Fran Valentino@franvalentiono.com   HOME ABOUT FOLIO CONTACT

 

FRAN VALENTINO BIO
Fran Valentino@franvalentiono.com

Graduated the School of Visual Arts majoring in
Illustration and children's book writing.
Designer of handbags for Ghurka, Tahari, Calvin Klein,
Magaschoni, Carlos Santana, Betsey Johnson and Steve Madden.
Focus on designing Mens upscale travel bags, computer bags,
some of which have been sold at the Plaza Hotel shops,
Saks 5th Avenue, Macy's and Dillards. Some designs which
have been featured on major shopping networks such as HSN & QVC.
Other merchandise has been represented in large mass vendors
such as Kohl's, Target and JC Penney.


My Resume
  PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
- Ability to grow existing business through design and organizational skills.
- Able to sketch by hand and by using software.
- Attend trade shows, shop retail both foreign and domestic for research to ensure current trends.
- Design both men’s and women’s products categories include:
~ Handbags, slg’s, diaper bags, weekends, hard luggage and hardware.
- Flexibility to design in all fabrications including: Exotic skins, leather, suede as well as vegan.
- Responsible for own accounts and design to a specific customer and still keep true to brand identity.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines while not compromising design aesthetic.
  WORK HISTORY
  Senior Handbag Designer | Collection XIIX, NY, NY.
- Head Designer for Carlos Santana Handbags
- Customers include Macy’s, Dillard’s as well as mass customers.
- Forecast, track, and interpret trends based on European influences.
- Shop for new trend inspiration, shop market and attend trend meetings.
- Responsible for development and design of line(s), detail spec sheets for prototypes,
~ from concept to final execution.
- Responsible for prototype corrections, correcting ornaments.
- Prepare design presentations and present line to sales team.
  Senior handbag and hardware designer | STEVE MADDEN NY, NY.
- Created innovative product designs for both Steve Madden and Betsey Johnson licenses.
- Overseas travel for the purpose of sample shopping and product development including
~ working directly with factory owners and pattern makers.
- Implemented and standardized a catalog system for all hardware and prints.
- Instrumental in ensuring the designs and Cads are delivered in a timely fashion and within a price point.
- Design all new hardware, prints handbags, hard-sided nesting luggage and small leather goods.
- Increased sales with constant new product development.
- Adhere to a cross-functional calendar and attends all required meetings.
- Create and oversee execution of all tech packages while meeting and keeping deadlines.
  Creative Consultant/Sourcing Director | PAN AMERICAN LEATHERS, INC. NY, NY.
- Develop technical designs as well as purchasing components for handbag development for various customers.
- Meet with NYC based factory owners for sampling and product refinement.
- Exotic skins included: Alligator, Caiman, Python, Sting Ray, American Bison, Lamb and Goat skin.
- Product included both Men’s and Women’s Accessories.
  Senior Handbag Designer | ACCESSORY NETWORK GROUP. NY, NY.
- Head designer for The Ghurka Collection:
~ Including handbags, travel collection, SLG’s for both men and women exclusively retailing
~ at The Shops at the Plaza Hotel, Saks 5th Avenue and MSNBC.
- Creating leather embossing as well as hardware: Buckles, anchors and Zipper pullers.
- Meeting with Italian tanneries as well as maintaining a well-established brand.
- Responsible for developing several private label house lines for various vendors.
  Handbag and Hardware design | PACIFIC CONNECTIONS NY, NY.
- Created leather handbag lines for branded and licensed vendors
~ including HSN: HOT IN HOLLYWOOD and for Suzanne Somers.
- Primary focus on fashion and trend, including shopping and technical packages for factories.
- Hardware development: all new mold designs for zipper pullers, embellished belt buckles,
~ logo, grommets, studs and fastenings.
- License coordinator and creative director for signature leather bags, luggage, SLG’s and cosmetic cases.
- Fabric development: embossed fabric, jacquards.
  Senior Handbag Designer/Merchandiser | CHATEAU INTERNATIONAL NY, NY.
- Originated fashion forward designs for Missy and Junior leather
~ and Non-leather handbags for various vendors.
- Hardware and fabric development.
- Design director to graphics department as well as associate designers and freelancers.
- Merchandised in-store floor plan and lay out.
  Senior Designer/Brand Manager | ROMAR ACCESSORIES NY, NY.
- Exclusive designer for the Mary-Kate and Ashley brand including both junior and tween lines.
- Managed design room by prioritized and assigned projects.
- License coordinator: Responsible for design submissions and all communications with factories.
- Products included:
~ Handbags, Cosmetics bags, Back packs, Diaper bags, Totes for Toddlers through Junior.
- I have also designed:
~ Stationery, Notebooks, Agenda Books, Binders, Diaries to coordinate with handbags.
  Graphics/Print Designer | RASHTI AND RASHTI: THE BABY GIFT COMPANY NY, NY.
- Designed packaged baby gift sets for both Boutique and Department stores.
- Graphic design for print, Appliques, and trims for private label programs.
- Designed for both hanging line and gift sets.