Lifestyle

Moto & Powersports

Outdoor

Skate

Snow

Surf

Director of Research & Development

Experienced & Passionate Product Development/Sourcing/Product Management Professional with 15 years of experience in apparel, accessories, soft goods, footwear, and various hard goods categories. 

Product Innovator: Product Development/Merchandising from inception through commercialization

Problem Extinguisher: Drive product engineering to meet specific design aesthetics and functions while remaining trend relevant, leader in market segment and maintaining generous margin requirements.

Relationship Builder: Extensive mill & factory contacts, cost engineering approach to product life cycle, cost negotiations, production expertise and partnership based supply chain growth plan management

Arsenal of Experience: Apparel fabric and finishing development, performance sportswear, footwear, accessories, intimates, swimwear product design & development through commercialized top quality WORLD CLASS product for multi-level costing tiers from value to high fashion product.

Innovative development professional focusing on development and sourcing from trend forecast through commercialization of margin appropriate production qualities.

Continual market research and inspiration gathering from industry sources to remain ahead of trend and market relevant to the identified target market and global markets,to bring innovation and cutting edge technology/development to inspire the design teams. 

Partner with cross functional teams in all categories to insure concepts are identified and represented with in key calendar deadlines, and aligned to target market/merchandising roadmap.

Drive allocation with mills/factories based on best practices and capabilities within the supply chain.
Influence and maintain target margins by developing into raw materials at affordable key price points to insure they fit within final item costing targets.

Sr. Manager Research & Development

Driving the product commercialization process for all categories from design inception, product brief through factory sourcing, sampling, engineering, costing and production. Strong focus on trend appropriate, quality products with sustainable gross margins. Partnered with VP of Sales and Marketing Director to properly and effectively launch product to market and track success accordingly.

Product Development, Sourcing, Production

SR Manager/Director of Product Development & Production/Sourcing

Fabric R&D Manager

Fabric & Trim Development Manager

Apparel & Accessories Raw Materials Manager

Product Development Manager

Find out detailed information about Amber Blair-Grapentin, Director of Research & Development in La Verne, CA

Amber Blair-Grapentin: Director of Research & Development in La Verne, CA

Amber Blair-Grapentin

REVOLVE

Nasty Gal

Revgear Sports

Anchor Blue Retail Group

Juicy Couture

Anchor Blue Retail Group

Pacific Sunwear

Oakley

5 Oaks Creative Development & Design