Elena Hodis Shelton

Dynamic, results-producing Designer with an exceptional track record of delivering year over year growth in Men’s and Women’s Denim, Non/Denim, and Outerwear categories. 20 years of extensive knowledge of fit, fabric and denim wash development of both domestic and import styles from concept to production. Provide an expertise of pattern and garment construction with the ability to merchandise cohesive lines with sensitivity to costing. A keen eye for graphic detail, and label/trim packaging programs for brand strength. Demonstrated leadership through strong communication, interpersonal relationships, presentation skills, and ability to mentor and grow highly functioning teams.

Denim Perspective

Sept 2018 - Present

Freelance Design Consultation

Providing innovative design and consultation to elevate brands while leveraging 20+ years of women's and men’s design background with a focus on Denim. Highlighted specialties include:

  • Design strategy and trend analysis

  • Cohesive and balanced design collections

  • Fit specialist

  • Denim fabrication and textiles

  • Wash development

  • Process improvement and cross functional team optimization

  • Curating vintage inspiration

  • Development of branding, packaging, and hardware

  • Overseas development and vendor facilitation

  • Competitive market research

 

Hudson Jeans

Design Director, Women's: Jan 2018 - Aug 2018

  • Developed concepts for each season, color direction and trend with the Creative Director.

  • Lead creative for wash development range and sourced denim fabrications for innovation in the line.

  • Traveled to source for development of wash and new styles.

  • Created several new fashion fits that are seasonally appropriate and oversaw fittings for core and fashion styles.

  • Lead the creation of a sportswear line that complimented the core denim esthetic.

  • Led and mentored the design team to be able to hit development deadlines.

  • Worked closely with cross development teams, especially merchandizing to ensure a balanced line.

  • Influenced sales meetings and photoshoots for e-commerce.

 

True Religion Brand Jeans

Design Director, Denim/Non Denim: Sept 2016 – Dec 2017

Senior Designer Men’s Denim/Non Denim: 2011 – Sept 2016

  • Manage a cross-functional team of designers, assistants, pattern makers, and sample sewing room to support and create seasonal line and chase product.

  • Expanded men’s denim fits range with new fashion silhouettes and reinterpreted classics.

  • Designed a new style category with the introduction of the Moto Jean which now accounts for over 20% of the companies denim business.

  • Responsible for seasonal research and concept presentations along with senior design leadership.

  • Featured in viral company branding video illustrating expertise in wash development

  • Expanded and grew the companies denim sourcing from domestic only to include factories in Mexico and Asia to improve margins while holding quality.

  • Lead design collaboration with NBA star Russell Westbrook.

 

Lucky Brand Jeans

Senior Designer Denim/Non Denim: 2005 – 2011

Senior Associate Designer: 2002-2005

Assistant Designer: 1997-2002

  • Responsible for development of men’s line including denim fabrication sourcing, wash direction and development, men’s fit innovation, branding, and development strong ties and communication with over sea’s vendors and factories.

  • Managed multiple channels from concept to delivery of both men’s and women’s denim and non/denim lines through communicating efficiently to production with styles, laundries with wash approvals, reviewing denim lines and sourcing fabrics, working with trim vendors, and garment fit and construction details and direction.

  • Developed non-denim men’s line including a strong men’s shorts business to over $3.5M in 2010 with a creative way to develop fabrications with mills at cost effect price points for diversity in the market place and continued best selling styles by keeping the customer needs and trends for fit and style details in the forefront.

  • Design and created outerwear for the customer base that was rooted in the brand’s Vintage modern esthetic, while explore creative ways to implement current trends that are easily understood and wearable.

  • Oversaw the development of both Men’s and Women’s categories, managing a team of assistants, pattern makers, and sample sewing rooms from 2005 to 2007. After moved to the Men’s category exclusively in 2007, responsible for over $38M in Men’s Denim and Non-Denim sales annually, reaching as high as $44M in 2008.

  • Two notable fits, the 221 Slim Straight, and 227 Slim Boot launched in 2010 contributed to over $8.2M to sales. Each grossing $5.2M and $3M respectively.

  • Introduced specialty left hand twill denim in 2007 that resulted to over $14.5M in sales across multiple styles and wholesale retail channels annually.

 

JNCO Jeans

Assistant Designer: 1995-1997

  • Oversaw ordering and management of trims and fabrics for sample development

  • Introduced increased business workflow between designers, factories, and sewers.

  • Responsible for design illustrations, cads for presentations, and compilation of look books for market.

  • Worked collaboratively with factories for sampling denim lines as well as embroidery houses on sample development.

 

Brooks Institute

Long Beach, CA — Fashion Design

 

References available by request.