MIZUE KODA
San Francisco,USA
Summary
- Multi-talented denim designer with over 13 years experience
- Iconic design approach with contemporary fashion sensibility
- Expert in denim fabric, fits, finish and trend
- Comprehensive knowledge of laser denim finishing
- Experienced in both men's and women's design
- Excellent communication skills in English and Japanese
- Vintage denim collector
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Women's & Men's Denim Design Director
Everlane
03.2019 - Current
- Established range of core fits for both Men's and Women's denim
- Strategize long term growth plan. Denim category grew 30% in revenue since 2019.
- Research clean denim innovations from fiber, dyeing to washing.
- Research and design market relevant denim and casual bottoms.
- Build team health through calendar creation and providing training opportunities.
Senior Innovation Design Manager
Levi Strauss & Co
09.2018 - 02.2019
- Responsible for bridging design and sustainable innovation.
- Lead aesthetic of Levi's laser finishing project in collaboration with technical specialists.
- Design and development of laser customization project.
- Create laser pattern portfolio for women's bottoms.
Senior Global Women's Denim Designer
Levi Strauss & Co
08.2011 - 08.2018
- Concept build and finish / garment design of Levi's most iconic part of collection including Levi's 501, trucker jackets, and seasonal styled products. This category drives $102M in revenue annually
- Concept build and finish of high stretch innovation category. This area drives $82.5M in revenue annually
- Design of premium account exclusive collections including OPENING CEREMONY , Bloomingdale's and BEAMS Japan
- Leading a team of designers and assistants
- Presenting concept, design and assortment to executive management
- Finish development through laser treatment
- Building and selecting focused fabric collection each season
- Market and inspirational research in USA, Europe and Asia
- Attending development trips in Turkey, China, USA and Japan
- In 2014, women's 501 category total volume was 28,000 units. Today, this category sells more than 3M units.
Head Designer Of Levi's Engineered Jeans
Levi Strauss & Co Europe
11.2006 - 07.2011
- Headed Levi's Engineered Jeans - premium capsule collection available only in European market. A head to toe collection focused on denim innovation with emphasis on unconventional cut. Range included denim tops, bottoms, knits, woven products and outerwear
- Creating premium fabric portfolio
- Taking all creative responsibilities for each collection, including concept direction, design, finish development, and presentation to sales and executive management
- Briefing agencies for Look books, attending photo shoots
- Visiting laundries for denim and non-denim finish workshops
- Visiting factories and suppliers for tops development
- Briefing graphic designers prints and packagings
Associate Designer
Reiss Retail Ltd
01.2005 - 11.2006
- Worked as part of men's team designing shirts, jerseys, bottoms and outerwear including leather products.
- Designing and creating proto-packages
- Attended fabric mill meetings and trade shows
- Market and seasonal concept research in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Freelance Designer
Evisu Jeans
10.2004 - 12.2004
- Completed project for Autumn / Winter 2005 Collection which involved fabric manipulation, customization and final presentation.
Assistant Designer
Griffin
07.2004 - 09.2004
- Assisted Senior Designer on multiple product categories from Men's casual product to tailoring pieces.
Internship Student
Paul Smith Jeans
06.2003 - 08.2003
- Working alongside Mens design team, producing and presenting range of ideas for their collections including premium denim concept Red Ear and R New Bold for Japanese market.
Education
1st degree in BA Honours - Fashion Design
Kingston University
Surrey, United Kingdom2004
Diploma - Art and Design
Leeds College of Art And Design
Leeds, United Kingdom2002
University Degree - Human Relations
Wako University
Tokyo, Japan2001
Skills
- Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Hand drawing sketches
- Denim history knowledge
- Business Acumen
Timeline
Women's & Men's Denim Design Director
Everlane
03.2019 - Current
Senior Innovation Design Manager
Levi Strauss & Co
09.2018 - 02.2019
Senior Global Women's Denim Designer
Levi Strauss & Co
08.2011 - 08.2018
Head Designer Of Levi's Engineered Jeans
Levi Strauss & Co Europe
11.2006 - 07.2011
Associate Designer
Reiss Retail Ltd
01.2005 - 11.2006
Freelance Designer
Evisu Jeans
10.2004 - 12.2004
Assistant Designer
Griffin
07.2004 - 09.2004
Internship Student
Paul Smith Jeans
06.2003 - 08.2003
1st degree in BA Honours - Fashion Design
Kingston University
Diploma - Art and Design
Leeds College of Art And Design
University Degree - Human Relations
Wako University
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