Professional Overview
Charissa S. is an accomplished Design Director with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. She is known for her exceptional creative vision, strong strategic leadership, and ability to drive innovative product design that resonates with global consumers. As Design Director at the prestigious Ralph Lauren brand, Charissa oversees a team of designers and manages all aspects of the product development process to deliver trend-forward collections that uphold the brand's iconic aesthetic.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As Design Director at Ralph Lauren, Charissa is responsible for leading the creative direction and execution of the brand's apparel and accessory collections. She manages a team of 15 designers and collaborates closely with cross-functional partners in merchandising, marketing, and production to translate the brand's design strategy into commercially successful products. Under Charissa's leadership, the design team has consistently exceeded revenue targets and received acclaim for their ability to evolve the brand's timeless style for modern consumers.
Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Charissa served as a Design Manager at Ralph Lauren, where she played a pivotal part in revitalizing the brand's women's sportswear line and growing its market share. Before joining Ralph Lauren, she honed her craft as a Designer at Marc Jacobs, contributing to the development of several award-winning collections that solidified the brand's position as a leader in contemporary fashion.
Academic Background
Charissa holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, where she graduated with honors and was recognized for her exceptional technical skills and innovative design concepts.
Areas of Expertise
- Fashion design and product development
- Trend forecasting and brand positioning
- Collaborative leadership and team management
- Technical design and production expertise
- Strong commercial acumen and data-driven decision making
Professional Impact
Under Charissa's leadership, the Ralph Lauren design team has consistently exceeded revenue targets by 15-20% year-over-year, and the brand's most recent womenswear collection was featured in Vogue and earned praise for its fresh interpretation of the brand's heritage. Charissa is also an active member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), where she contributes her expertise to industry initiatives and mentors emerging designers.
Conclusion
With her exceptional design vision, strategic leadership, and proven track record of commercial success, Charissa S. is a highly valuable asset to the Ralph Lauren brand. Poised for continued growth and influence within the fashion industry, Charissa is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovative design while upholding the timeless elegance that defines the Ralph Lauren aesthetic.
