Kelsey Vitullo Email & Phone Number

I am Kelsey Vitullo, an apparel designer and director, outdoor enthusiast, sports fanatic, wife, sister, and mom to two kids. I’ve called Columbus, Ohio, home for almost 20 years. With over 18 years of experience leading design for both legacy and startup brands, I bring expertise in trend forecasting, sustainable design, and a passion for creating functional, consumer-centered designs. Most recently, I launched the UpWest brand, achieving $50 million in product sales within its first four years.Building UpWest from the ground up was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to align every aspect with our core values of comfort, connection, and community. Extensive market research informed our design direction, allowing us to create a product assortment that resonated with customer needs. By focusing on sustainable materials and ethical production, we positioned UpWest as a brand that values style and environmental responsibility.I'm deeply passionate about leadership, team-building, and personal development. My leadership approach emphasizes mentorship and support, helping team members reach their full potential. My design experience spans men’s, women’s, kids, and baby collections, covering the entire process from concept to development. Known for strong business acumen and strategic thinking, I align design strategies with company goals to drive impactful outcomes.My career began at Abercrombie & Fitch, where I advanced from intern to Senior Designer, leading men’s and boys’ collections in key categories such as polos, woven shirts, fleece, and Hollister’s Dude’s Sport collection. Later, at Acena Brands, I gained valuable experience in kids' apparel through the Justice & Brothers brands.Currently, as a Freelance Designer at HOMAGE LLC, I focus on concept and apparel design across all ages, pushing traditional design boundaries to enhance brand storytelling. Previously, as Head of Design & Concept at UpWest/EXPRESS LLC, I led seasonal concept presentations and development execution across diverse categories. My approach blended classic design with a tech-forward mindset, including QR code integrations with Aura App for an enriched brand experience.I am also pursuing a Master of Fashion Industry Studies with a UX Design focus at Kent State University, exploring how technology can transform fashion through the fusion of physical and digital worlds. I aim to create designs that harness digital tools, elevating the consumer experience and making each piece a meaningful part of something larger.

Listed skills include Knitwear, Draping, Sewing, Fashion Design, and 45 others.