AHMED Hamdi

 Concept, design, sketch, prototype (including managing art-to-product, sample creation, fit sessions, and
electronic breadboards, where applicable), deliver and present trend-right consumer centric product lines that
feature market-leading innovation and great price/value for each tier of the value pyramid.
 Execute product approvals through online systems and collaborative approval meetings, ensuring high quality
standards in character execution, in-depth storytelling, color, material, form and function while maximizing
profitability, as well as onboard new partners.
 Develop and help design product mock-ups, compile line sheets for line reviews, layout creative presentations,
and retail pitch decks.
 Collaborate with internal partners (Creative Design, Brand Merchandising, Licensing Commercialization,
Sourcing and Tech Design, Global Product Design teams, BERGs, CBM, Legal, Business Affairs, Product Integrity,
Integrated Retail, BPM, Public Affairs, D&I teams, Cultural Consultants) and external partners (Studios &
Disney Channel Content Providers, Games, Publishing, WDI, Licensees, DTR Partners) to design and approve all
products.
 Monitor competitors, product innovation and market dynamics
Research Initial seasonal trends by category.
 Multi-task and prioritize multiple design projects within deadline
The Walt Disney Company, Orlando. FL /
Faherty Brands, New York
STAR BOARD KIDS, New York

Contribute expansive design experience and industry expertise to develop and implement private-label products for industry giants, including Nieman Marcus, Nordstrom and others. * Designed, developed, and launched private label lines that included Nieman Marcus dress shirts, 4 disparate label dress shirts for Nordstrom, sports and kids-wear products. Ahmed's taste level in our current fashion market has been an asset in ensuring that we maintain our competitive position. Bob S., Smart Apparel US - Engaged in-depth research and trend analysis to effectively project consumer demand and develop designs in accordance with stakeholder expectations. * Source, vet and collaborate with Far East fabric mills and factories to organize design, product development, manufacturing and sales, driving cost-effective measures through complex negotiations while maintaining quality expectations. * Maintain accountability for all seasonal designs and developments across woven and knit categories, creating distinctive productions that deliver a competitive edge across a dynamic, highly-competitive industry. * Drive consumer engagement and sales by demonstrating design and product presentations that incorporate customized design and product developments that align with customer ideals. * Maximize product line and customer success by developing appropriate sales channels, marketing product lines through frequent travel to local and international trade and vendor shows. * Designed and led a $70M dress and sportswear division for The Apparel Group (TAG) that included woven and knit tops and bottoms for distribution to Nordstrom, Dillard's, Nieman Marcus, SAKS Off 5th

* Launched, managed and grew the U.S. operations for a China-based weaving mill and manufactory, developing sales channels with key customers, including PVH, Macy's, Joseph A. Bank, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Nordstrom, Target, Kohl's, GAP, A&F, J-Crew, ZARA, Talbot's, UNIQLO, Ralph Lauren, and others. * Delivered comprehensive oversight and direction of a $38M office operation, combining business development, operations oversight, marketing and industry expertise to drive growth and establish U.S. presence. * Established and communicated sales goals and budgets across all U.S. operations, directing cross-functional teams through leadership of design, R&D, production, manufacturing, new product development and portfolio management. * Collaborated with sales and factory productions to prepare appropriate products that met consumer demand through dynamic seasonal changes and in accordance with customization expectations. * Fostered positive customer relations through timely and appropriate communication and follow-up, leading strategy meetings to identify roadblocks and customer requirements.

Responsible for all the designs of Men's & Boy's 8-20 for Belk Private Brands (Saddlebred, Crown & Ivy, Ocean & Coast, Zelos, True Craft and MADISON) Activewear, Sportswear, Dress shirts and Furnishing. * Responsible for the design process of the most complex private apparel brands, with multiple product lines, categories of product and several target Activewear, Outdoor, Sportswear and Dress Shirts and Loungewear lifestyles. * Lead the South and South East regional market research to identify trends and innovation, develop aspirational apparel and textile designs and articulate the vision for the upcoming season's assortment in alignment with each brands' aesthetic direction and responsible teams. * Identify and interpreting trend for each brand's commercial success, with strong creative and design capabilities (in-depth knowledge of garment construction, fabric and trim while working with the Belk apparel design teams and the buyers). * Align each season's design integrity with every brand's in Men's and trickle it down to Boy's 8 to 20 age group through collaboration with the Design team, Buyers, DMM, GMM, Product Managers, Merchants and Vendors, in order to drive differentiation in the marketplace and create assortments that expand the market share of each assigned brand, age group and pricing strategy. * Own the brand aesthetic from concept to production for all product and assortment needs by owning the design and development process, leading the creation of product and driving the creative direction by executing innovative design solutions, incorporating technology, color, fabric/finish standards, print and pattern, trim and expression of fit for multiple products, demographic based on category. * Develop monthly flow of Color stories, Textile patterns, Prints and Graphic artwork for each product classifications, within the framework and the stores fixtures of ...

Delivered fresh ideas and perspective to drive the NYC-based $300M Menswear woven division of The Younger Group, creating impactful and successful designs, color and trend initiatives for Ralph Lauren, JCP, CLAIBORNE, Land's End, LLBean, Bloomingdales, Thomas Pink, Tommy Hilfiger, and other global houses and retailers. * Created and launched seasonal concepts, colors and trend materials for collections spaced out to 4 annual campaigns. * Researched and analyzed retail sources throughout the U.S. and Europe to form color, silhouette and fabric direction, developing comprehensive presentations of trend materials, merchandising concepts and development samples for customer review. * Protected stakeholder interests by monitoring licensed and private label development calendars while initiating seasonal samples, blanket and handloom development to direct brand line development. * Coordinated Fabric Mill research with Hong Kong and Ningbo teams, while directing the operations and support teams to develop a comprehensive Sample Library for each season. * Managed and coordinated branding campaigns to ensure alignment with seasonal lines and unified messaging with headquarters. *

(IZOD Wholesale Division). Sr. Designer IZOD Men's Woven Shirts * Directed the full line of IZOD men's sportswear collection that incorporated knits, sweaters and bottoms to deliver cohesive product campaigns, delivering approximately $15M in annual revenues. * Collaborated with VP of Design and sales teams to ensure product flow, production delivery and quality assurance across the SKU plan. * Worked closely with Associate Designer and Merchandiser to ensure all PDM information was conveyed clearly and accurately to reduce/eliminate roadblocks to delivery. * Created story boards, inspiration boards and color palettes to align cross-functional operations and ensure a cohesive approach to design and development. * Partnered with merchandising, production, marketing and sourcing to design and product merchandise that fit within established costing parameters and delivered to the target customer profile and brand strategy. * Contributed industry expertise and business acumen to drive operational efficiencies, coordinating calendars and SKU plan development to meet critical, hard deadlines. * Drove sales by presenting brand line overviews to domestic and international licensees, communicating with Hong Kong, India and other global offices to solve production and product development issues. * Ahmed's European and American up- bringing gives him a strong eclectic eye that suits the type of product which is developed for a global taste level. Malcolm R., Phillips-Van Heusen Instrumental in delivering 6% sales increases for assigned division. Additional Career Experience: Creative Director: Epic Designers.