Shashi Yadav

Fashion design leader with over 18 years of experience spanning womenswear, kidswear, and menswear for leading domestic and international brands. Deep expertise in trend research, concept development, and end-to-end product development, with a proven record of building cohesive seasonal collections aligned to brand identity and commercial price points. Skilled at leading and mentoring design teams, partnering closely with buyers and merchandisers, and translating runway and market intelligence into market-ready ranges.

Design Head - K & D Design Kraft LLP

(2021-11)

Head the design function across a portfolio of leading international high-street and premium labels. BRANDS & CLIENTS: Monsoon (womens & Kids), Fatface, Crew Clothing, Next, Zara, Boden (kids), John Lewis, Superdry, Bestseller Group – Veromoda, Pieces, Aware, Vila, Yas, Selected, JJxx, Retail – Veromoda, Only.

• Lead and mentor the design team of 6 members
• Research market trends, fabrics, prints, and competitor products
• Set seasonal trend direction and design strategy, translating market and runway intelligence into commercially viable, brand-aligned collections
• Drive concept, fabric, and product development from research through to final range, partnering with buyers and merchandisers
• Manage collection timelines and meet business objectives. Accelerated collection turnaround, resulting in faster buyer decisions and increased business opportunities
• Oversee fittings, sample development, and final product approvals
• Coordinate with merchandising, sourcing, and production teams. Ensure designs align with the brand identity and target customer
• Drove business growth by maintaining an 80% order conversion rate across key buyer accounts
• Managed multiple buyer portfolios (5–6 accounts) simultaneously, driving efficient communication, product development, and business growth
• Successfully drove both team development and company growth by building high-performing teams and delivering strong business results
• Developed commercially viable collections within target price points while maintaining design aesthetics and quality

Creative Business Manager - Orient Craft Ltd.

(2014-04 - 2019-12)

Managed end-to-end design and product development for the sleepwear & beachwear categories across M&S, Next, and TJX. Developed seasonal collections for leading global brands, including Ann Taylor, LOFT, M&S, Gap, Zara, Next, J.Crew, Esprit, United Colors of Benetton, and Tom Tailor, as well as premium labels SEA and Velvet.

• Partnered with HODs and Divisional Merchandise Managers to build cohesive seasonal collections that reflected a unified brand image while staying within customer price points
• Led and mentored a 6-member design team, directing trend research and overall design direction
• Created mood boards and trend boards drawing on WGSN, Vogue, and other trend channels
• Conducted regular mill visits to source novelty in fabrics and trims
• Travelled to Paris for Première Vision SS-18 and toured high-end retail stores for market intelligence and design inspiration

Senior Designer - Mona Designs / Ishwar Buying House

(2012-04 - 2014-03)

Developed design concepts in close collaboration with a French design team for brands including Camaïeu, Promod, Armand Thiéry, Phildar, 3 Suisses, and Jacqueline Riu.

• Built forward concepts through mocks and embellishments in a dedicated design library / resource centre, informed by emerging trends via Style Sight and WGSN
• Interpreted design and fashion codes to meet diverse customer requirements while preserving each brand's identity and design essence

Designer - V&S International Pvt. Ltd.

(2009-02 - 2011-03)

Developed design ranges across kidswear and womenswear for leading international fashion buyers. Conducted in-depth fashion forecasting and trend analysis to inform each collection.

• Kidswear accounts: John Lewis, Molly Jack, Mothercare
• Womenswear accounts: Calvin Klein, Monoprix, QVC (D&Co.), Debenhams (Matthew Williamson, John Rocha), Next (Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins)

Designer - Modelama Exports

(2004-06 - 2009-01)

Delivered seasonal design collections across kidswear, womenswear, and menswear. Prepared new concept folders covering fabric, trims, and embroidery for buyers ahead of each season. Developed highly embellished ranges for key accounts.

• Womenswear accounts: Calvin Klein, M&S, Banana Republic, QVC (D&Co.), Cold Water Creek, Hugo Boss
• Kidswear accounts: Old Navy, The Children's Place, Disney
• Menswear accounts: Calvin Klein Jeans, INC, Alfani

Fashion Design - IIFT (Indian Institute of Fashion Technology)

MA - English