Nicole Franklin

Effectively build relationships to translate concepts into well-designed products by integrating various elements, including flat sketching, full technical packages, labdip approvals and sample inspections. Combine innovative designs with commercial viability. Develop and maintain extensive network of domestic and off-shore contacts supporting all efforts to bring finished products to marketplace. Excel in team environment. Consistent track record of fulfilling sales goals for each season. Highly adaptable to changing needs and requirements of marketplace. Coordinate on-going design projects with existing production teams of each client. Provide necessary selling tools for showroom staff from presentation boards to full-color catalogs. Execute complete design packages in either Excel or PDM format including flat sketches, technical information and detailed drawings.

CURRENT CLIENTS

Diversified Apparel Group - Men’s & Women’s blazers & outerwear for Johnston & Murphy. Men’s blazers for English Laundry. Men’s woven shirting for Steve Harvey. Men's outerwear for Men's Wearhouse.
Respektwear apparel group – Young Men’s blazers, suits, woven shirting, T-shirts, outerwear & sweaters for Paisley & Grey and Nocturnal labels. Sold exclusively to Jack Threads.
Paris Texas Apparel Group - Men’s bowties, custom corporate ties & scarves and boxer shorts. Women’s tote bags. Sold on website and to specialty retailers.

PAST CLIENTS

PVH - Men’s blazers & outerwear for Izod & GH Bass
CK Calvin Klein- Men’s outerwear & polo shirts
Target-Women's and Kid's outerwear for Merona label
Nine West - Women's wool outerwear at G-III division
J.C. Penneys-Men’s outerwear and bottoms for Arizona and St. John’s Bay
Nautica - Men’s wool outerwear & rainwear for Vicmark licensee
Guy Laroche - Men’s wool outerwear & rainwear for Vicmark licensee
H Hilfiger - Women's wovens for designer capsule collection

Designed Spring and Fall collections for Geoffrey Beene's Men's Outerwear license. Assisted in design projects with additional GI clients.

Created original designs for the women’s and girl’s collections reflecting the preppy lifestyle. Improved development and approval process by implementing better design systems. Categories responsible for were:
Accesories: totes, makeup bags, clutches, belts, knit hats, knit gloves and scarves. Wovens: tops, bottoms, denim, dresses and outerwear. Technical knits: capsule collections for Golf and Tennis.

Functioned as a major part of a team effort to create first ever US Army licensed men’s, women’s and boys sportswear. Designed entire women’s collection including artwork and labelling based upon extensive database of the US Army. Travelled to China frequently, establishing relationships with new factories and mills to facilitate timely and cost effective production. Developed concepts for store displays to introduce women’s line to mass market accounts.

As part of initial design team of women’s division, saw growth of line expand to national ad campaigns and all door selling for Federated Macy’s account. Designed technical and casual outerwear, leather sportswear and accessories for various price points and geography. Travelled regularly to Hong Kong offices for fittings and production issues. Supervised support staff and interacted daily with merchandising and production teams.