FRANCINE CANDIOTTI
New York,USA
Work Preference
Summary
Visionary and innovative design leader with deep expertise in global fashion trends, visual storytelling, and transforming cultural and consumer insights into forward-thinking design strategies. I have reshaped women’s and men’s lifestyle categories while collaborating with elite brand ambassadors, including Hailey Bieber, and guiding marquee global partnerships.
In 2025, I led FILA’s “Bellissimo” CASA FILA Collection, merging luxury fabrics with modern design to revitalize the market—an unapologetic celebration of Italian heritage and contemporary luxury.
FILA’s iconic tennis legacy, rooted in the legendary Björn Borg partnership of 1975, remains central to my creative vision. I have designed for world-class athletes such as Emma Navarro, Marion Bartoli, and Kim Clijsters, outfitting them for major global stages including Wimbledon, the French Open, the US Open, and the Olympic Games.
I excel at identifying emerging market opportunities, exemplified by launching FILA’s first Plus Size collection in 2017, a milestone initiative that championed positive body image and expanded the brand’s reach.
Beyond design innovation, I oversee FILA’s high-volume apparel business with a strong focus on trend development, brand elevation, and commercial performance. I have partnered with leading retailers such as Macy’s Backstage, Nordstrom Rack, Burlington, T.J. Maxx, Bloomingdale’s Outlet, and Ross Stores, managing product assortments representing millions in shipped wholesale volume—strengthening my ability to deliver with precision, speed, and business acumen.
Partnering closely with the Vice President, I develop merchandising strategies that consistently drive sales growth. Regular collaboration with buyers, reviewing marketing plans, inventory flow, and markdown strategies ,supports strong in-season decision-making and uncovers new opportunities. Leading creative direction across seasonal key looks, category look books, and color narratives ensures a clear, elevated design vision for every product line.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Fashion Designer
FILA
New York, USA
01.2009 - Current
- Driving innovation across Women’s and Men’s collections and world-class tennis athlete products.
- Shaping trend-forward collections for Women, Men, and elite professional tennis athletes.
- Responsible for repurposing designs for the modern marketplace by applying classic style to current trends.
- Created a Global Heritage Line influenced by FILA Archives in Biella Italy.
- Driving innovation in lifestyle and performance apparel where function seamlessly meets elevated style
- Directed global trend sourcing across Europe and Asia, driving sample selection, fittings, quality control, and delivery of CADs and specs for seasonal collections
- I'm an innovative thinker who is passionate about fashion, and I can identify emerging trends and accurately forecast future trends.
- Innovative expertise in lifestyle and performance apparel, leading seasonal trends, color stories, and new collections.
- Collaborate with leadership teams to shape and evolve brand storytelling, ensuring FILA’s DNA is clearly expressed and on-trend, with direction that strongly engages and retains consumers.
- Expert in curating trend insights across global markets, runway, street style, art, and music to inform forward-looking design strategies.
- Collaborate with marketing teams to gain a deep understanding of consumer behaviors, mindsets, and lifestyles, using these insights to guide design and trend strategies
- My research keeps me attuned to socio-cultural shifts worldwide, enabling me to anticipate trends that will impact and disrupt the fashion industry.
- WGSN is the World's largest network of fashion forecast resources.
SENIOR DESIGNER
VICTORIA'S SECRET
New York
07.2008 - 12.2008
- Responsible for the development of concepts illustrating the mission of the VSX brand.
- Managed multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines and budgets.
- Maintained brand consistency throughout various design projects.
- Innovative research for product creation, with an emotional connection to the consumer, is improving VSX brand impact.
- Lead cross-functional collaboration between design, marketing, and production teams to ensure seamless execution of product development and launch strategies for the VSX brand.
- Collaborate with the marketing team to develop innovative, engaging brand campaigns that resonate with the target audience and elevate the brand's presence in the market.
- Bring a fresh perspective and creative direction to the VSX brand by staying updated on the latest market trends and consumer insights, ensuring that design concepts remain relevant and appealing to the target audience.
Director of Design
RUSSELL ATHLETIC
New York, New York
03.2000 - 02.2008
- Developed multi-year and seasonal product vision for brands, driving innovation and brand growth.
- Led design team to create innovative athletic apparel collections.
- Worked closely with marketing teams to develop visuals that effectively communicated core messaging points.
- Hired and inspired creative team through strong leadership and people management skills.
- Enhanced brand awareness and engagement with target audience through strategic design initiatives.
- Analyzed business performance data and forecasted business results for upper management.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - DESIGN
Fashion Institute of Technology
NYCSkills
- Product lifecycle management
- Trend forecasting and analysis
- Design innovation
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Global market insights
- Consumer connections
- Product development strategies
- Forecasting reports
Websites
Inclusion
Social Surge, Social Surge is a new apparel brand focused on Universal and Human Centered Design. Social Surge's inclusive styles blend accessibility and fashion together to make getting dressed easier.
Timeline
Creative Fashion Designer
FILA
01.2009 - Current
SENIOR DESIGNER
VICTORIA'S SECRET
07.2008 - 12.2008
Director of Design
RUSSELL ATHLETIC
03.2000 - 02.2008
Bachelor of Arts - DESIGN
Fashion Institute of Technology