Tu Le is a long-time Madison resident, veteran fashion designer, mother to four imaginative children, community organizer and creative conservationist at heart. Through the launch of Madison Art House, Tu is combining her strengths to offer thoughtful, self-guided art classes that introduce kids to the beauty of using recycled materials to make anything from a pure exploration of creativity to fine art. Tu believes in the importance of giving children the opportunity to discover their artistic sense while also instilling a respect for nature and a sense of social and community responsibility. She aspires to provide children with a fun, safe environment that lets them just DO art in whatever way they choose to define it. She believes that the right artistic guide, an exposure to a rich variety of materials and a haven without boundaries can open kids’ minds and hearts to their own artistic interests.Tu started her 17-year career at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Chicago and then moved to New York City where her career as a Fashion Designer flourished. While at Liz Claiborne, The GAP and Lands’ End, among others, she launched new lines, revamped brands, set new trends and inspired her teams to raise the bar. Mainly focused on designing colorful, comfortable and functional clothes for kids, Tu developed a sophisticated understanding of the materials and tools needed to put a collection together. She is excited to embark on her latest endeavor - Madison Art House – to bring her passion and talents to families in her community.

Tu brings to the team 20 years of creative experience as a designer. Prior to combining her love of houses and helping clients find their dream homes, Tu was a fashion designer in Chicago, New York City, and Madison. As a Michigan native who has lived in Chicago, NYC, and New Jersey, she understands the stresses of relocating. Whether you are moving across town or thousands of miles across the country, she will help with the transition and happily serve as a Madison community resource guide to your new area. Tu has lived in Madison for over a decade and is very passionate about engaging with her community, both as a volunteer in many programs related to kids in the arts and as the Founder of Madison Art House.A mother to four imaginative kids, Tu especially loves helping families find their perfect home. As a Realtor, her focus is on taking care of you, making you comfortable in every step of buying or selling your home with ease and expertise. With her design background, she enjoys helping clients see unique potentials in new homes as well as staging homes. When not helping clients, Tu enjoys playing tennis and hopes to someday be the ball girl for the US Open.

Whether you want to sell or purchase your personal residence, relocating to a new neighborhood, or expand your investment portfolio in real estate, I would be happy to work with you. Understanding that any Real Estate transaction, whether for business or personal use, is a significant financial investment, I want to be your advocate and help you to get the best value for your needs today while ensuring a positive return on your investment in the future.

Responsible for trend direction, design, and development for boys product categories such as: wovens, knits, sweaters, swimwear, accessories, and sleepwear for boys and girls. Presented concepts and designs to upper management at milestone meetings. Highlighted seasonal key looks to be featured in catalog and Internet layouts. Collaborated with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Technical Design to achieve sample and production approval while minimizing product cost. Key Accomplishments:• Instrumental in the redesign and updates on all boys’ styles increasing newness to 95%.• Added new categories that were not being met by the current product offerings• Updated fit on core and fashion products such as cut-and-sew knits, sweaters, denim and non-denim bottoms, swimwear, and sleepwear.• Conceptualized designed and championed several styles within the bottom assortment which has exceeded its plan and has now become a major franchise. That drove full price pant sales +10% to LY while boys was -6% LY. This strategy delivered its plan. • The redesigned of denim bottoms- The new design of this product along with updated washes and an updated fit for F12/H12 has delivered sales of +59% to LY which exceeded plan. This item has one of our greatest wins.

Head designer for private Junior label.Redefined the brand's identity through designs, packaging, labeling, and logos.

Freelance designer for Gap Kids Boys' woven and denim divisions.

Counterpart to the RAMPAGE label.Developed and designed all bottoms for new collection, including multiple denim and twill styles, overseeing SKUs, color palettes, trends and forecasts. Established product standards for fabric, finish, pattern and fit. Hired and supervised two-member creative staff (Graphic Designer and Technical Designer), overseeing and approving trims, labels and design. Designed and completed 20+ pieces and two jackets in three-month time frame.

Boys’ & Young Men’s Lines (RED STAR Label)Overseeing a staff of five, successfully orchestrated the launch of bold new contemporary collection, designing and overseeing the execution of 100+ styles per season for multiple brands, including RED STAR, INNERZONE, R.S. JEANS, PARIGI, JAVA BLUE and CONGA. Redesigned an illustration-based tech package, increasing efficiency of sample production process by 90%. Participated in sales and client meetings to accurately assess design requirements, and traveled between New York, Toronto and Los Angeles to research trends and cost-effective fabrications for Surf/Skate line. Hired, trained and supervised Associate Designer, Tech Designer and Graphic Designer.

Contemporary Boys’ Line. Co-launched PLUGG Boys’ line in less than three month’s time, designing multiple categories of highly marketable Boys’ Wear. Produced 30+ pieces (denim, active tech and twill cargo bottoms, knit tops and sweaters), developing SKUs, color palettes, trends and forecasts. Led market research to determine price point-appropriate fabrications and styling. Oversaw Graphic Designer and Production Artist, approving new packaging label design, prepared all technical packages, and provided production team oversight for fitting adjustments and approvals.

Urban/Contemporary & Licensed Character Boys' Line for WAL-MARTRecruited by company to design and produce WARNER BROS. and MARVEL character licensed swimwear, outerwear, bottoms and tops for mass-market retailer. Designed 45+ pieces per season (including woven tops, knit tops and bottoms), collaborating with WARNER BROS. STUDIOS to achieve art and design approvals for SPIDER-MAN, BATMAN, MONSTER JAM and JACKIE CHAN artwork. Created and produced all technical design packages.

Oversaw design and launch of MAURICE MALONE Boys' Line, perfecting fit, approving trims, fabric and graphic artwork, and creating prints, plaids, embroideries and embellishments; hired and supervised graphic artist. Executed all private label Girls' and Boys' Wear designs.

Coordinated creation of GARANIMALS Boys'/Girls' lines for WAL-MART, providing significant design input; oversaw Young Men's department, including all aspects of design (yarn stripes, plaids and graphic tees).Produced four seasonal comparison shopping reports per year, analyzing competing mid- and mass-market retailers (GAP; utilized data to create highly competitive products (best price points, fabric selection, fabric weight and fit).Traveled five times per year to provide trend forecasting and garment fit, strike-off and print approvals.

Assisted with color and strike-off approvals as Color Department Intern, earning Assistant Designer promotion in three months. Assisted with fit and fabrications for Women's Studio, and designed 15+ looks per season for Women's Collection.

Achieved Sales Associate of the Year, earned two consecutive promotions in less than three years' time while pursuing Associate's Degree in Fashion Design. Provided leadership for three- & five-member sales staffs during three-year tenure.