Sarah McCowen

• Brand establishment and Creative direction of all Stitch Fix UK Womenswear Own Buy product, Mauvette, Editor's Cut and &et.
• Trend Direction for Stitch Fix Womenswear Branded and Own Buy teams with Client focused trend concepts, seasonal stories, key items, colour palettes, print and fabric direction as well as calling out new areas of opportunity. Partnership with WW Branded Buyers to drive more trend opportunities for the business as a whole through regular trend overviews, inspiration trip feedback as well as catwalk and pre collection roundups
• Recruitment and Management of Design team, full time and freelance designers across specialist areas. Includes complex planning scenarios flexing between design skill sets to accommodate SV changes and departmental shifts as well as Buy types and Buying strategy switches from depth to breadth
• Data Driven Design, leading design team with interpretation of data whilst adding commercial insights from external trend in line with brand DNA's. Harnessing data to empower design team to work smarter and more client focused as well as partnering with technical team to improve fit and sustainability metrics
• Organisation and Planning, partnering with Buying to ensure critical path is adhered to. Solution focused using tools for visual story telling including online collaborative digital range boards rolled out to Buying, Tech and Design across all product classes and lead times
• Strong cross functional collaboration including marketing, client insights and styling teams, Keeping Marketing informed on key product strategies ahead of time and advising on sample timelines and availability so editorial shoots can be planned
• International partnership with Stitch Fix US design and Trend team, building on ways of working as well as acknowledging similarities and differences
• Strong Communication with external Global Supplier base partnering with technical team to set high standards of make and product excellence

• Designer for Casual Jersey Department, companies largest and most profitable department, fast moving, trade-able department with largest option count in Miss Selfridge. Regular trips to LA, Tokyo, Copenhagen to ensure newness as well as supplier visits to Mauritius, Greece and Turkey for speed to market.
• In addition to departmental responsibilities took lead role in all Design team activities, keeping the Head of Design informed with Design team progress collectively and with individual departments.
• Bi monthly trend boards with a focus on casual stories.
• Careful analysis of all trend information including catwalks, Resort and Pre- Fall, London and International shopping trips, trade fairs, Instagram and magazine editorial, summarising in cohesive reports to inform other functions within the brand calumniating in a list of key drivers for the season
• Implementation of the travel calendar- Pushing timely Inspiration trips and advising on Individual itineraries, leading on numerous trips including Paris, Tokyo, New York, LA and managing sample budget and buy, vintage and new samples across for all departments
• Management of direct reports Senior Denim Designer, Senior Knitwear Designer, and Design Assistant.

Junior Designer for Jersey Department, taking on more responsibilities, I progressed through Arcadia levels, Designer, Established Designer, Senior Designer to Design Manager

• Oversaw and administered all aspects of studio management duties for Julien Macdonald mainline collection from initial research to design development
• Responsible for production of all catwalk show pieces leasing with all studio staff and freelancers
• Regular correspondence with Italian Manufacturer including trips for fitting and Design development
• Responsible for Indian beading and embroidery, design and development of swatches through to placement for commercial and catwalk collection, Included regular visits to specialist workshops in Mumbai