DESIGN DIRECTOR | MANUFACTURER

Kate O'Connor is an accomplished Design Director with a proven track record of leading creative teams and driving innovative projects to success. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of design principles, she consistently delivers visually stunning and user-centric solutions. Kate's leadership skills and collaborative approach make her a valuable asset in fostering a dynamic and inspiring work environment. Her passion for pushing the boundaries of design and staying ahead of industry trends sets her apart as a visionary in the field. With a diverse portfolio showcasing her expertise in various industries, Kate O'Connor is poised to continue making a significant impact in the world of design.

Kate O'Connor's journey as a visionary in the design industry has been nothing short of remarkable. With a keen eye for aesthetics and an in-depth understanding of design principles, she has led creative teams and driven innovative projects to success. Kate's leadership skills and collaborative approach have created a dynamic and inspiring work environment, making her a valuable asset in any venture.

Her passion for pushing the boundaries of design and staying ahead of industry trends has set her apart in the field. Kate's diverse portfolio showcases her expertise across various industries, proving her ability to deliver visually stunning and user-centric solutions.

Kate's professional trajectory has been marked by impressive achievements. As a Knitwear Consultant, she successfully assessed and improved the workflow productivity of knitwear departments while designing and developing custom swatches and stitches. Her talent for finding overseas supply chain vendors contributed to her success in this role.

In the world of Knitwear Manufacturing for TV & Film, Kate has left her mark on notable projects. Collaborating with renowned Costume Designer Betsy Heimann, she developed and locally manufactured custom military sweaters for Chris Pratt in "The Tomorrow War." Her attention to detail also led her to replicate the Director's historical sweater sketch for Ryan Reynolds's younger self in "The Adam Project," and create custom sweaters for other high-profile characters.

At RE/DONE, Kate's role as Design Director for Women's Knitwear saw her lead cross-functional efforts, transforming the knitwear department from a seasonal 2sku program to a thriving 25sku collection per season in less than two years. Her contributions elevated the Knitwear Department to the 3rd revenue-ranking category within the company.

Prior to her time at RE/DONE, Kate served as the Director of Men's Knits & Sweaters at VINCE, where she achieved significant product innovation and financial growth milestones. Her extensive travel to various factories allowed her to align design concepts with the brand's vision and financial goals.

As the Director of Contemporary Knitwear at Elizabeth & James, Kate developed signature styles and managed the design team while overseeing budget responsibilities for the department. She ensured that design concepts, silhouettes, and fits met the company's standards during her overseas travels.

In the early years of her career, Kate's talent and determination led her to found her own knitwear company, Kate O'Connor Designs Inc. She oversaw all aspects of wholesale, design, and production operations, and her success attracted a celebrity clientele and caught the attention of major high-end retailers. Fashion shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and features in renowned publications further solidified her place in the industry.

Kate O'Connor's journey in design has been a testament to her vision, creativity, and dedication. With a proven track record of excellence, she continues to leave a significant impact in the world of design, inspiring others with her exceptional work and innovative approach.