Josephine DiGiovanni
Chatham,NJ
Summary
Women's Creative Design Director with over 25 years of experience in the fashion industry. An innovative, dynamic visionary managing design, product and brand development. Adept at meeting deadlines and managing teams while adapting brand expression to the ever-changing market. Apparel designer in lady’s junior, missy and plus. Proficient in working with product genetics, translating color, graphics, and materials to meet trend directions, design and development. Proven team player working proactively and collaboratively with sales teams to market product lines. Establishes and coordinates creative vision and development with overseas partners. Talented Senior [Type] Designer highly effective at translating vision into reality. Knowledgeable about materials, construction techniques and timeline management. Decisive and persuasive leader with exceptional creativity and technical knowledge.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Designer, Art Director / Merchandiser
SMILES FASHION
06.2005 - Current
- Responsible for all aspects of product design process to include market research, print selection, designing, sketching, specs, and fit for all divisions
- Fully responsible for women’s top and dress line
- Collaborate with numerous art studios to select prints for season for all divisions
- Analyze fashion trends and incorporate ideas to create new brands
- Acquire right fabrics, colors, and patterns
- Shop domestically and in Europe to define trends
- Travel to China to research fabric and create product line
- In charge of overall direction in conceptual development of product lines
- Accountable for managing, motivating, providing creative direction and evaluating design staff
- Provide overall recommendations and set tone regarding style and fit of product(s) during presentations
- Work with major accounts to create private label and key programs; Ashley Stewart, Bealls,, Boscov’s, Burlington, Cato, Macy’s Backstage and Ross stores
- Lead weekly meetings to discuss stores’ sales trends and capitalization of product line
- Responsible for visualizing accountability for process improvement, growing business and seeking opportunities to positively affect division/company.
Designer/ Merchandiser
Giselle Apparel
04.2002 - 03.2005
- Created and designed line from initial concept to final production stage for updated missy sportswear, plus size, and maternity lines; increased company volume by 50%
- In control of fabric designs and coloration for all woven fabrics, including plaids, stripes, prints and embroideries
- Collaborated with major colors, trend and print studios
- Shopped both domestically and European market to forecast trends
- Developed garment specs sheets and fit approvals from development to production stage
- Organized and executed special projects for key accounts
- Communicated with overseas offices in India
- Traveled domestically to work with major accounts.
Head Designer, Art Director / Merchandiser for Ladies’ Fashion
Krazy Kat
07.1990 - 04.2002
- Created and designed line from initial concept to production stage for updated missy, junior, plus size and maternity lines
- Designed junior line for Arizona JCPenney
- Developed and executed fabric design, print design and recolorations
- CAD design and presentation for buyers
- Shopped both domestically and European market to forecast trends
- Developed garment specs sheets and fit approvals from development to production stage
- Worked with major color, trend and print studios
- Organized and executed special projects for key accounts
- Communicated with overseas offices in India and Indonesia
- Traveled to India for design product development and quality control
- Traveled domestically to work with major accounts for private label
- Trained and supervised New York production team, designers and Indian merchandising office.
Education
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY06.1990
Skills
- Extensive knowledge of fashion industry
- High creativity and ability to produce cutting-edge ideas
- Ability to lead creative department and provide technical assistance
- Adept in creating brand and changing wardrobe trends
- Strong print and production of women’s wear
- Accomplished at identifying current and emerging fashion trends
- In-depth knowledge of design techniques and processes
- Ability to set overall creative tone and lead design process
- Excellent sense of style and color
- Proficient in Adobe Illustrator
- Proven presentation and negotiation aptitude
- Strong project management and organizational skills
Accomplishments
- Increased customer base through creative design that brought a fresh look to traditional style
- Accomplished merchandiser, well-traveled throughout Asia, India, and Europe
- Managed the design process from conception through production
- Hired, trained, and managed staff
Timeline
Senior Designer, Art Director / Merchandiser
SMILES FASHION
06.2005 - Current
Designer/ Merchandiser
Giselle Apparel
04.2002 - 03.2005
Head Designer, Art Director / Merchandiser for Ladies’ Fashion
Krazy Kat
07.1990 - 04.2002
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Technology