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.
