscape. • Delegated workloads successfully to meet increased demands on workflow/ output as company expanded rapidly, allowing existing teams to thrive in an extremely challenging work environment. • During tenure at MBW, achieved a 90%+ success rate in closing all pitches presented against main competitors in both private label and branded businesses

, Los Angeles, California/ Major Multi-Label Sportswear, Swimwear and Cover-Ups Manufacturer, October 2007 to October 2010 ? Vice President of Fashion Design and Merchandising Recruited back to Apparel Ventures INC in 2007, as VP, Fashion Design & Merchandising with primary creative and managerial responsibility over all divisions enabled me to bring my proven executorial skills to the company while continuing to expand my reputation as a highly regarded design director. On assuming the divisions, the mandate was to evaluate and restructure existing business to create utmost efficiency in workflow/ production cost from initial design concepts through final execution • Achievements allowed for the continued growth of Apparel Ventures INC during one of the toughest economic/ retail outlooks in several decades, resulting in excellent valuation of company upon sale. • Designed/ Re-launched 2 Bamboo Brand with a company mandate to create a bra sized collection. My expertise in technical fit/ bra sizing allowed for the creation of a specific grade rule unique to the line resulting in immediate hits to the Macy's website, commenting on the exceptional fit. • After relaunch Macy's immediately expanded 2 Bamboo from a test program to all doors nationwide. • Efforts expanded 2 Bamboo from 1.5MM at hire to 8MM annually

Los Angeles, California/ Major Multi-Label Sportswear and Swimwear Manufacturer, March 2004 to October 2007 ? Vice President of Fashion Design and Merchandising / Speedo Division Recruited back to firm to create/ launch high-fashion Swimwear Division within a short time frame. Designed, and directed all creative efforts of lines in High-end swim fabrics. Created: Platinum Collection by Speedo, a fashion- forward, trendsetting swimwear line for high-end department & specialty stores; Speedo Sport, a sexy yet athletic contemporary swim/active wear line for department and top-end sports-oriented retailers. • Worked with Marketing staff on creative concepts for trade and consumer magazine advertising campaigns • Victoria's Secret spotlighted key Platinum Collection suit in their swim catalog with a photo of the world's top model Gisele Bundchen: key styles had a 100% sell thru immediately after catalog dropped • Platinum Collection was featured in WWD, NY Times and Sports Illustrated

One year after hire, entire Polo/Ralph Lauren Swim division was added to accountability, definitively high-end swimwear in high-tech fabric, geared to high-fashion customer. Division encompassed, Polo Collection, Lauren, Polo Sport, Ralph.

Hired to provide trend/ design direction for three divisions; Collection Swimwear Sets; Separates and Blue; Junior separates. • Despite U.S. manufacturers' difficulties: only division to surpass annual quota.

, Los Angeles, California/ Major Multi-Division Swimwear, September 1992 to July 2001 ? Designer/Merchandiser, - Speedo Girls' Swimwear & Accessories/ Merchandiser- Women's Active Swim • Responsible for all phases of product development & line/ item design. Interacted directly with President; directed textile artists for ongoing exclusive prints/textures/color ways development. Recognized as #1 Girls' swimwear line across the U.S within one year of hire. • Efforts during tenure expanded Girls' division from $300+K at hire to $40MM annually ACADEMIC MENTOR • Critic/Mentor at OTIS COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN - Ongoing since 1995