MAIDE GRAEBIN

Professional Summary

Seasoned Senior Footwear/ Accessories Designer and Product Development Manager with over 25 years of experience providing product design and technical leadership in the footwear industry. Extensive experience driving multibillion-dollar footwear enterprises, leveraging technical production knowledge, sourcing international materials and factory connections, while maintaining a strong local network of design professionals from early industry beginnings. Dynamic, forward-thinking professional with a unique ability to oversee the full life cycle product development of dress/casual shoes, while being able to flexibly pivot to sneaker/athletic footwear production, sourcing, and product design. Successfully conducts domestic and international market research that drives consistent revenue. Continually exceeds expectations by building valuable relationships and works well with people at all levels of an organization including stakeholders, executive management, team members, vendors, and clients.

  • Full Life Cycle Product Development

  • Technical Footwear expertise

  • Business Trends & Intelligence

  • Team Leadership & Development

  • Design & Marketing Briefs

  • Business Strategy & Planning

  • Footwear Design, Sourcing & Retail Analysis

Skills

  • Raw Materials source and Development

  • Project Planning & Coordination

  • Calendar & Process Creation

  • Product Design & Line Presentations

  • Client Presentation & Negotiation Skills

  • Excellent Verbal & Written Communication

Technical Skills

Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, MS Office Suite, Knowledge of Leather and Fabric; Footwear Construction and Technical Fitting.

Work History

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/ CO FOUNDER – FIT THE PART –New York, NY

06/2020 to PRESENT

Line Builder Special Projects – Steve Madden/ Schwartz and Benjamin – New York, NY

04/2019 to 07/2020

Senior Designer Director/Merchandiser – ADJMI/ IFG–New York, NY

09/2020 to 07/2022

Creative Design Director – Lust For Life –L4L , LF/LIFE – Teaneck, NY

03/2017 to 01/2019

Creative Director – Estas Brands – M4D3/Groove/Sudini – New York

07/2015 to 02/2017

Senior Line Builder/Head Designer – KDB – Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn – New York, NY

06/2012 to 07/2015

Senior Line Builder/Head Designer – ES Originals Inc, Sugar and Sugar Kid's – New York, NY

10/2009 to 05/2012

Education

Senai Novo Hamburgo – RS/ Brazil: Modelista (paper pattern to shoe execution)

Senai Novo Hamburgo – RS/ Brazil: Leather Processing and Tanning Technology

Universidade Do Vale Do Rio Dos Sinos Publicidade e Propaganda – 1998 to 2005