Linda Costello Email & Phone Number

Fort Myers, Fl, Us

Http://Www.Costellodesignllc.Com

Design/ Consulting/ and Manufacturing, with a focus on Apparel and Accessories. Offering a full range of services specializing in every aspect of trend, design, product development, sourcing and production. Services include:* Brand Concept – Refined / Enhanced / Start-up* Exclusive designs by category* Packaging / Label Design* Seasonal Trend Forecasting * Design – Apparel & Accessories* Complete Line Development* Technical Packages - grading and construction detailing* Sampling - pattermaking, block development* Competitive Reporting, Mapping & Benchmarking* Global Production Sourcing & Manufacturing Services – India /China/Vietnam/Domestic * PLM Setup: Develop Tools / Forms / Calendar / TNA / Trackers / Roles & Responsibility, etc.

Greater New York City Area

Built product team to create a brand right product assortments and achieve company goals. Responsible for hiring, developing and coaching teams through transformation while building processes and Dressbarn standards. Responsible for 3 year strategy: Goals/ Organizational Charts/ Systems/ Budgets and both internal / external resources to balance workload expectations. Led the execution of the seasonal vision. Developed a product lifecycle to support the product pyramid while incorporating a 'speed ' model to insure trend right product in the assortment. Implemented a PLM tool improving both efficiency and workflow involving all phases of design and product development for both internal and external cross-functional teams. *Increased proprietary product from 13% in 2013 to 60% in 2017*Improved IMU 700bp in 3 Years*Built product team from 10 associates in 2013 to 28 in 2017 *Successors set up for both Design and Product Development *Built relationships cross-functionally establishing trust and respect critical in leading change*Created and defined cross-functional roles and responsibilities to sustain growth

Fort Myers, Florida

Created brand right product assortments that drove sales from $250M to over $1,905B in 2010. Directed all functions of Trend, Design, Product Development, Production, and Technical Design.Hired, managed and mentored teams responsible for all categories within apparel, fashion accessories and jewelry. Implemented a unique and specialized creative process with tools that evolved the brands needs while aligning with the culture. Extensive travel in the research and development o seasonal trends. Led the direction cross- functionally to ensure seamless execution of brand vision, i.e.; in-store visual, merchant investment and marketing message. Partnered with production and sourcing to identify new suppliers with unique strength in product innovation.*Designed and initiated test resulting in the launch of 'SOMA' division*Launched new sub-lines: Chat Tees, Platinum Denim, Zenergy, Travelers, Jackie O'Jewel*Built a World Class Art Dept to initiate new techniques, print and pattern unique to the brand*Hired, managed and coached a team that grew from 10 associates to over 75 in 10 years*Built a unique product team in 5 global regons supporting the need for proprietary brand prints, patterns, techniques and fabric development*Initiated Brand fit ( set block standards ) to raise Chico's Brand Standards*Improved corporate IMU to achieve record sales and gross margin resulting in 26+ quarters of consecutive double digit comps*Initiated a Brand DNA launch in training associates in 'What makes Chico's, Chico's'

Columbus, Ohio

Led development of product from concept to final production, while partnering and aligning with the merchant and production team. responsible in hiring, developing, and mentoring teams to meet all milestone expectations. Led change in evolving and updating process, tools, and responsibilities as needed. Owned building the relationships with external partners. led product negotiations supporting brand strategy.*Grew Knit and Sweater category by 23% in 4 years*Negotiated cost to deliver 76% IMU, highest in apparel*Drove brand consistency in aesthetics, fit, and quality. *Led Corporate MP3 - PLM Process - Brand launch 1996*Created and maintain T&A - all milestones in achieving product goals*Extensive travel in Asia and Europe for trend and development research