Kristin Michaloski
Long Valley,NJ
Summary
Creative leader with highly honed skills in driving innovation and creating product with strong DNA ties. I excell at defining a visionary creative balance that yields impactful sales results. With expertise in women handbags and accessories, I also have a diverse background including women’s sportswear, evening wear and fashion illustration. Versatile leader recognized for driving results in high volume, high pressure corporate environments and also in start ups building a brand story from its infancy through to production.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
VP of Womens Handbags and Accessories
Cole Haan
New York, NY
03.2019 - 06.2024
- Directed and created creative vision for in house handbags development after end of licensee contract.
- Analyzed competitive landscape to develop strategies for maintaining a competitive edge over competitors.
- Played a key role in the development of a strategic mission statement for the handbag department, ensuring it was in line with the company's objectives.
- Led full-scope responsibility for concept generation, design, and development
- Introduced streamlined processes that resulted in improved productivity and timely completion of tasks.
- Worked alongside merchandising, sales, and buying team to identify market white space, regional specific requirements, and design offers.
- Conducted factory visits in Asia, partnered with the shoe team on European research trips and seasonal leather fairs.
- Collaborated with Product Development to streamline calendar planning, meet technical spec deadlines, optimize factory allocation and control costing.
VP of Womens Handbags and Accessories
Stuart Weitzman
New York, NY
01.2016 - 08.2018
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including merchandising, sales, vendors, PR and branding partners.
- Headed the process of conceptualization, designing, and developing following Tapestry's acquisition.
- Led post-relaunch as product leader, resulting in a 16% increase in gross margin and driving double-digit sales growth across price points from $395 to $1495.
- Established strategic partnerships with factories and craftsmen in China and Spain, ensuring successful product construction
- Partnered directly with Stuart Weitzman to create special project shoe tie back handbags
- Established and maintained productive partnerships with tanneries, textile mills, and hardware manufacturers, resulting in the creation of distinctive materials aligned with brand standards and targeted pricing
- Established policies and procedures that improved operational efficiency across multiple departments.
VP of Design Womens Handbags
Coach
New York , NY
08.2006 - 12.2016
- Creative leader, manager and mentor overseeing all aspects of the handbag design process, concept thru to production , in a high volume, high pressure and constantly evolving environment.
- Gathered data and analyzed competitive landscape to develop strategies for maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.
- Directed all development of new products based on market trends and customer feedback.
- Oversaw the efforts of a 6 person design team and effectively collaborated with cross functional partners to produce best selling collections. Styles consistently holding in the top 10 with continual #1 positions.
- Traveled extensively in East Asia, Asia, UK and Europe to attend trade fairs, conduct market research, and gain a deeper understanding of needs for the international buyers.
- Responsibilities included direct collaboration with the design director, concept creation, color palettes, style design, illustration, all seasonal presentations to upper management and merchandising, material and hardware development, technical specs, costing, margin management and seasonal international development and market research travel.
Senior Designer/Consultant
Ghurka
New York , NY
01.2006 - 08.2006
Freelance Designer/Consultant Womens Handbags
Lauren/Ralph Lauren
New York , NY
01.2002 - 01.2006
Consultant/Womens Handbag, Accessories & Pet
Kate Spade
New York, NY
02.2003 - 03.2005
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Parsons School of Art And Design
New York, NYFine Arts
Savanah College of Art And Design
Savannah, GASkills
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Operations Management
- Procedure Implementation
- Project Management
- Illustration
- Proficient visionary concept creator
- Excels in high pressure environments
Websites
Affiliations
- Competitive in Dressage, Jumping and Eventing in equestrian sport
- Property manager a 14 stall equestrian property. In charge of all property maintenance, funds, builds and workers. Allocate and manage funds for property improvements and upgrades, obtain building permits and select contractors.
- Additional industry sportswear experience and consulting experience available upon request.
- Interior decorating
- Fine art/Painting
- Jewelry design
- Art assets, story boarding and styling for Cascrator Film and Media for Lions Gate Entertainment and the After Dark film festival.
Timeline
VP of Womens Handbags and Accessories
Cole Haan
03.2019 - 06.2024
VP of Womens Handbags and Accessories
Stuart Weitzman
01.2016 - 08.2018
VP of Design Womens Handbags
Coach
08.2006 - 12.2016
Senior Designer/Consultant
Ghurka
01.2006 - 08.2006
Consultant/Womens Handbag, Accessories & Pet
Kate Spade
02.2003 - 03.2005
Freelance Designer/Consultant Womens Handbags
Lauren/Ralph Lauren
01.2002 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Parsons School of Art And Design
Fine Arts
Savanah College of Art And Design
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