Michelle Frantz
323.363.0714
frantzm@earthlink.net
Design Consultant
Feb 2010 to present
The Gap - designed new silhouettes for holiday 2010. started design process for Spring 2011
Jones NY - created concept for launch of Fall 2011 accessories focusing on the ultimate tote with supporting silhouettes.
323.363.0714
frantzm@earthlink.net
Design Consultant
Feb 2010 to present
- Provides freelance design consulting services for a range of companies. Specializing in the launch of new brands. Some of my clients include....
The Gap - designed new silhouettes for holiday 2010. started design process for Spring 2011
Jones NY - created concept for launch of Fall 2011 accessories focusing on the ultimate tote with supporting silhouettes.
Donna Karan - Design Director Collection Accessories
Oct 2007 - Jan 2010
- launched the new collection accessories division. Formulated the brand identity by creating a defined and iconic handbag language that parallels the vision of Donna Karan RTW.
- Design - designed,sourced and implemented four accessory collections per year, which included handbags, small leather goods, belts and jewelry.
- Marketing and Research - assisted with the development for the vision and the direction of the brand. Worked closely with merchandisers to define the parameters of the collection.
- Product Development - Designed unique hardware specific to the brand. Source materials for current and future collections Travel to Italy and Asia to meet with factories to track all developmental stages of the collection. Provided presentation materials for sr. management and design team to maintain intra department communication.
Rock and Republic - Consultant
July 15 - Aug 30 2007
- As consultant to the CEO, designed and detailed the Fall 2008 Accessory Collection for R & R's entrance in to the accessories market
Sondra Roberts - Consultant
May - June 2007
- freelance
Hand Maid by Michelle Frantz, a division of Line Up Group, Inc.
Creative director/head designer
April 2005 - May 2007
- In April 2005, I sold my company to Line Up Group and continued as Creative director of accessories.
- Design - Created 5 lines per year for both Hand Maid and Line Up Group. Products including handbags, small leather goods, travel bag, key fobs, shoes , hats , belts and jewelry.
- Private Label Development - Designed private label items and collections for corporations such as Nine West and Bebe.
- Sales and Marketing - Located and selected representative showrooms for the Hand Maid collection, provided sales support for large accounts, private label clients and participated in all trade shows.
- Production - Located and selected offshore manufacturers. Negotiated pricing, material standards and delivery schedule.
Hand Maid by Michelle Frantz- founder / CEO
1998 - March 2005
- As founder, I created an award winning line of luxury handbags and accessories, which are sold in over 200 department stores and boutiques worldwide includingFred Segal , Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Macy's West, Isetan, and Fenwick.
- Design - Created and designed 5 lines per year. Products principally handbags and small leather goods, working with both local and offshore manufacturing.
- Sales - Located, selected and established multiple representative showrooms in NYC, Tokyo and LA. Participated in major trade shows such as ENK, POOL and D&A.
- PR / Marketing - Formed direct relationships with the press to steer the brand image toward the target market.
- Media Design - Created all graphics for the line sheets, look books, postcards, event announcements, press releases, photography and website. Updated images / colors / graphics / photos to support the vision and look.
- Sourcing - Sourced leather, fabric and hardware from local and international vendors. Located, negotiated contracts and developed relationships with U.S. and overseas manufacturers and suppliers.
- Offshore Production - Oversaw manufacturing in LA for 5 years and for the last 2 years designed and supervised production and sampling overseas via internet and trips to Hong Kong and China.
Education
- MFA: UCLA, Masters Painting program, one of 6 selected out of 3000 applicants, awarded scholarship
- BFA:Parsons School of Design & Otis College of Art and Design - Fashion/Fine Art
- proficient in MS Excel, Word, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Awards
- Recipient of the Gen Art 2001 Fresh Faces in Fashion
- Nominated twice for the FGI rising star award
- Awarded grant from Florida Citrus Grapefruit and Gen Art
