Diane Mancene Email & Phone Number

New York, Ny, Us

New York, New York, United States

Direct the entire design process from initial concept, trend direction, and market intel through global production. Portfolio encompasses Walmart, Kohl’s, Costco, and independent stores. Manage a team of designers, technical designers, pattern makers, and product development. Successes include;- Significantly increased volume throughout the pandemic, pivoting product assortment to align with changing customer needs. - Partnered with retailers to determine evolving customer needs with significant increase of styles adopted.- Upgraded procedures, increasing organization and productivity throughout the company. - Initiated implementation of 3D Design (Browzwear), minimizing costs while streamlining development and design process.

New York, Ny

Provided design, trend forecasting, and merchandising services for a wide array of clients, including White House Black Market, the Loft, Ava Design, Dillard’s, Amazon, and Tommy Hilfiger. This includes creating innovative brand-right designs by either working directly with clients/retailers or through vendors. With strong attention to details, an intrinsic sense of style and color, and impeccable taste, I able to adeptly identify trends and turn them into salable product. Also by applying my technical skills, garment construction expertise, and production knowledge, I create well-fitting apparel at appropriate price points. Most recent evidence of this is my work on the re-launch of the Tommy Hilfiger brand for G-lll.

Greater New York City Area

Most recently, I spearheaded the entire design process for $220M Women’s Better Sportswear private label brand. This included overseeing 5 direct reports with full accountability for all woven classifications, including outerwear and denim. Additionally, I was in charge of 3 seasons simultaneously (Spring, Summer, and Fall) with 130 to 160 styles per season. Results included growing denim classification 30% (exceeding plan by 10%) by introducing new fabrics, fit solutions, washes/ finishes, and silhouettes. I also significantly increased low-performing pant business by adding fit solutions and super stretch fabrics. Of further interest, I led the Chart Club team to win Make Magic Award for top-performing private brand at Macys in 2011.

Greater New York City Area

For 6 years, I guided design and merchandising activities for Refined Sportswear division, for 1200+ stores and their catalog. While managing 2 design assistants, I conceptualized and developed 4 seasonal collections annually, including driving change from traditional to fashion-forward approach.Accomplishments consisted of turning around an underperforming matte jersey line by restyling and remarketing the collection. As well, I redesigned blouses to complement the rest of collection, updating styling, improving fit, and creating a multifunctional category.

Greater New York City Area

At Kellwood, I led a 7-member team in all phases of design and merchandising of branded and private label collections in multiple lifestyles. Additionally, I shopped Europe 4 times per year for color and trend direction.Successes included turning around Bice’ brand and design team, while growing private label programs for chain/department stores, totaling $40M annually. Also, by identifying new fabric and styling opportunities, I increased private label business at JC Penney’s and Kohl’s.

Greater New York City Area

In this role, I translated appealing looks into commercial success for $72M Villager brand. Achievements included designing 12 sportswear collections for numerous lifestyle categories, including career, casual, and denim.