Amy Casella

•Spearheaded the creation of over 120+ new products for the Kurgo brand, successfully distributed in more than 5,000 stores across 18 countries.
•Led the end-to-end design and development process for soft/hard goods, from concept ideation to retail shelf. This included conducting competitive research, producing full-scale drawings, prototyping, creating comprehensive tech packs, and managing the sourcing of materials, suppliers, and factories.
•Defined and presented Kurgo's product roadmap to senior leadership along with seasonal prints and color palettes, driving the yearly product plan launch.
•Adept at utilizing data and customer insights to guide PLM strategies.
•Designed, developed and managed all private label business product lines for large scale retailers such as Petco and PetSmart; each successful collection bringing in over 1.5M in revenue each year.
•Directed the overseas Quality Assurance (QA) team to ensure all products and materials met brand standards.
•Established and implemented brand standards for tech pack creation, resulting in improved clarity, reduced production timelines by 25%, and cost savings while enhancing construction quality.
•Negotiated contract pricing and production timelines with overseas suppliers, conducted on-site factory inspections, and reviewed samples to ensure production accuracy.
•Managed the supply chain, demonstrating strong expertise in knit/woven fabrics, injection molding, metal fabrication, and cut-and-sew production.

Contracted to provide design services for the companies below:

The First Years
•Designed product concepts, print/pattern repeats, tech packs, and prototypes for handbags, rinse cups, and nursing covers for a leading juvenile products brand.
•Led and styled multiple large-scale corporate photo shoots showcasing strong leadership abilities, exceptional organizational skills, and on-brand visual direction.


Buckle Me Baby Coats
•Developed tech packs, sketched designs for patent applications, curated fabric selections and provided construction and manufacturing expertise for a small business showcased on Shark Tank.
•Crafted hand-made prototypes to ensure production accuracy and serve as effective sales samples.


Lillybee
•Contracted to create pattern repeats, tech packs and apparel designs for an organic cotton based little girls collection.

•Managed the design/development of the entire collection of Boys, Girls, and Toddler travel bags, accessories and apparel; including sweaters, cut & sew, wovens, and mixed media.
•Conducted in-depth analysis of major fashion trends, themes, colors, and silhouettes for upcoming seasons through attendance at NY print shows, participation in Los Angeles market shopping, and utilization of trend services.
•Facilitated seasonal design strategy meetings with cross-functional teams, including Merchandising, Planning, and Technical design, by presenting theme boards featuring photos, sketches, colors, and swatches.
•Established spec sheets for all silhouettes under development, encompassing flat technical drawings, initial specs, fabrics, colors, trims, and inspiration.
•Created all artwork, including placed prints, allover prints, and embroideries, using Adobe Creative Suite.
•Contributed to all fittings and played a key role in the final product approval process by leveraging expertise in fit and garment construction.
•Reviewed lab dips, trims, and artwork submissions within designated timelines to ensure quality and accuracy.
•Successfully carried over many designs from season to season due to their status as best sellers.

•Developed prints, repeats, artwork details and complete technical packages using PrimaVision.
•Forecasted upcoming trends by inspirational shopping and attending color seminars.
•Knowledge of knitwear construction with ability to identify stitches, gauges and yarn properties.
•Mentored Assistant Designers and interns with empathy and honesty, demonstrating successful leadership ability.

•Provided technical support to design and product development teams for childrenswear.
•Utilized Web PDM to develop detailed technical packages and Illustrator to draft patterns.
•Prepared for and conducted fit sessions on live models and dress forms.
•Acted as a liaison between the manufacturing team, product managers, and both international and domestic vendors.
•Used my problem-solving skills and creativity to find solutions for garment construction within company standards, while strictly adhering to all ASTM guidelines.