Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Claire Potier is an accomplished design and product development executive with over 15 years of experience in the luxury fashion industry. As the current VP of the Design Studio at Coach, she oversees the creative direction and execution for the brand's footwear, handbag, and accessory collections. Recognized for her strong technical expertise, strategic vision, and collaborative leadership, Claire has a proven track record of driving innovation and growth across leading fashion houses.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As VP of the Design Studio at Coach, Claire is responsible for leading a team of designers and developers to conceptualize and deliver compelling product assortments that resonate with the brand's target consumers. She works closely with cross-functional stakeholders to align on seasonal direction, optimize manufacturing processes, and ensure exceptional quality and on-time delivery. Under her guidance, the Design Studio has consistently delivered market-leading products that have driven increased customer engagement and revenue growth.
Career Progression
Prior to her role at Coach, Claire held several senior design and development positions at prestigious fashion brands. As VP of Shoes & Raw Material at Marc Jacobs, she oversaw the strategic sourcing and production of the brand's footwear and accessory components, driving significant cost savings and quality improvements. As Director of Sourcing, Production & Development at Maiyet, she played a key role in establishing the company's ethical supply chain and sustainable manufacturing practices. Earlier in her career, Claire served as the Director of Development for Footwear & Accessories at Theory/Helmut Lang/Theyskens' Theory, where she honed her expertise in product lifecycle management and cross-functional collaboration.
Academic Background
Claire holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design, where she graduated with honors. Her specialized training in textile design, pattern making, and product development has been instrumental in shaping her technical proficiency and industry-leading capabilities.
Areas of Expertise
- Luxury fashion design and product development
- Strategic sourcing and supply chain optimization
- Cross-functional team leadership and collaboration
- Sustainable manufacturing and ethical production practices
- Trend forecasting and consumer insights
- Digital transformation and e-commerce integration
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Claire has been recognized for her ability to drive innovation and operational excellence. At Maiyet, she led the development of the brand's first fully traceable supply chain, which earned industry recognition for its commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. At Theory/Helmut Lang/Theyskens' Theory, she spearheaded the successful launch of several new product categories, resulting in significant revenue growth and market share expansion.
Conclusion
With her deep industry expertise, strong technical skills, and strategic mindset, Claire Potier is poised to continue making a significant impact in the luxury fashion industry. As she progresses in her role at Coach, she remains focused on leveraging her design and product development capabilities to drive innovation, enhance brand positioning, and deliver exceptional value for the company and its customers.
