Resumé

Macy's Merchandising Group: New York, NY
Infant Designer (June 2011-present)
•First Impressions division

Macy's Merchandising Group: New York, NY
Freelance Kids Designer (December 2010-May 2011)
•Contribute to the design and execution of products for infants, girls 7-16, and boys 8-20
•Brands included First Impressions and Epic Threads
•Researched trend, color, & silhouettes for collections
•Sketched flats of styles & note construction details for development
•Colored cads and design pattern swatches for filling bodies
•Created presentation boards and displays for meetings
•Developed vendor packages with bill of materials & measurements for spec
•Maintained S2M tracking charts for approvals on fabrics, trims, lab dips, & strike-offs

Haddad Brands: New York, NY
Freelance Newborn/Infant/Toddler Designer (July 2010-November 2010)
•Designed new boy and girl concepts for Fall 2011 launch
•Brands included Levi’s, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co, dENiZEN
•Directed and oversaw all artwork development
•Monitored PLM input for sourcing and samples ensuring accuracy
•Compiled and revise catalog for sales team illustrating the assortment
•Managed calendar and timelines for entire process of specific categories
•Delivered compelling presentations to sales and executives
•Researched trends for inspiration and support materials
•Shopped competitors and analyze all relative business components

Toys ‘R Us Inc: Wayne, NJ
Associate Product Manager Infant/Toddler Boys Apparel (February 2008-May 2010)
•Conceptualized product lines for playette, key items, swimwear, and outerwear categories
•Brands included Cynthia Rowley, Amy Coe, Koala Kids, Miniwear, and Koala Baby
•Guided freelance designers in the execution of sketches and artwork for private label brands
•Owned all components leading to the final product including web packages, submits, and fittings
•Partnered with intellectual property consul to ensure designs do not create risk for the company
•Consistently shopped competitors and print studios to identify trends and opportunities for business
•Managed corporate color area facilitating development and tracking of standards
•Introduced the Koala Kids denim program for Fall 2009

Mamiye Sales Inc. / S. Schwab Company: New York, NY
Layette Boy & Girl Designer (March 2007-January 2008)
•Compiled trend and market research to create color and concept stories for the Little Me brand
•Directed design and art teams in the development and execution of collections
•Collaborated with marketing and merchandising on brand strategies
•Shopped competitors to gather new insight and consumer needs
•Edited and finalized lines at Hong Kong buying office

Tatiana & Company: Tinton Falls, New Jersey
Infant Boy & Girl Designer (October 2005-February 2007)
•Facilitated entire design process for seasonal, instock, and private label collections
•Brands included Kissy Kissy, Kissy Kissy Premier, and Besos by Kissy
•Introduced new concept lines for each division while also building on past successes
•Gathered sales figures and compiled detail activity reports for review
•Managed freelance artists, graphic designers, and artwork budget
•Partnered with sales reps to target market patterns and customer needs
•Created all visual and written marketing and public relations materials
•Visited trade shows to meet with clients and sell to certain accounts
•Communicated daily with factories to ensure all approvals and deadlines are met
•Traveled frequently to Peru manufacturing plants for sample production oversight

Tommy Hilfiger Inc Retail Division: Secaucus, New Jersey
Design Manager Boys & Layette (September 2002-Setpember 2005)
•Designed and managed product lines: layette, infant, toddler, little, and big boy sizes
•Initiated color palette, trend research, fabrication, silhouette, and key styles
•Partnered with merchandising to evaluate sku plan, analyze sales, and assort the line
•Sketched garments and guided technical design to ensure all specifications matched ideals
•Streamlined design details by working closely with production and traveling to Asia
•Selected, trained, and motivated assistant designers to achieve a high level of performance
•Implemented policies and procedures to improve the design process
•Assumed responsibilities of girl’s design area during restructuring phase
•Significantly increased sales through a balance of innovation and reinvented classics

The Children’s Place: Secaucus, New Jersey
Assistant Designer Newborn/ Layette (August 2001-September 2002)
•Designed seasonal lines under the guidance of the designer
•Directed textile and graphic designers in the execution of artwork from initial concept
•Created and maintained sketches, artwork, and detail sheets pertaining to the line
•Participated in garment fittings and line presentations
Design Assistant Baby Girls (August 2000-August 2001)
•Developed artwork for graphics, embroideries, and appliqués
•Managed all branding for baby and big girl division designing patches, labels, and trims
•Assisted designers in coloring sketches and mocking up artwork for thematic meetings
•Constructed and maintained presentation boards
•Approved lab dips, knit-downs, desk looms, and strike-offs


Education

University of Cincinnati
College of Design, Art, Architecture, and Planning: Cincinnati, Ohio
•Bachelor of Science Fashion Design, Professional Practice Certificate graduated June 2000
•Co-op Study: Liz Claiborne, Tommy Hilfiger, Lucia, Healthtex, Mei Chi’s Creations, Castle House
•Castle House Children’s Wear Award for outstanding senior collection

Awards

•2008 Earnie Award Nomination Newborn/Infant Boy, Little Me
•2007 Dallas Fashion Award Nomination for children’s wear, Kissy Kissy
•2006 Earnie Award Newborn/Infant Boy for outstanding design, Kissy Kissy
•2006 IParenting Media Award for superior product, Kissy Kissy
•2006 Reader’s Choice Awards 2nd Place Baby & Children’s Product News, Kissy Kissy
•2005 Earnie Award Nomination Boys Sportswear 8-20, Tommy Hilfiger

Computer Skills

•GRAPHIC DESIGN – Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, U4ia, QuarkXPress, PointCarre. Plaid Maker
•STYLE MANAGEMENT – Web PDM, DMS, plmOn, Perfect Fit, ISIS, AI Style Manager, PLM Filemaker
•COMMUNICATIONS – Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Lotus Notes

Projects by K r i s t a O l s o n