Elizabeth Kimball

Design Director - Men's Knits & Graphics
New York, New York, United States

Professional Overview

Elizabeth Kimball is an accomplished Design Director with over a decade of experience in the apparel industry. She is currently responsible for leading the design of men's knits and graphics at the renowned fashion brand, J.Crew. Kimball's expertise spans across product development, trend forecasting, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative and commercially successful collections.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Design Director for men's knits and graphics at J.Crew, Kimball oversees all aspects of the design process, from concept development to final product delivery. She is instrumental in driving the brand's vision, ensuring that each collection aligns with evolving consumer preferences and market trends. Under her leadership, the men's knits and graphics division has consistently exceeded sales targets, with a 15% year-over-year growth in revenue.

Kimball's key responsibilities include:

• Spearheading the design and development of men's knit apparel and graphics

• Collaborating with the merchandising, production, and marketing teams to deliver cohesive and commercially viable collections

• Identifying and analyzing market trends to inform design strategies and product innovations

• Mentoring and guiding a team of talented designers to foster their professional growth

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Kimball held design positions at several leading fashion brands, including Gap and Banana Republic. Her experience in both women's and men's apparel has given her a well-rounded understanding of the industry and the ability to adapt to evolving consumer demands.

Throughout her career, Kimball has earned recognition for her creative vision and ability to translate market insights into successful product collections. She was awarded the prestigious CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Emerging Designer of the Year award in 2015, further solidifying her reputation as a rising talent in the industry.

Academic Background

Kimball holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design from the Parsons School of Design, where she graduated with distinction. Her studies provided a strong foundation in design principles, trend analysis, and technical garment construction.

Areas of Expertise

• Innovative knitwear design and development

• Trend forecasting and adaptation

• Collaborative cross-functional leadership

• Talent management and mentorship

• Strategic product planning and execution

Professional Impact

Under Kimball's leadership, the men's knits and graphics division at J.Crew has consistently outperformed industry standards. Her ability to balance creative vision with commercial viability has resulted in numerous product successes, including the brand's best-selling men's cashmere sweater collection and the launch of a popular graphic t-shirt line.

Kimball's industry contributions extend beyond her work at J.Crew. She is a frequent speaker at design conferences, sharing her insights on the evolving landscape of the menswear market and the importance of embracing sustainability in fashion.

Conclusion

Elizabeth Kimball's extensive experience, design expertise, and collaborative leadership style have positioned her as a rising star in the apparel industry. In her current role as Design Director at J.Crew, she continues to drive innovation and commercial success, while inspiring the next generation of design talent. Kimball's commitment to excellence and her passion for creating exceptional menswear make her a valuable asset to any organization.