Paige Wilkins: Senior Designer in new york, NY

Gymboree - Appointed to lead a team overseeing the 2020 re-launch of all Gymboree Girls apparel. Design, manage & approve seasonal direction for each classification. The Childrens Place - Toddler Girls design manager for outerwear, active, sweaters, knit tops & bottoms, woven pants, play-wear & swim. - Manage a team of direct and indirect reports - Design and approve seasonal direction for all product categories for girls apparel. - Create and maintain tech packs and BOM's - Attend fittings to communicate fit intent and provide final feedback - Provide direction and sign-off for graphic & print artwork - Partner with R&D team to develop and drive fabrication innovation. - Research & analyze competitive marketplace for hind-sighting & inspiration - Analyze past business & consumer behaviors to develop appropriate brand trajectory - Collaborate with sourcing & merchandising to create new strategies aligning cost targets with progressive product evolution. - Work closely with merchants to negotiate cost solutions reaching company AUC targets - Ensure designs meet assortment strategies and road maps while keeping to the creative direction - Adhere to product development calendar - Travel internationally to manage submission approvals Main skills - Highly proficient in Adobe CS - (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Bridge, Acrobat Pro) - Use of PLM software on a daily basis - Strong knowledge and understanding of apparel construction - Excellent communications skills, including the ability to present concept and product to all teams - Strong knowledge of product cycles. - knowledge of textile and material construction and properties. - Very strong leadership and management skills - Strong knowledge of product costs and impact of design - Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes

Assisted the Menswear design team on knits, wovens & sweaters. Priorities included sketching, styling outfits for lookbooks, building floorsets, creating mood boards, color palettes & range plans.