Cynthia Karaha

Senior Active/Athleisure/Outdoors Designer

Professional Overview

Cynthia Karaha is an experienced fashion designer specializing in active, athleisure, and outdoor apparel. As the Senior Active/Athleisure/Outdoors Designer at Free Country, she leverages her deep industry expertise to create innovative, high-performing designs that cater to the needs of active and lifestyle-oriented consumers.

Experience Summary

Current Role

In her current role at Free Country, Cynthia is responsible for spearheading the design and development of the brand's active, athleisure, and outdoor product lines. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to translate market insights and consumer preferences into fresh, on-trend designs that drive brand growth and customer engagement. Cynthia's strong technical design skills and keen eye for emerging trends have enabled her to consistently deliver collections that resonate with the target audience.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Cynthia held various design positions within the active apparel industry. As the TKO Active Apparel Designer at Argento SC, she played a pivotal role in shaping the brand's product assortment, contributing to its commercial success. Earlier in her career, Cynthia served as the Head Ladies/Men's Designer at Cheetah NY Division of M. Hidary & Co., where she demonstrated her versatility in designing for both genders. Her extensive experience also includes roles as the Design Director/Merchandiser at Athco Inc/Wilson Sporting Goods and the Activewear Ladies/Men's Designer at Active Apparel, where she honed her skills in designing for leading athletic and lifestyle brands.

Academic Background

Cynthia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design from the renowned Parsons School of Design in New York City. Her specialized education in fashion design and strong academic performance have provided a solid foundation for her successful career in the industry.

Areas of Expertise

• Active and athleisure apparel design

• Outdoor and performance-driven product development

• Trend forecasting and market analysis

• Collaborative cross-functional team leadership

• Technical design and pattern-making skills

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and design software

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Cynthia has consistently delivered innovative and commercially successful designs that have contributed to the growth and success of the brands she has worked with. Her ability to translate market insights into captivating products has earned her a reputation as a highly sought-after designer within the active and outdoor apparel industry.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience, design expertise, and deep understanding of the active and lifestyle consumer, Cynthia Karaha is poised to continue driving growth and innovation in the dynamic active/athleisure/outdoor apparel market. Her passion for creating functional, stylish, and high-performing designs, coupled with her strong cross-functional collaboration skills, make her a valuable asset to any organization.