Lara Widdig
New Sharon,IA
Summary
Apparel product development specialist with over 20 years of experience working with leading omni-channel brands creating innovative best-selling products. Unique knowledge of multiple product categories in ideation and concept development, trend research, materials sourcing, print selection, factory communication, negotiations, prototype reviews, approval management, and collaboration with cross-departmental teams. Bachelor of Science from Iowa State University in Apparel Merchandising, Design, and Production with industry experience in multi-channel businesses. Diverse background in international travel and direct sourcing, as well as experience with domestic markets. Influential team leader with effective communication, presentation, and management skills to create a constructive and effective process in product development, design, and merchandising.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Development Specialist
EnCloth, LLC
11.2024 - Current
- Develop and maintain business relationships through understanding unique apparel development needs.
- Consult clients and factory team members to advise thoughtful and creative solutions for product development.
- Negotiate payment terms and provide ongoing support for new and existing clients.
Managing Member
Lara Jayne Freelance & Consulting, LLC
11.2023 - Current
- Consulting support and product lifecycle management services for apparel product development.
- Expertise in wovens, cut & sew knits, knitwear, and accessories from lifestyle to active apparel.
Senior Product Developer Women’s
The Orvis Company
03.2012 - 11.2023
- Developed and managed product categories including Sweaters, Dresses, Accessories, Sweatshirts, Woven Tops, Knit Tops and Skirts, contributing to half of the total women’s business.
- Pioneered iconic core category programs for Orvis in Woven Tops, Sweaters, Sweatshirts and Knits responsible for 40% of total women's sales.
- Improved and negotiated the core silk program through resourcing sustainable farming and manufacturing while improving margin and print brand statement.
- Resourced sweater yarn assortment to be over 70% sustainably sourced materials, contributing to overall company sustainability goals.
- Successfully expanded responsibilities as Senior Merchandiser in 2019 to conceptualize the catalog through product capsules, book architecture, style-outs, and final pagination while managing product development and design responsibilities.
- Motivational leader fostering the growth and development of direct reports.
- Product Development leader for women's re-branding project to focus on evolving brand identity.
- Trained warehouse and call center employees through product training presentations improving overall customer engagement and sales growth.
Product Developer Women’s
The Orvis Company
02.2011 - 03.2012
- Developed and designed various categories as the Women’s creative lead for catalog builds and liaison for style-outs.
- Successfully launched the Passport Collection; the first women’s active apparel assortment for Orvis.
- Streamlined and identified fit descriptions reducing overall return rate while improving margin, refreshing print stories, and collaborating with creative on effective presentations.
- Rejuvenated knit business by diversifying sourcing portfolio, improving margin, and establishing good/better/best strategy, accomplishing 20% net sales increase across channels.
Product Developer
Coldwater Creek
12.2008 - 01.2011
- Product manager responsible for design and development of woven tops, knits, skirts, and dresses.
- Frequent international travel to diversify sourcing portfolio, review factories, and collaborate with manufacturers.
- Managed and mentored direct reports.
Associate Product Developer
Coldwater Creek
08.2007 - 12.2008
- Developed, designed, and managed woven tops through research of selling history, trend forecasting, and effective costing for quality product.
- Developed innovative wrinkle resistant and no-iron product and trained cross-departmental on key attributes.
- Created direct sourcing process with technical design for product development through fabric research, sketching, and international travel.
Assistant Product Developer
Coldwater Creek
09.2006 - 07.2007
- Managed product lifecycle from development to delivery for woven tops and Spirit Signature Collection
- Maintained timely cost negotiations, product data, fittings, approvals, and photo samples.
- Conducted and managed periodic fashion shows for the Spirit Signature Collection.
Assistant Merchandiser
Coldwater Creek
01.2005 - 08.2006
- Merchandised and managed development for sportswear in the Spirit Catalog.
- Created and accessorized spread layouts and key looks for catalog assortments.
Assistant Technical Designer
Ralph Lauren Childrenswear
06.2003 - 08.2003
- Measured and identified specifications on prototypes, managed fittings, and new model go-sees.
Education
Bachelor Of Science - Apparel Merchandising, Design, And Production
Iowa State University
Ames, IowaStudy Abroad - Apparel Design, Millinery Design, Tailoring
London College Of Fashion
London, EnglandSkills
- Conceptualization and development
- Market trend analysis
- Materials sourcing
- Factory communication
- Product lifecycle management
- Cost negotiation expertise
- Fit & Construction
- Effective communication and teamwork
- Team leadership
- Multi-channel retail expertise
- Apparel & Accessories
- Adobe Illustrator
- Microsoft Office
- Excel
- Word
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
- Teams
- Canva
- AS400
- Smartsheet
Certification
Coaching Authorization
Indian Hills Community College
Timeline
Business Development Specialist
EnCloth, LLC
11.2024 - Current
Managing Member
Lara Jayne Freelance & Consulting, LLC
11.2023 - Current
Senior Product Developer Women’s
The Orvis Company
03.2012 - 11.2023
Product Developer Women’s
The Orvis Company
02.2011 - 03.2012
Product Developer
Coldwater Creek
12.2008 - 01.2011
Associate Product Developer
Coldwater Creek
08.2007 - 12.2008
Assistant Product Developer
Coldwater Creek
09.2006 - 07.2007
Assistant Merchandiser
Coldwater Creek
01.2005 - 08.2006
Assistant Technical Designer
Ralph Lauren Childrenswear
06.2003 - 08.2003
Bachelor Of Science - Apparel Merchandising, Design, And Production
Iowa State University
Study Abroad - Apparel Design, Millinery Design, Tailoring
London College Of Fashion
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