Experienced Fashion & Multi-Product Design Leader
Innovative and results-driven British Design Director with 22+ years of experience leading fashion, product development, and brand strategy for global retailers and brands. Proven expertise in building and managing high-performing design teams, driving creative vision, and delivering commercially successful products across menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, and homeware. Strong track record of elevating brands, launching new product lines, and managing design strategies at scale.
EXPERIENCE
Co-Founder & Design Director | Weasel and Stoat Ltd | UK | 2016 – Present
Co-Founder of an international personalised lifestyle brand with £1M+ turnover.
Design, develop and currently selling multi-product collections via www.weaselandstoat.com NotOnTheHighStreet.com & Etsy.
Head of Design | Heatons / Sports Direct | Dublin | 2014 – 2016
Led design & product development across Menswear, Womenswear, Childrenswear, Sportswear, Footwear, Accessories & Homeware.
Managed teams covering all apparel categories, including licensed product development (Lonsdale, Dunlop). Directed design, marketing, branding, graphics, packaging, and POS design.
SENIOR LECTURER | DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF DESIGN | Dublin | 2012 – Feb 2014
Co-developed the Fashion Design BTEC & BA (Hons) Fashion program. Taught research, design development, and final collection execution. Overseeing and directing approximately 40 students.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR | WEASEL AND STOAT | London, UK | Nov 2011 – June 2012
Developed full RTW range of Boyswear and Girlswear 1-9 years. Overseeing design, development, manufacture, branding, marketing, photography and QC
DESIGN MANAGER | NEXT | London, UK | Feb 2010 – Nov 2011
Led global product development for Childrenswear (0–14yrs), managing teams across London & Hong Kong. Working closely with buying, merchandising and design team directors.
Oversaw trend research, budget planning, and international sourcing. Developing with Turkey, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
SENIOR DESIGNER / DESIGN MANAGER | EMA TEXTILES | London, UK | May 2008 – Feb 2010
Designed Crew Clothing Childrenswear, TU Sainsbury’s Baby & Kids, TFL Cycling, and Woolworths Germany Womenswear.
DESIGN MANAGER | TOMMY HILFIGER | Amsterdam, Netherlands | Sept 2006 – Sept 2007
Managed design teams across Denim, Wovens, Jersey, Knit, Outerwear & Accessories (Boyswear 0-16).
Responsible for developing seasonal Denim line and Denim capsule within a commercial pricing structure.
Developed 550-600 option seasonal collections, collaborating with global merchandisers & senior leadership.
SENIOR BOYSWEAR DESIGNER | OSHKOSH SR GENT | London, UK | Aug 2004 – Sept 2006
Senior designer for Oshkosh UK & Europe, Naf Naf Boyswear & Disney Apparel.
Led design, trend research & production across Denim, Wovens, Jersey, Knit, Outerwear & Accessories. Development carried out through Sri Lanka, India and Far East.
DESIGNER | FATFACE | Portsmouth, UK | Sept 2003 – Aug 2004
Designed Girls & Boys (6m–11yrs) collections across Jerseys, Knits, Denim & Outerwear.
Led research trips & trend development for cohesive mens, womens & kids ranges.
BOYSWEAR/MENSWEAR DESIGNER | DEWHIRST GROUP (M&S Supplier) | London, UK | Feb 2002 – Sept 2003
MENSWEAR DESIGNER | GAS JEANS | Northern Italy (July 2001 – Dec 2001)
EDUCATION
BA (Hons) Fashion Design – Kingston University (1998–2001)
BTEC Foundation in Art & Design – Kingston University (1997–1998)
BTEC Foundation in Art & Design – Kingston University (1997–1998)
KEY SKILLS & EXPERTISE
•Fashion & Product Design Leadership – Directing global design teams & building brand identity
•Multi-Category Expertise – Menswear, Womenswear, Childrenswear, Homeware, Accessories
•Strategic Trend Forecasting & Market Analysis – Creating innovative, consumer-driven collections
•Brand Development & Licensing – Managing creative direction for licensed product lines
•Global Sourcing & Product Development – Working across Europe, US & Asia
•Creative Team Building & Mentorship – Developing and nurturing high-performing design teams
•Technical & Digital Expertise – Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Corel, Tex Design, PowerPoint
•Multi-Category Expertise – Menswear, Womenswear, Childrenswear, Homeware, Accessories
•Strategic Trend Forecasting & Market Analysis – Creating innovative, consumer-driven collections
•Brand Development & Licensing – Managing creative direction for licensed product lines
•Global Sourcing & Product Development – Working across Europe, US & Asia
•Creative Team Building & Mentorship – Developing and nurturing high-performing design teams
•Technical & Digital Expertise – Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Corel, Tex Design, PowerPoint