Michael Trafton Email and Phone Number

A factory-based women's sportswear manufacturer. IDG produces private label apparel for the missy, petite, plus and contemporary markets. The company is also a cultivator of brands addressing a diversified range of lifestyle needs for fashion-savvy consumers. The key branded portfolio currently consists of: INTRO, MARRAKECH CLOTHING, ANORAK, BLUE EARTH, KHAKI & Co., among others.Merchant Seller - Sales Executive (2014-Current)-Applied an innovative design and merchandising background to generate sales with new and existing accounts specifically requiring a vendor with merchant skills. Vice President of Merchandising (2008-2014)-Directed all aspects of merchandising, design and product development for Private Label and Branded ladies sportswear.

Fulfilled a new role for the Style & Co. brand, with the responsibility of leading the Design Team for Macy's largest volume, private label brand.-Managed the 18-member team through all aspects of the development process, including market and trend analysis, seasonal theme adherence, color palette selection, print design, assortment planning, design execution, garment fit and production approvals.-Modified new product designs to better reflect the brand and relevant trends, while analyzing sales to identify styles for core programs.-Merchandised profitable assortments to maximize the in-store experience and drive sales.

Managed the 6-member Design Team through the development of the "CREST" label, created for the improvement of the brand's market penetration.-Determined the product positioning and consumer profile for the new label launch which included market viability, consumer demand and product response through national focus groups.-Partnered in the development of the product launch strategy, brand positioning, product merchandising and sku budget.-Built seasonal concepts and direction for color, styling, prints, fabric, fit and signature brand details.-Coached a team of designers of how to identify a brand DNA and create a product assortment based on that brand DNA outline.

Spearheaded a product rejuvenation with the goal of creating styling and assortments that better coordinated with the brand image.-Developed a long and short term strategic plan for the brand and design team to expand the specialty store business while sustaining department store volume.-Oversaw the 21-member Design and Technical Team for woven, knit and sweater classifications.

Licensed by Jones Apparel Group Part of the team that initially launched the LAUREN-RALPH LAUREN, LAUREN JEAN COMPANY and LAUREN ACTIVE lines. This was the first example of a major designer entering the better price market with a diffusion label, redefining the market.Design Director of Woven's (2000-2003)LAUREN-RALPH LAUREN, LAUREN JEAN COMPANY, LAUREN ACTIVE-Created sales concepts, color palettes and product assortments in coordination with the brand heritage and targeted to the end consumer.-Managed the woven team through all design, development and fit.-Designed signature branding details, many of which are still used on current product.Designer of Woven's (1997-2000)LAUREN-RALPH LAUREN, LAUREN JEAN COMPANY, LAUREN ACTIVE, RALPH-RALPH LAURENAssociate Designer of Woven's (1994-1997)LAUREN-RALPH LAUREN, JONES NEW YORK SPORT, JONES JEANS, JONES & CO., JONES STUDIO