Footwear Design and Development

With over two decades of experience, I have worked extensively with heritage women’s and men’s casual, tailored, and athletic footwear brands. As an international product director, I spearheaded the design and development of footwear manufactured in Spain, Italy, Brazil, Taiwan, and China. My expertise spans across the entire product lifecycle, from trend research to designing and preparing technical packages for factory production, material sourcing, and obtaining production approvals. I have a hands-on approach and a perfectionist aesthetic, ensuring meticulous attention to detail at every stage. In addition to overseeing design and development teams, I have managed cross-functional teams, presenting trends to sales, marketing, and ready-to-wear teams. My role has also involved international travel to foster relationships with factories, oversee production, conduct trend research, source materials, and develop original branded hardware. Beyond my in-house roles with brands, I have leveraged my footwear experience as an external strategy consultant. For instance, I have assisted in building teams to launch new private-label footwear brands manufactured in Spain. Additionally, I have facilitated relationships with Spanish factories on behalf of clients for footwear production. Brand shortlist: Calvin Klein | Delman | Richard Tyler | Aerin by Aerin Lauder | BCBG Max Azria | Herve Leger | Aerin by Aerin Lauder | Nordstrom | Macy’s | Nine West | Lands’ End | Botticelli | Tabitha Simmons | Roberto Ley | Patricia Green.

I consulted a multi-generational tailored men's footwear brand/ factory to transition its specialty of Goodyear welt stitching production in a modern direction by applying the technique to sneakers. Made in Spain.

2019-2020

About my process, I begin each season by making hundreds of small brainstorming sketches to plan groups and construction ideas. The process helps to map out a direct and effective merchandising plan to align with the sales goals.

BCBG Max Azria Design Director Footwear, I was responsible for designing and developing six collections a year including runway, ready-to-wear wholesale, and vertical retail shoe collections. With production in Spain, Brazil, and China. 2010-201

As the Design Director for the oldest American women's footwear brand Delman, I was introduced to footwear production in Spain. Working in-house team in NY, and on the factory floor in Spain to perfect a clear vision each quarter to present for the wholesale market. 2008-2010

I have been working the global clients on private label women's and men's footwear lines. I had the pleasure of continuing to work with small Artisan factories in Elda, Spain, for several years. Working cross-functionally with Merchandising, Sales, and Supply Chain. 2010-2020

You may also like