Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Laura Satzman

Brooklyn,NY

Summary

Handbag design professional with 15+ years of experience with luxury and contemporary brands. Proven track record in all aspects of the creative process, from concept to execution. In-depth understanding of trends, retail environments, and client segments. Demonstrated success in conceptualizing a company's identity into a consistent vision, collaborating cross-functionally to take collections to market. Expertise in technical hand sketching and illustration, product development, leather construction, textiles, trims, and hardware. Adept at adapting to changing market conditions and driving innovation.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder

ROMANCE IS DEAD
09.2021 - Current
  • Creative Director and Founder of high-end clothing brand for men and women
  • Responsible for creating all designs, managing samples and production, social media promotion, sales and marketing

Freelance Handbag Designer & Consultant

SELF EMPLOYED
09.2019 - Current
  • Responsible for trend research, material selection, design, and signature hardware
  • Present new concepts, review prototypes and market samples, and discuss design inspiration with clients
  • Negotiate favorable terms with vendors and suppliers, reducing costs for clients without compromising on material quality or overall aesthetics of the finished products.

Freelance Handbag Designer

R13
05.2019 - 08.2019
  • Developed innovative design concepts, resulting in increased brand recognition and customer loyalty for clients.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strict deadlines, resulting in successful completion rates without compromising quality or creativity.
  • Delivered comprehensive presentations of completed designs to client, effectively communicating the creative vision behind each piece.

Design Director, Handbag Division

HIGHLINE UNITED
11.2013 - 11.2015
  • Led handbag design division, ensuring cohesiveness with RTW and runway collections for ASH shoes and Cynthia Rowley
  • Held monthly meetings with ASH and Cynthia Rowley teams to align on seasonal design direction, review designs and materials, and suggest assortment opportunities
  • Managed projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints.

Creative Director

SCHIFTER + PARTNERS
06.2008 - 06.2012
  • Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
  • Built strong relationships with client Gwen Stefani and her stylists, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and seamless execution.
  • Negotiated with vendors and contractors in Asia to secure cost-effective services without sacrificing quality, thereby optimizing project budgets.

Senior Handbag Designer

DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN & ASSOCIATES, INC.
04.2004 - 04.2008
  • Developed innovative design concepts for clients Betsey Johnson and Tracy Reese, resulting in increased brand recognition and customer loyalty.
  • Refined prototypes based on client feedback, leading to final products that surpassed expectations in both form, function and sales.
  • Continuously improved design skills by staying up-to-date with emerging trends in fashion, translating this knowledge into innovative handbag designs.
  • Effectively communicated design concepts to manufacturers, ensuring accurate translation from sketch to final product while adhering to quality standards.

Education

B.A. - Fine Arts

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Skills

  • Ethics and integrity
  • Reliability
  • Visionary leadership
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Strong sketching and technical drawing

Timeline

Founder

ROMANCE IS DEAD
09.2021 - Current

Freelance Handbag Designer & Consultant

SELF EMPLOYED
09.2019 - Current

Freelance Handbag Designer

R13
05.2019 - 08.2019

Design Director, Handbag Division

HIGHLINE UNITED
11.2013 - 11.2015

Creative Director

SCHIFTER + PARTNERS
06.2008 - 06.2012

Senior Handbag Designer

DANIEL M. FRIEDMAN & ASSOCIATES, INC.
04.2004 - 04.2008

B.A. - Fine Arts

CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Laura Satzman