Vanessa Allen Address: 401,Rockview, Road,Novato, CA

vallen103@gmail.com
646-283-2430
Sr. Director of Technical Design and Brand Quality Vanessa Allen

About me
Dynamic and result driven Sr. Director of Technical Design and Brand Quality with over 30 years of experience in
fashion and retail industry. Proven leader in driving technical excellence, brand consistency, and quality
assurance across globally recognized brands. Adept at strategic planning, team leadership, and cross-functional
collaboration, with a strong focus on delivering high-quality products that align with brand standards. Committed
to fostering innovation, optimizing processes, and enhancing customer satisfaction through meticulous attention
to detail and creative problem-solving.

Professional Experience
Sr. Director, Technical Design + Brand Quality, Banana Republic + Banana Republic Factory
Gap Inc.
San Francisco, CA | 2017 – Present
• Spearheaded the direction of all technical design functions for Banana Republic and Banana
Republic Factory, ensuring alignment with brand vision and consistency across all product lines.
• Championed brand quality initiatives throughout the entire product lifecycle, from development
through to in-store execution, collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain the highest
standards.
• Enforced fit and construction standards, ensuring consistency and precision across all divisions,
leading to a cohesive and reliable product offering.
• Optimized budget management by analyzing statistical data related to technical design, driving
cost efficiency while upholding product excellence.
• Cultivated a high-performing technical design team, leading recruitment, retention, performance
management, and professional development to foster a dynamic and skilled workforce.
• Instilled a positive organizational culture, effectively leading through periods of change with
resilience and inspiring the team to achieve strategic goals.

Divisional Vice President, Global Technical Design & Director, Technical Design
Sears Holdings Corp. and Kmart
New York, NY | April 2007 – November 2015
• Directed all aspects of global technical design, ensuring brand integrity and quality from initial
concept through to retail deployment across Sears and Kmart.
• Orchestrated collaboration with designers, production teams, merchants, and sourcing teams,
driving efficiency and alignment across the entire supply chain process.
• Standardized fit and construction protocols across the division, significantly contributing to the
uniformity, success, and market competitiveness of the product lines.
• Steered budgetary oversight and conducted in-depth data analysis, maintaining financial discipline
while enhancing the quality, appeal, and profitability of product offerings.
• Led the development and management of a large, cross-functional technical design team, focusing
on strategic hiring, skill development, and career advancement, with a team size of up to 75
technical designers and pattern makers spread across New York and Chicago offices.
• Set a high standard for leadership, navigating complex organizational challenges with a proactive,
positive approach that inspired team performance and productivity.
• Implemented innovative design solutions that reduced production costs while maintaining high-
quality standards, resulting in improved profit margins.
• Championed a customer-centric approach to product development, ensuring that the end
products consistently met consumer expectations and industry standards.
 Director, Technical Design
Steve and Barry’s
Port Washington, NY | November 2005 – April 2007
• Architected and led all technical design initiatives, including quality assurance across
diverse product categories such as men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel.
• Built and developed a global technical design team, managing a cross-functional group of
30 professionals across New York and Mumbai, India, including senior technical designers
and quality control managers.
• Partnered with design, merchandising, production, and sourcing teams to streamline the
supply chain, ensuring efficient product development and market readiness.
• Established grading rules, safety standards, and fit specifications for high-profile celebrity
brands, including SJP, Venus Williams, Amanda Bynes, and Stephon Marbury.

Director, Technical Design

Gap, Inc.
San Francisco, CA | February 1997 – September 2005
• Directed all technical design functions for Old Navy, overseeing a team of 25 and managing
technical design for men’s, women’s, and children’s categories.
• Led the technical aspects of product development, from technical sketches and spec
packages to fittings and quality assurance, ensuring product integrity and safety
compliance.
• Mentored and developed a skilled technical design team, driving recruitment, training, and
performance evaluation processes.
• Managed budgetary responsibilities, analyzing data to ensure financial efficiency while
delivering high-quality products.

Skills
Technical Skills:
• Technical Design: Expertise in garment construction, fit, and quality assurance.
• Product Development: Proficient in leading end-to-end product development processes from
concept to launch.
• Project Management: Skilled in managing large-scale projects, coordinating with cross-
functional teams, and meeting tight deadlines.
• Strategic Planning: Strong ability to develop and execute long-term strategies that align with
business objectives and market demands.
• Trend Analysis: In-depth knowledge of fashion trends, enabling the creation of innovative and
market-relevant products.
• Software Proficiency: Experienced in using design software like Adobe Illustrator, WebPDM, and
PLM systems.
Soft Skills:
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor large teams, fostering a collaborative and
innovative work environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, facilitating effective cross-
functional collaboration.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills and a creative approach to overcoming challenges and
optimizing processes.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency
across all projects.
• Collaboration: Adept at working with diverse teams to achieve shared goals and drive business
success.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management
University of Phoenix | Phoenix, AZ
Graduated with Honors, 1994

Fashion Institute of Technology

Courses:
• Pattern Making
• Apparel Design
• Textiles

Activities
• Chair/Lead – NY Chapter of Women In Leadership (WILD), Sears NY Design Office
• Champion – SHC Cultural Beliefs, NY Design Office
• Mentoring Leader – Sears NY Design Office
• Chair Diversity Committee - Banana Republic SF Design
• Return Rate Task Force - Banana Republic SF Design
• Quality Leader - Banana Republic SF Design