I am a global design director with over 20 years experience in luxury brands and commercial leadership. As a graduate in both Design and Art from the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, my creative and technical skills have led to a number of exciting professional roles. The portfolio of brands I have directed is wide-ranging, yet the common thread is the success of the design teams I have led and the people I have mentored. I consider this my greatest achievement.
The time spent at Donna Karan, Anna Sui and Vera Wang expanded both my creativity and passion for translating trends of the moment into the most luxurious products. My unique way of defining and establishing trends of the season was shaped by my work at these brands. With my experience with Hunkemöller, Triumph and Tommy Hilfiger came invaluable insights and knowledge of the mass market and the retail space.
My roles have taken me across the globe, from NYC to Germany to Tokyo. Most recently, my path took me to Amsterdam to help transform a legacy brand and secure its place as the top high street lingerie brand in Europe. Having the chance to work globally has broadened my perspective on areas of design that matter so much to me, like inclusivity, female empowerment and body positivity.
I have always been passionate about music, architecture, the arts, travel and, of course, fashion. Being fortunate to really love what I do, I am always working and always being inspired. My inspirations come from travelling around the globe, from observing people on the subway and listening to music, just to name a few. Living in cities on the pulse like NYC, Tokyo and now London has put me directly in touch with what’s most exciting about fashion to me: change and constant re-invention.
In 2020 I realised that what excites me the most about my work is setting up new brands, establishing the handwriting and the DNA of these brands, or re-launching brands that need a change. I enjoy being able to dive deep into a brand’s identity and direct the aesthetic or set the stage, so to speak, in a way that the designers and merchandisers have a clear path to follow. I decided to focus my skills and experience on helping brands and individuals realise their design potential and that is when Andrew Lane Consultancy was born.
I have been fortunate to work with some amazing brands and every role has changed me for the better. However, my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the change in the creative process of the designers I have gotten to know. I find that, in order to make the best product, you need to first make the team you work with both empowered and confident in their own voice.
At Andrew Lane Consultancy, I bring about change – and that’s an exciting way to work.