I am passionate about connecting brands with their customers through design and product development

 

I am a…

strong leader who fosters creativity in a team environment and promotes the growth of team members

creative and product development expert in womenswear in multiple product categories

adept at forecasting fashion trends and interpreting them with an aesthetic in line with a brand

able to adapt quickly to change and to offer creative solutions

proficient in Web PDM, FlexPLM, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office Suite

I have…

excellent communication skills; I collaborate with design, merchandising, tech, and sourcing departments to develop innovative product

extensive fabric knowledge, with a focus on cut and sew knits

expertise in creating process efficiencies

experience traveling for inspiration and production, and working directly with vendors on product development

experience in chase and fast track business models

 
 

Say Hey

 

kblessescott@gmail.com

Also find me on social media:

 
 

 
 

Work Experience

 

White House Black Market, Fort Myers, FL

Director, Product Development, & Design Operations

May 2025-Present

•        Work closely with design team to find creative ways to save cost while maintaining brand aesthetic

•        Work with leadership team to establish a product development team for WHBM

•        Revamped trim process to improve efficiency and cost savings

•        Redefined sketch review process in collaboration with leadership team and created presentation tools

Director, Design Operations & Outlet Design

November 2024-May 2025

•        Collaborated with Product Lifecycle Team to optimize calendar

•        Spearheaded the establishment of tools and processes for better efficiency and product tracking

•        Led Outlet Design for all categories; cost engineered product while maintaining brand aesthetic

Director, Frontline Tailoring, Denim, & Knit Tops Design

February 2014-November 2024

•        Established trend direction and line strategy by season

•        Directed design team in sketching, creating presentation boards, fitting, and handling daily product development issues

•        Worked closely with cross functional partners to create innovative and brand right product

•        Collaborated with cross departmental partners to create a balanced collection

•        Presented the assortment to senior leadership team at milestone meetings

•        Promoted from Senior Designer to Director in 2022

 

Abercrombie & Fitch, New Albany, OH

Senior Designer, August 2003-November 2013

•        Acting director of the Gilly Hicks swim, sleep, and intimates departments from January 2013 to November 2013

•        Managed the women’s and girls’ sleep and swim departments for Abercrombie, Gilly Hicks, and Hollister between 2009 and 2013

•        Oversaw the cut and sew knits department for Ruehl from 2006-2009

•        Designed intimates, sleep, cut and sew knit tops, graphic tees, woven tops, and swim for Ruehl from 2003-2006

•        Worked directly with the CAD department and fabric mills to develop and approve pattern each season.

•        Promoted through Design levels from Intern through Senior Designer

 

Vera Wang, New York, New York

Design Intern, June 2003-August 2003

 

EDUCATION

Shannon Rodgers and Jerry Silverman School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, Kent State University, Kent OH, Bachelor of Arts Degree: August 2003, Major: Fashion Design, GPA: 3.98

 
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Tailoring