Kaitlyn Thomas

Owned all design direction, technical design, fitting, proto review, and factory communication to develop and manage 6 categories’ innovative private brand products, encompassing both casual and technical apparel. Known for contributing a fresh perspective and ability to perform under a demanding workload with focus on deadlines. Entrusted with recruitment, hiring decisions, training and development of new Technical Design team. Experience with developing and presenting new initiatives and programs to Senior Buyers and Executives.

Researched, Presented, and Launched 1st Plus Size Apparel to be sold Company-Wide:
• Conducted focus groups and large-scale research across multiple product categories for Plus Size Apparel. Analyzed private focus group information to develop lines in 2 categories with Plus-Specific fit and function.
• Owned all development of fit and spec, as well as technical design and fittings with multiple fit models across full size range.
• Drove creative direction for overall look and message of brand launch, together with Marketing, Branding, Photography, and E-commerce teams. Integral in successfully crafting copy and marketing message for press releases and marketing materials, used to generate large-scale exposure in the national market.

Innovated within existing Bike category to elevate overall line direction:
• Presented and supported design direction to evolve Trayl brand from core assortment to multi-level assortment including new technical shorts, trend-right sublimation designs, and
commuter clothing.
• Responsible for development of new pad materials and designs for Spring 2016 programs.
• Effectively drove inclusion of fashion colors and designs, including developing all original Graphic Designs for Men’s & Women’s sublimated styles.
• Sales of new technical and fashion apparel are driving the category up by 20% to LY sales in initial 3 weeks of selling for S/S 2015.

Actively responsible for carrying out seasonal campaigns and floor planning, as well as employee training and support. Tracked and responded to sales numbers and goals, including safe count and register routines. Specifically recruited as part of the team to lead the turn-around of the #1 opportunity store in the U.S., resulting in the team cutting $1 million sales deficit by 50% in 6 months.

Product developer for couture label. Contributed to development of 6 seasonal collections over 3 years. Fabric direction and sourcing, factory placement of production garments, created fit blocks and grades using fit model specific to the brand. Factory direction and construction direction to maintain premium quality and correct handling of premium materials.

Created and branded a cohesive line of women’s contemporary clothing. Organized and supervised every aspect of production and marketing, including vendor communication, overseas travel and development with factories and partners, and material sourcing and purchasing. Managed sampling and bulk production using both in-house labor and outside contractors.
• Analyzed competitors, markets, and trends in order to consistently produce an engaging product range. Produced collections of 30+ styles for 2-3 seasons/year.
• Represented in 15 states, with over 50% of boutique customers as repeat buyers.

Integral in the initial development and design of apparel for established yoga brand. Presented technical sketches and design direction to Design team, as well as built and managed tech packs for initial designs.