Milly Diaz
Design Director of Handbags & Accessories | New York, New York, United States
Professional Overview
Milly Diaz is an accomplished Design Director with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, specializing in the design and development of premium handbags and accessories. As the Design Director of Handbags & Accessories at Steve Madden, she drives the creative vision and oversees the execution of innovative product lines that cater to the brand's diverse customer base.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Design Director of Handbags & Accessories at Steve Madden, Milly Diaz is responsible for leading a talented team of designers in the creation of trend-forward, high-quality handbag and accessory collections. She collaborates closely with cross-functional partners to align product development with the brand's strategic goals, ensuring exceptional design, quality, and commercial viability. Under her direction, the handbag and accessories categories have experienced consistent year-over-year growth, contributing significantly to the overall success of the Steve Madden brand.
Career Progression
Milly's career in the fashion industry began with internships at prestigious design houses, including Narciso Rodriguez, Coach, and Topshop UK. She honed her skills as an Assistant Handbag & Accessories Designer at LF USA, before joining Steve Madden in 2014 as a Handbag & Accessories Designer. Leveraging her strong design acumen and keen understanding of market trends, Milly quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Senior Handbag & Accessories Designer in 2019 and ultimately assuming her current role as the Design Director in 2022.
Academic Background
Milly Diaz holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design from the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City. During her time at Parsons, she was recognized for her exceptional design skills and innovative approach, earning multiple academic honors and awards.
Areas of Expertise
- Handbag and accessory design
- Trend forecasting and analysis
- Product development and manufacturing
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Team leadership and mentorship
- Budgeting and resource management
Professional Impact
Under Milly's design leadership, Steve Madden has consistently introduced market-leading handbag and accessory collections that have resonated with consumers and earned critical acclaim. Her ability to identify emerging trends and translate them into commercially viable products has been instrumental in driving the brand's growth and strengthening its position within the highly competitive fashion landscape.
Conclusion
Milly Diaz is a seasoned Design Director with a proven track record of delivering innovative and commercially successful handbag and accessory collections. Her deep industry expertise, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to design excellence position her as a valuable asset to the Steve Madden brand. As she continues to elevate the company's design capabilities, Milly is poised to make an enduring impact on the fashion industry.
