Atul Prakash

Versatile Design Manager with over 16+ years of experience driving product excellence in the leather and textile industries. Unique background combining 12 years of master-level leather goods development with 5 years of specialized innovation in polyester and performance synthetics. Expert in material sourcing, technical construction and navigating the unique demands of both artisanal craftsmanship and high-performance textile engineering.

Adept at leading cross-functional teams to create high-margin, scalable product lines that meets rigorous durability and aesthetic standards. Deep technical knowledge of tanning processes, fabric finishing and sustainable material alternatives. Strategic visionary in department leadership, focused on optimizing product lifecycles and capturing diverse market segments through material innovation.

Design Manager - Bags / Travel Goods / Luggage / Outdoor Products and Technical Textile Products - Shree Karni Fabcom Limited

(2024-01)

Brands working with: Bass Pro Shops, QVC, STM, Skechers, Outdoor Products, Tripole Gears, Carrypro, Walmart, Asus, The Souled Store.

• Developed concepts, mood boards, artworks and sketches for new collections, integrating functionality, aesthetics, and market trends.
• Managed the end-to-end sampling process, providing technical expertise and overseeing quality control from concept through delivery.
• Mentored and managed a multidisciplinary design team, fostering collaboration, creativity, and accountability across projects.
• Oversaw multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely progression from concept to sample approval.
• Collaborated closely with sourcing, sampling, and production teams to ensure design feasibility and high-quality execution.
• Produced detailed CADs, technical specification sheets, and 3D mock ups/prototypes to support sampling and production.
• Selected and developed products—including polyester, nylon, coated fabrics, leather, non-leather alternatives, fabrics, and hardware—in collaboration with sourcing teams to support sustainability goals.
• Conducted continuous research on fashion, lifestyle, material trends, competitors, and customer behavior to drive product innovation.
• Partnered with Buying and Merchandising teams to ensure production feasibility, cost optimization, material consumption approval, and alignment with brand storytelling.
• Enhanced product functionality and end-user experience through iterative prototyping, testing, and feedback integration.
• Partnered with buyers, suppliers, and brand stakeholders to ensure on-time delivery and alignment with commercial objectives.
• Oversaw project timelines, resource allocation, and quality benchmarks to ensure 100% on-time completion of design deliverables.
• Maintained brand consistency and design integrity across all product categories, strengthening market presence and customer trust.
• Proactively identified design and production challenges, developing data driven solutions that minimized rework and reduced costs.
• Conducted design reviews and provided constructive feedback to improve output quality.

Head of Design - Handbags / Backpacks / Travel Goods and Accessories and Technical Textile products - Radnik Auto Exports Pvt. Ltd.

(2021-08 - 2024-02)

Brands: Abercrombie & Fitch / Target / Superdry / Below Five / Dell / Outdoor / Tripole / ASOS / Steve Madden / Tommy Hilfiger / VIP / UCB / Swiss Military

• Oversaw complete design and development processes for both export and import brands, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and market trends.
• Managed material selection and handling across diverse substrates including Polyester, TPU, Handloom, Cotton, PU, and Jute.
• Led end-to-end communication with buyers and suppliers—from initial specification development to final pre-production (PP) handover.
• Responsible for cost estimation, material consumption analysis, and CAD development to support efficient production planning.
• Directed all CAD creation, prototype sampling, and iterative development through to final design approvals.
• Maintained daily buyer communication and delivered comprehensive weekly sampling reports to ensure transparency and timely project execution

Senior Designer - Handbags / Home Decor' Items and Soft Home - J.C. International

(2020-01 - 2021-07)

• Created refined fashion and lifestyle products aligned with the brand's aesthetic and market positioning.
• Managed the complete workflow from conceptual design and prototype development through to production-ready goods.
• Handled product costing, material consumption analysis, and price negotiations to ensure cost efficiency and profitability.
• Oversaw material and trim selection, supplier sourcing, and factory coordination to maintain quality and timely execution.
• Developed and delivered detailed technical specifications and production packs to ensure manufacturing accuracy.
• Collaborated closely with vendors and production teams to ensure product feasibility, functionality, and design integrity.
• Designed and developed a diverse product range including handbags, butterfly chairs, tripod chairs, cushions, leather planters, poufs, and other leather home décor items.

