MARIA VALENTINE D e s i g n P : 215-208-3167
D i r e c t o r
| E : maria.c.valentine@gmail.com
| L : Greenpoint, Brooklyn
P A S S I O N Storytelling is the new necessity, telling a meaningful narrative from start to finish with each collection launch. I design with strong inspiration stories that consumers can connect with, whether I take them on a new travel journey or introduce them to an artist of the past or present. Inspired designs allow customers to share the interests, experiences and values with a brand when they’re spending. If they don’t connect with the culture of the brand, they will spend their money elsewhere. I stand behind thoughtful designs that are on trend - yet innovative, that evoke emotions, embody an inspiration story, and prompt the consumer to purchase.
S O C I A L
linkedin.com/in/MCVNYC @MariaValentineNYC
E D U C A T I O N BACHELOR OF ARTS, FA S H I O N M E R C H A N D I S I N G AND DESIGN Albright College Reading, PA 2005 - 2009 Magna Cum Laude
S K I L L S C R E AT I V E D I R E C T I O N P H O T O S H O P / I L L U S T R AT O R / I N D E S I G N S K E T C H I N G & D I G I TA L R E N D E R I N G COLOR & TREND FORECASTING TEAM LEADERSHIP / MANAGEMENT BRAND IDENTITY A RT D I R E C T I O N PRODUCT STYLING PHOTOSHOOT PRODUCTION PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SOURCING SOCIAL MEDIA C R E AT I V E P R O B L E M S O LV I N G S T O RY T E L L I N G PUBLIC SPEAKING
E X P E R I E N C E C O N S U LTA N T / F R E E L A N C E D E S I G N E R PAMELA LOVE | JENNY BIRD | BANANA REPUBLIC | ARGENTO VIVO NYC / FEBRUARY 2017 - PRESENT Creative Direction, Trend Research, Concept Development, Design, Product Development, Vendor Management, Sourcing, Branding and Merchandising. DESIGN DIRECTOR CHLOE + ISABEL / NYC / JANUARY 2015 - MAY 2019 • Lead the design + product development process from concept to completion. • Responsible for trend and color forecasting, moodboards, material selection, new design techniques, and seasonal creative direction presentations. • Right hand to Creative Director in all brand related visual projects. • Integral part of launching the Jen Atkin x Chloe + Isabel collaboration. Designing the top selling style for not only the collab, but brand-wide: the Bun Cuff. • Art direct, style and assist in production of all studio and on location photoshoots. • Manage the product development process and work directly with vendors to ensure designs are interpreted and delivered as envisioned. • Inspire, manage, mentor, motivate and direct my creative talent to achieve their greatest potential. Promote positivity and lead by example. • Domestic and overseas travel is required to maintain business partnerships, source new materials, attend trade shows and stay keen on industry trends. SENIOR DESIGNER CHLOE + ISABEL / NYC / AUGUST 2012 - JANUARY 2015 • Conceptualize and design brand appropriate and trend-driven jewelry. Responsible for designing an average of 900 styles per year to support 10 seasonal launches. • Collaborate with merchandising and marketing teams to ensure all collections meet strategic brand and assortment expectations that will deliver sales and profit growth. • Create and manage seasonal calendars to meet business objectives and timelines. • Prepare all technical illustrations and complete final spec packages for factories. DESIGN + PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT MANAGER LYDELL / NYC / JANUARY 2010 - AUGUST 2012 • Conceptualize and design fashion jewelry for a diverse group of retailers including Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Ann Taylor Loft, and Bloomingdales. • Collaborate with overseas factories and agents to bring concepts to their final realization for Accessories Market Weeks and specialty account exclusives. • Provide extensive specification detail and CAD illustrations to ensure factories can accurately produce product samples. • Developed and administered Lydell’s first QC Manuals, Factory Development Expectations and Standards agreements, amongst other documents that enable a more efficient and quality driven development process.