Brooke McIntyre
Senior Fabric Associate
Professional Overview
Brooke McIntyre is a seasoned fashion industry professional with over 12 years of experience in fabric development, sourcing, and management. As a Senior Fabric Associate at J.Crew, she plays a pivotal role in driving fabric innovation, cost optimization, and strategic sourcing initiatives that support the company's product development and merchandising objectives.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Senior Fabric Associate at J.Crew since 2017, Brooke is responsible for managing the company's global fabric portfolio, overseeing a team of fabric specialists, and collaborating cross-functionally to develop high-quality, sustainable fabrics that meet the brand's aesthetic and performance requirements. Key achievements include:
- Spearheaded the implementation of a new fabric testing and quality assurance program, resulting in a 15% reduction in product returns and a 20% increase in customer satisfaction
- Drove the development of a proprietary blend of organic cotton and Tencel, which has been featured in J.Crew's bestselling apparel lines and contributed to a 12% increase in gross margins
- Introduced innovative finishing techniques, such as laser-etching and 3D-printed patterns, that have differentiated J.Crew's products and strengthened the brand's unique identity in the market
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Brooke held fabric management positions at leading fashion brands, including ANN INC. and Calvin Klein Jeans. At ANN INC., she served as an Associate Fabric Manager, where she spearheaded the company's initiative to transition to more sustainable fabric sourcing, resulting in a 30% reduction in the organization's carbon footprint. At Calvin Klein Jeans, she worked as a Global Fabric Specialist, leveraging her technical expertise to develop innovative denim fabrics that were featured in the brand's seasonal collections.
Academic Background
Brooke holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile and Apparel Management from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she graduated cum laude and was recognized for her outstanding academic achievements.
Areas of Expertise
- Fabric development and sourcing
- Sustainable materials and production methods
- Textile testing and quality assurance
- Cross-functional collaboration and project management
- Strategic planning and budget optimization
Professional Impact
Brooke's contributions have earned her recognition as a thought leader in the fashion industry. She has been invited to speak at industry conferences, such as the Sustainable Apparel Coalition's annual summit, where she shared insights on the importance of innovative fabric solutions in driving sustainability and profitability. Additionally, Brooke has published several articles in industry publications, advocating for the adoption of more environmentally-conscious practices in fabric manufacturing.
Conclusion
With her deep expertise in fabric management, proven track record of driving industry-leading initiatives, and commitment to sustainability, Brooke McIntyre is poised to continue making a significant impact on the fashion industry. Her versatile skillset and innovative mindset make her a valuable asset to any organization seeking to elevate its fabric sourcing and product development strategies.