Deborah Barraza

Recruited to supplement design and product development teams in creating exceptional product.

 Provide design and product development for footwear, bags, jewelry and packaging
 Conduct trend and market research, create mood boards
 Create technical drawings and packages for overseas sample development and production
 Work closely with design and sales teams to create cohesive and compelling product

Recruited to develop footwear line for in house brand and manage licensed contemporary uniform line

 Designed and developed new work wear shoe line from inception to preproduction using customer input and current trends; developed lasts, sourced materials, designed packaging
 Researched competitors, identified seasonal trends, sketched concept designs and presented to management and sales
 Develop color palettes, approve lab dips and ensure consistency with color standards
 Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders, including overseas office to ensure design objectives were reflected in creation and execution of the product.
 Attended fittings to ensure changes were reflected in tech packs and communicated to vendors

Recruited to direct and manage the soft lines business for domestic and international licensees from all stages of development to create global consistency at retail by brand and company strategy for this $2B company

 Provided brand design management and product development direction for approximately 200 global licensed partners exceeding $75 million. Ensuring timely turnover of concepts, prototypes and production orders
 Worked closely with creative in developing style guides, giving trend and target customer direction.
 Strategically trained and managed the soft lines licensing brand management team of 5
Work closely with marketing and creative developing positioning plans and launching two new girl properties with combined $35 million marketing budget

Recruited to introduce and design new product categories while streamlining and directing the activities of the product development team for this junior fashion accessory company with $20M yearly revenue.

 Provided creative leadership and inspiration guidance while coordinating closely with design team through all project stages to ensure timely delivery of tech packs, samples and product
 Introduced new categories-footwear, hosiery and belts
 Strengthened interdepartmental communications through implementing work orders, sample cataloging and Time & Action Calendars to allow for effective resource allocation at all project stages saving the department 6% in payroll
 Strategically developed and directed team of 4 designers
 Increased sales for new licensor by 50% in one year through proper assortment selection
 Worked closely with sales and buyers analyzing product, consumer and competitive trends in the industry to create stylish volume driving product that fit into target costs while maintaining margins
 Attended domestic shows; visiting overseas factories; traveled to visit key accounts