top of page

Maureen   Connelly

17 Oak Drive, Essex, CT 06409
maureenconnelly@comcast.net
860.767.3586

Creative and experienced Fashion Accessory Designer. Expert at all stages of design development, from color and trend forecasting to developing concepts from initial idea via inspiration boards and hand sketches, to technical specification packages completed in AI for sampling and production. Skilled at sourcing all components, expert knowledge of materials including leather, PVC and fabrics. Expert knowledge of developing molds for hardware in metal, rubber or plastic. Researching and developing relationships with factories that are best suited for the client's needs as well as, daily communication, scheduling, sample development, price negotiation, and shipping with Asian factories.

 

 

PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANT EXPERIENCE:

​

2016-present, Senior Accessory Designer & Marketing Liaison, New Gear Medical, Harford, PA, www.newgearmedical.com

  • Brand Concept Design and Material Selection

  • Design and technical illustrations of collection of Medical Supply Bags and Accessories

  • Hardware Design and technical illustration

  • Design of promotional marketing materials, company logo, style guide, brochures, business cards, mailers

  • Design of digital marketing materials, website, email blasts, social media including Facebook and Instagram

  • Trade Show Booth Design, Banners, Brochures, POP display

​

2018-present, Senior Accessory Designer, Jill-E Designs, www.jill-e.com

  • Material selection and trend direction

  • Design and technical illustrations of collection of leather Camera Bags and totes

  • Hardware Design and technical illustrations

 

2016-present, Senior Accessory Designer, Joy Accessories, Hartford, CT, www.joyaccessories.com

  • Design and technical illustrations of Women’s fashion bags

  • Consult on materials and product construction

  • Factory Sourcing, manage production

 

2011-present, Senior Accessory Designer, Sugar Medical, LLC, Stratham, NH, www.sugarmedical.com

  • Product concept, design and technical illustrations for diabetic supply cases and handbags

  • Color and print forecasting, source all materials and hardware

  • Source new factories and manage all aspects of overseas sample development

  • Negotiate costs of raw materials and finished goods

 

2011-present, Senior Accessory Designer, Davey's USA, New York, NY, www.daveysusa.com

  • Design, technical illustrations and merchandising of collection of  handbags, wallets, and tech accessories

  • Source fabrics, manage leather development, and manage all aspects of overseas sample development

 

2012-2013, Senior Accessory Designer, Heritage Luggage, Chicago, IL

  • Product concept, design, competitive market analysis, technical specifications and merchandising of Men’s and  unisex outdoor and fishing accessories; belts, hats, wallets, bags, rolling luggage, waterproof tech

  • Packaging development for production; photo editing, product write ups, hard card development

  • Manage overseas sample development and negotiate costing of finished goods

 

2011-2012, Senior Accessory Designer, Brahmin, Fairhaven, MA, www.brahminleatherworks.com

  • Design and technical specifications for collection of Men’s SLG, Briefcases and Totes

  • Design and technical specifications for collection of business accessories; bags, wallets, folios

  • Design collection of tech accessories; cell phone wallets, laptop cases, IPad cases

  • Design collection of pet accessories; bags, travel carriers, collars and leashes

  • Design and develop logo hardware; locks, buckles and decorative jewelry pieces

 

2009-2015, Senior Accessory Designer, Kelly Moore, Inc., New York, NY,   www.kellymoorebags.com

  • Design and technical illustrations for logo hardware; buckles, zip pulls, locks, plaques

  • Design and technical illustrations for Men’s and Women’s camera, handbag, totes and IPad bags

 

2009-2013, Senior Accessory Designer, Fabrique, Inc., Branford, CT, www.wibbags.com

  • Design and technical illustrations for collections of Unisex rolling laptop cases for HP and Dell Computers

  • Design women's collections of Business Totes, Backpacks, Tech Accessories and Travel bags

   

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

 

2003-2009, Senior Design Manager, Buxton Leather Goods, Inc., Chicopee, MA, www.buxton.com

  • Forecast seasonal colors and trends through market research, present to sales team

  • Conceptualize, design and merchandise Buxton Business line of women's and men's totes, laptop bags, rolling luggage, backpacks, pad folios and business accessories with sales over 1 million in first 2 years

  • Conceptualize B Collective handbag collection, overseeing all aspects of design and line development from initial brand concept through final prototype production

  • Design and merchandise of multiple small leather goods collections in leather and PVC for Buxton brand and private label brands (Target, JC Penney and Kohl's)

  • Daily email communication with overseas factories to source and develop materials, develop proto type samples, negotiate raw material, FOB and shipping costs

  • Plan and maintain time and action calendar for new product launches

  • Collaborate with sales to develop new product for targeted sales opportunities and develop exit strategies

  • Coordinate production of product catalogs; oversee photo shoots, write copy, oversee printing

  • Prepare and present seasonal line presentations at National Sales Meetings

  • Travel with Sales team to present to key Major Accounts (JC Penney, Staple's, Wal-Mart, Target)

  • Manage and mentor Junior Designers, Production, Graphic Design teams and overseas production staff

 

1999-2003, Designer, Judith Leiber, Inc., New York, NY, www.judithleiber.com

  • Design hardware and fastenings for ladies footwear, evening bags, picture frames, belts and jewelry utilizing Swarovski Crystals, Semi-precious beads and stones, brass and gold

  • Design seasonal luxury evening bag and day bag collections in exotic leathers (Alligator, Crocodile, Karung Lizard, Ring Lizard, Python, Sting Ray) and silk fabrics

  • Design women's Footwear, small leather goods and belt collections in exotic leathers

  • Conceptualize, design and launch day bag collection & Overture collection for Bergdorf Goodman

 

1996-1999, Designer, Liz Claiborne Accessories, New York, NY

  • Design best-selling seasonal collections of handbags and small leather goods in leather and PVC

  • Design and work with model makers to develop hardware; locks, buckles, zip pulls

  • Develop exclusive leathers, PVC, printed fabrics, straws, linings

  • Work with NY and Asian pattern makers and sample rooms to develop prototypes

  • Extensive travel to Hong Kong and Korea to source and work with factories

  • Designs featured in Accessory, Elle, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire, Vogue, Women's Wear Daily magazines and featured in National Ad campaign

 

 

EDUCATION:

 

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA  

 

SKILLS:

 

Hand sketching, Graphic Design, Adobe Illustrator CS5, Photoshop CS5 and Dreamweaver CS5, Microsoft Word, Excel, Office Suite

 

PORTFOLIO:

www.maureenconnelly0.wixsite.com/maureenconnelly

bottom of page