Senior Designer - Luxury Leather Handbags & Fashion Accessories - Kunvar Overseas

(2016-02 - 2019-12)

• Developed diverse product categories ranging from commercial designs to premium boutique collections, ensuring alignment with the company's conceptual direction and business strategy.
• Designed and launched seasonal collections of handbags, wallets, clutches, belts, and small leather goods tailored to brand and buyer requirements.
• Anticipated and responded proactively to customer needs, consistently delivering products that exceeded expectations and strengthened client relationships.
• Managed the complete product development process — from research, concept sketching, and design through to final production.
• Coordinated cross-functionally with suppliers, artisans, merchandising, and production teams to deliver accurate designs on schedule while maintaining quality standards.
• Oversaw product costing, material consumption analysis, and price negotiations to optimize profitability and maintain commercial viability.
• Developed and maintained detailed product line documentation for active and future orders, improving organization and workflow efficiency.

Senior Designer - Leather Bags, Wallets, Belts & Lifestyle Accessories - Kunvar Overseas

(2016-02 - 2019-12)

• Led seasonal research and development, analyzing trends, materials, and market insights to inform new product concepts and design directions.
• Oversaw end-to-end design and product development, from concept ideation and material sourcing to prototype and final product execution.
• Managed PPT and showroom setups, creating compelling visual presentations and product displays for buyer meetings and seasonal showcases.
• Developed CAD designs and artwork, ensuring accuracy, brand alignment, and production feasibility across multiple product categories.

Senior Designer - Leather Bags, Wallets, Belts & Lifestyle Accessories - Jak Group Pvt. Ltd

(2012-10 - 2015-12)

• Led seasonal research and development, analyzing trends, materials, and market insights to inform new product concepts and design directions.
• Oversaw end-to-end design and product development, from concept ideation and material sourcing to prototype and final product execution.
• Managed PPT and showroom setups, creating compelling visual presentations and product displays for buyer meetings and seasonal showcases.
• Developed CAD designs and artwork, ensuring accuracy, brand alignment, and production feasibility across multiple product categories.

Senior Designer - Leather Handbags & Accessories - Samik Export India Pvt. Ltd.

(2011-07 - 2012-10)

• Conducted trend analysis and market research to identify emerging styles, materials, and consumer preferences, guiding seasonal design strategies.
• Led research and development (R&D) and product development processes from concept to commercialization, ensuring innovation and market relevance.
• Organized and executed PPT and showroom setups, presenting new collections and concepts to buyers and internal stakeholders.
• Specialized in surface techniques and leather treatments, developing distinctive textures, finishes, and design details to enhance product value and aesthetics.

Senior Designer - Leather Handbags & Accessories - Alpine Apparels India Pvt. Ltd

(2009-01 - 2011-07)

• Conducted trend analysis and market research to identify emerging styles, materials, and consumer preferences, guiding seasonal design strategies.
• Led research and development (R&D) and product development processes from concept to commercialization, ensuring innovation and market relevance.
• Organized and executed PPT and showroom setups, presenting new collections and concepts to buyers and internal stakeholders.
• Specialized in surface techniques and leather treatments, developing distinctive textures, finishes, and design details to enhance product value and aesthetics.

Executive Designer - Leather Handbags & Accessories - Alpine Apparels India Pvt. Ltd

(2009-01 - 2011-07)

• Assisted Senior Designers in swatch development, leather technique explorations, and embroidery sampling, contributing to innovative product concepts.
• Supported the creation of presentations (PPTs), showroom setups, and sample preparation based on buyer selections and feedback.
• Gained strong understanding of product flow, material management, and end-to-end design processes within a fast-paced production environment.
• Developed key professional skills in time management, team collaboration, record maintenance, and deadline adherence.
• Actively engaged in a dynamic and challenging design environment, learning the fundamentals of creativity, organization, and cross-functional communication.

Bachelor of Design - Leather Design - NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology), New Delhi, India (2005-01 - 2009-12)