Ralph Lauren

2008-2016

Working initially as an intern in the newly created archive, I worked to document and catalog both Ralph’s extensive personal collection of historical clothing as well as the warehouse of odd pieces from previous seasons and ad campaigns. Later advancing from an assistant designer to designer in the men’s Rougher department, I worked on the full range of brands from Purple Label, Black Label, RLX, Polo, Polo Golf, and American Living. This broad cross section of sensibilities incorperated everything from refined tailored styles, through to iconic prep classics and into rugged military inspired cargos, as well as technical sport and athleisure garments. I managed the design proposals, modeling, color palette development, sensibilites fitting, trim development, and specing of both the concept and classification programs. I developed presentations for Mr. Lauren integrating vintage inspiration, market research and hand sketched design proposals. I managed line sheet and CAD development, as well as worked with the art, print, and embroidery teams on novelty programs. Each season, extensive work was done with the merchandising team to develop high volume classification department store programs in large color runs. Each season I would travel with the design director and our product development team to our factories in Italy and China to work on final development approvals. At times, I also assisted the concept design team in building out concept rigs and dressing the presentation showrooms for press and buyers. It was one of the most valuable periods of my design career, instilling volumes of knowledge across all aspects of maintaining such a large fashion brand.