Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Websites
Work Availability
Accomplishments
Timeline
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MISSY KOO

MISSY KOO

Sea Cliff,NY

Summary

Innovative and detail-oriented designer with extensive experience in product development and brand alignment across multiple categories, including handbags, accessories, backpacks, luggage, children's apparel and knitwear. Proven track record in establishing design direction, creating trend-driven collections, and managing high-volume production. Expert in technical design, quality control, and providing creative direction to ensure commercial success and brand integrity across various price points.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Handbags, Accessories and Knitwear

Freelance Designer
10.2010 - Current
  • Designed handbags, accessories, children's apparel, and knitwear for a diverse range of brands, including Alek Wek 1933, Lancome Cosmetics, Elizabeth Arden, Victoria Secret, Liz Claiborne, Glimpso, Lancome Cosmetics, Skip Hop, Fusion Accessories, Cipriani Accessories /Max Leather Group, Hue Hosiery, Lindsay Phillips, Harve Benard, Tommy Hilfiger, J. Cristoph, Misiku Knitwear .
  • Created children’s apparel and knitwear collections featuring intricate designs, needle-felted appliqués, and high-quality textiles.
  • Designed within planogram metrics, ensuring that product placement and visual merchandising strategies aligned with brand guidelines and retail standards.
  • Developed trend-forward designs tailored to each brand’s identity and target market.
  • Created technical sketches, CADs, and detailed spec sheets for factory execution.
  • Sourced materials and collaborated with manufacturers to ensure high-quality production.
  • Provided creative direction and design consultation to enhance brand positioning and product development.

Senior Handbag Designer

Interasian Resources Group
06.2006 - 10.2010
  • As a handbag designer, I collaborated with licensed brands and the beauty industry to create gift-with-purchase merchandise. I developed tech packs, sourced materials, and worked closely with overseas factories to oversee large-scale production runs exceeding one million units. Ensuring brand alignment, I managed sampling, quality control, and cost efficiency while meeting tight deadlines. My role required balancing design creativity with the logistical demands of high-volume manufacturing.

Senior Designer

Accessory Network
04.2003 - 06.2006
  • Designed private label handbag collections for major retailers, aligning with each brand’s aesthetic and market positioning.
  • Traveled extensively to Hong Kong and China to work directly with manufacturers, ensuring quality control and efficient production.
  • Researched trends, materials, and construction techniques to develop commercially successful designs.
  • Collaborated with factories and suppliers to source high-quality materials while maintaining cost-effective production.
  • Created detailed technical sketches, spec sheets, and design prototypes for factory execution.
  • Worked closely with merchandising and sales teams to develop collections that met market demand and retail price points.
  • Managed the design process from concept to production, ensuring timely delivery of seasonal collections.

Head of Accessories

The Children's Place
Secaucus, NJ
03.2002 - 04.2003
  • As the head accessories designer, I led a team of in-house designers in creating 10 collections per year for 500+ doors. I developed innovative, trend-driven designs across various categories, ensuring they aligned with brand standards and color trends. I oversaw the creation of tech packs, material sourcing and sample development while collaborating with and traveling to overseas factories. I managed very tight deadlines and guided my team in delivering fun, functional, and commercially successful products.

Founder & Designer

P'Nina Handbags
New York, NY
02.1998 - 03.2002
  • Launched and developed a luxury handbag collection, overseeing design, production, and brand positioning.
  • Focused on premium Italian leathers and intricate hand embroideries from India to create distinctive, high-end designs.
  • Designed and developed custom hardware to enhance the exclusivity and craftsmanship of each piece.
  • Worked directly with factories to source high-quality materials and ensure impeccable craftsmanship.
  • Managed all aspects of product development, from initial concept and sample creation to final production.
  • Partnered with showrooms to strategically position the brand, securing placement in high-end boutiques and retail locations nationwide.
  • Garnered national media attention, with features in The New York Times Sunday Style Section, Glamour Magazine, and Essence Magazine.
  • Commissioned by Queen Rania of Jordan, further cementing the brand’s reputation for luxury and exclusivity.
  • Led brand marketing efforts, including lookbook development and sales strategies, to establish P’Nina as a sought-after luxury accessory line.

Education

Fashion Institute of Technology -

Skills

  • Product Development
  • Brand Alignment
  • Sample Development
  • Creative Direction
  • Technical Design & Development
  • Quality Control
  • Material Knowledge & Sourcing
  • Global Sourcing & Development

Interests

Machine and Hand Knitting

Interior Design

Gardening

Baking and Cooking

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments

  • Commissioned by Queen Rania of Jordan to design custom handbags, demonstrating recognition at the highest level of fashion and luxury.
  • Featured in major publications (NY Times Sunday Style, Glamour Magazine, Essence), showcasing industry recognition and design excellence.
  • Successfully launched P’Nina Handbags, a collection featured in top-tier press and known for fine materials, custom hardware, and global craftsmanship.
  • Developed private label collections for global retailers, aligning designs with brand identity, trend forecasts, and target margins.
  • Collaborated with international manufacturers in China, Hong Kong, India and Europe, ensuring quality production, sourcing exclusive materials, and refining supply chain processes.
  • Designed across diverse product categories, including handbags, SLGs, accessories, footwear, hosiery, and knitwear, demonstrating versatility and market adaptability.
  • Expert in trend-driven design strategies, consistently delivering commercially successful collections through market research and competitive analysis.
  • Implemented technical design innovations, improving efficiency in production with detailed spec sheets, construction guidelines, and PLM integration.

Timeline

Handbags, Accessories and Knitwear

Freelance Designer
10.2010 - Current

Senior Handbag Designer

Interasian Resources Group
06.2006 - 10.2010

Senior Designer

Accessory Network
04.2003 - 06.2006

Head of Accessories

The Children's Place
03.2002 - 04.2003

Founder & Designer

P'Nina Handbags
02.1998 - 03.2002

Fashion Institute of Technology -

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MISSY KOO