Michael Knowski Email & Phone Number

Burlington, New Jersey, United States

Burlington, New Jersey, United States

Greater New York City Area

Senior Designer: Occasion Dresses & Badgley Mischka Studio • Delivered concept and design that is highly creative, on-trend and brand-appropriate for wovens and knits.• Protected brand integrity by creating product that meets customers’ expectations in quality, design and fit.• Merchandised the line while designing collections to ensure balanced product assortment.• Managed a team of 6 assistants, drapers, and sewers to meet deadlines and… Show more Senior Designer: Occasion Dresses & Badgley Mischka Studio • Delivered concept and design that is highly creative, on-trend and brand-appropriate for wovens and knits.• Protected brand integrity by creating product that meets customers’ expectations in quality, design and fit.• Merchandised the line while designing collections to ensure balanced product assortment.• Managed a team of 6 assistants, drapers, and sewers to meet deadlines and achieve Company goals.• Sourced innovative and on-trend fabric and trim while remaining within cost restrictions.• Conducted fittings and manage patternmakers and sample room on both market and production samples.• Worked closely with Technical Design, Sales, Grading, Sourcing and Production teams to meet deadlines.• Leveraged experience in Designer Licensing for the launch of Badgley Mischka Studio line. Show less

Greater New York City Area

Senior Designer: David’s Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses; White by Vera Wang Bridal• Oversaw all stages of design process from initial concept to production hand-off for each division.• Analyzed global and domestic markets to identify trends in silhouette, fabric, color and technique.• Presented concept, design, color and fabric trends biannually to Merchandising team.• Drove individual sales > $3M/style via designs that appealed to a variety of consumers and cost targets.•… Show more Senior Designer: David’s Bridal Bridesmaids Dresses; White by Vera Wang Bridal• Oversaw all stages of design process from initial concept to production hand-off for each division.• Analyzed global and domestic markets to identify trends in silhouette, fabric, color and technique.• Presented concept, design, color and fabric trends biannually to Merchandising team.• Drove individual sales > $3M/style via designs that appealed to a variety of consumers and cost targets.• Partnered with Merchants throughout all stages of development to ensure delivery of on-trend product to satisfy Company strategy.• Collaborated with Accessories Design team to ensure seasonal alignment of concept, story and color.• Generated tech packs that communicated construction, fabric and fit to overseas factories.• Managed sample makers in executing designs and conducted fittings domestically and internationally.• Coached supervisors and peers with Photoshop and Microsoft Office applications. Show less

Greater New York City Area

Designer: Wonder by Jenny Packham Bridal, Bridesmaids & Accessories • Collaborated with Jenny Packham throughout design process to create original Bridal, Bridesmaids and Accessories designs for Wonder by Jenny Packham collaboration. • Researched and developed on-brand design, print, color, fabric, bead-work, embroidery and fabric techniques on a seasonal basis via analyzing local, international and competitive markets. • Led fittings with Jenny Packham and Technical Design team… Show more Designer: Wonder by Jenny Packham Bridal, Bridesmaids & Accessories • Collaborated with Jenny Packham throughout design process to create original Bridal, Bridesmaids and Accessories designs for Wonder by Jenny Packham collaboration. • Researched and developed on-brand design, print, color, fabric, bead-work, embroidery and fabric techniques on a seasonal basis via analyzing local, international and competitive markets. • Led fittings with Jenny Packham and Technical Design team during all stages of development.• Established close relationships with Merchandising team to ensure execution of the licensee vision while maintaining Company objectives and strategy.• Mentored and managed Design assistants and interns in executing layouts and creating tech packs. Designer: David's Bridal Bridesmaids, Social & Occasion Dresses• Researched and presented biannual initial-concept meetings to determine direction for Bridesmaids collections. • Created original bridesmaids designs, and embellishments, fabric manipulations and lace appliqués to successfully appeal to various consumer and cost targets. • Oversaw in-house patternmakers in execution of designs. • Worked closely with Merchant team to identify opportunities for growth.• Traveled biannually to China factories to conduct fittings. Show less

Greater New York City Area

Associate & Assistant Designer: White by Vera Wang, Truly Zac Posen, David’s Bridal (Assistant: May 2010-April 2013; Associate: April 2013-September 2014)• Executed seasonal vision via market research and analysis, identifying concepts and trends, sketching original designs, executing tech packs, overseeing fittings and presenting at buy meetings. • Created inspiration and trend boards for seasonal presentations and designed bridal and bridesmaid gowns that evolved the identity of… Show more Associate & Assistant Designer: White by Vera Wang, Truly Zac Posen, David’s Bridal (Assistant: May 2010-April 2013; Associate: April 2013-September 2014)• Executed seasonal vision via market research and analysis, identifying concepts and trends, sketching original designs, executing tech packs, overseeing fittings and presenting at buy meetings. • Created inspiration and trend boards for seasonal presentations and designed bridal and bridesmaid gowns that evolved the identity of each brand.• Drove sales > $11M via style CMK513, a bridal gown that ranks in the top 3 styles of the Oleg Cassini brand.• Partnered with fabric R&D for development of fabrics and prints.• Worked with CAD teams on color adjustments and placement/repeat for all prints. • Implemented processes to increase efficiency in communication with overseas factories. Show less

Greater Philadelphia Area

• Assisted Design team in executing brand-appropriate designs via apparel flats in Illustrator and print coloring in Storyboard and Design&Repeat programs.• Created seasonal styles in Advanta and tech packs via WebPDM.

New York, Ny

Design & Merchandising Assistant • Assisted John Bartlett with design ideas for all style classifications.• Streamlined Planning and Accounting backgrounds to manage all seasonal buys, placing vendor orders and writing off-price sales, implementing promotional strategies and markdowns, reporting sales and managing inventory. Decreased inventory costs 57% 2009 over 2008.

Greater New York City Area

Retail Planner and Distribution Analyst: Original PenguinPartnered with retail vice presidents, senior buyer and operations manager to drive maximum in-store sales and margin levels, implement retail strategies and identify new product opportunities. • Collaborated with sales and design departments to buy and size seasonal lines. • Partnered with sales, sourcing and MIS to launch a new style entry system and manage creation of all styles.• Compiled selling and inventory… Show more Retail Planner and Distribution Analyst: Original PenguinPartnered with retail vice presidents, senior buyer and operations manager to drive maximum in-store sales and margin levels, implement retail strategies and identify new product opportunities. • Collaborated with sales and design departments to buy and size seasonal lines. • Partnered with sales, sourcing and MIS to launch a new style entry system and manage creation of all styles.• Compiled selling and inventory reports to aid in business analysis and strategy.• Managed inventory allocation and replenishment needs for all retail stores. Show less

Retail Planner: Women’s Wholesale• Developed business plans to achieve Company budget and strategy.

Associate Auditor: Accounting and Business Advisory Services• Performed financial and compliance audits for financial services, technology and entertainment companies. • Mentored and counseled interns via active participation in the Summer Internship Program.

Bba, Accounting, German

Aas, Fashion Design

Bba, Accounting