SEMERA JOSEPHINE VALDIVIA
Summary
Experienced and results-driven design director with 15+ years of expertise in strategic and creative design. Adept at fostering team growth and cultivating cross-functional collaborations. Demonstrated success in conceptualizing and executing innovative designs across all product categories. Strong organizational skills, business acumen, and a track record of turning vision into profitable opportunities.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Design Director
Women’s Wear
10.2020 - Current
- Directing the cohesive design and execution of the women's wear that supports Meijer's apparel strategic business plan by producing 125 million in annual sales.
- Successfully re-launched Women's Contemporary brand 'Ophelia Roe,' resulting in cohesive sales and margin growth of 18-20% year over year.
- Develop short- and long-term strategic plans for design while partnering with buyers and DMM
- Manages to line-plan and identifies whitespace opportunities to increase sales volume and margin.
Designer
Chicos FAS, White House Black Market
11.2019 - 06.2020
- Design and create concepts that are seasonally appropriate, on the right trend for WHBM client for knits division.
- Conceptualize and present brand's seasonal trend, color, fabric, and print direction to Leaders.
- Manage Line plan needs and Tech Pack development on Flex PLM.
Senior Designer / Sweaters and Knits
Kohl’s Department Stores Apt
08.2015 - 10.2017
- Re-launched Apt. 9, a multimillion-dollar women's contemporary lifestyle brand. Re-invented DNA, elevating design aesthetic. Modernized styling and fit. Today, this brand remains the top market share for the millennial customer at Kohl's.
- Led the research and development of seasonal design and art trends, managing a team of 5.
Design Director
MADE BY, Voyage Indie
05.2009 - 08.2015
- Sweaters, Knits, and Woven. Successfully developed brand DNA for 'Made By...' resulting in cohesive and recognizable brand.
- Led the launch of sustainable and fair-trade initiatives, ensuring ethical sourcing and production practices.
- Guided design team through entire product design process, color palettes, fabric, and concept boards, as well as sketching and fit sessions.
- Collaborated with Peruvian artisans to create unique and high-quality products, fostering long-term partnership, and supporting local communities.
Creative Design Director
Knits & Sweaters, FREE PEOPLE
Philadelphia, PA
03.2005 - 04.2009
- Provided leadership in designing knits and sweaters category resulted in positive company sales.
- Promoted from Sr. Designer to Design Director in 2008.
- Traveled multiple times a year to Tokyo for inspirational shopping, then to HK to work with overseas vendors, as well as traveling inland China (Dongguan) to work directly with factories on initial development.
- Own creation of 'sweaters' design and development calendar, and managed T&A.
Designer
BCBG Generation
New York, NY
04.2003 - 02.2005
- Managed and owned the development of a young contemporary line inspired from BCBG Max Azria
- Worked closely with BCBG Max Azria designers in LA and Lubov Azria
- Hand sketched illustrations as well as prepared tech packs under the direction of senior designer.
Designer
Cynthia Rowley
New York, NY
02.2001 - 04.2003
- Worked directly with Cynthia Rowley on dress designs.
- Draped and mocked up initial dress designs and worked with pattern makers on initial fits to RTW samples.
Education
BA - Fashion
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
01.2002
Timeline
Design Director
Women’s Wear
10.2020 - Current
Designer
Chicos FAS, White House Black Market
11.2019 - 06.2020
Senior Designer / Sweaters and Knits
Kohl’s Department Stores Apt
08.2015 - 10.2017
Design Director
MADE BY, Voyage Indie
05.2009 - 08.2015
Creative Design Director
Knits & Sweaters, FREE PEOPLE
03.2005 - 04.2009
Designer
BCBG Generation
04.2003 - 02.2005
Designer
Cynthia Rowley
02.2001 - 04.2003
BA - Fashion
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
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