Meet Paolo Rosicarelli

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paolo Rosicarelli.

Paolo, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am a fashion designer with over 20 years of experience from Rome, Italy. I grew up in my mother’s tailor shop surrounded by fabric and draping, where all was completely sewn by hand. There were no sewing machines and by age six, I was already marking patterns on fabrics. I can honestly say that fashion runs in my veins. As a passionate professional, I love the creative aspect of my work and I embrace the challenges of the business side with great enthusiasm.

Through my extensive professional experience, I have learned the inner workings of the creative process and mastered the various aspects of design. I have achieved a professional harmony creating elaborate runway pieces as well as commercial ready to wear pieces. I worked as head designer for Giorgio Armani and Dolce and Gabbana for over five years in Milan. For these last seven years, I was senior design for the MARCIANO Collection in Guess, Inc. I was responsible for the creation of seasonal concepts, overall design and the execution of the collections.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Overall it’s been a smooth road but for sure, the first two years here in LA were quite challenging, new way to work, new language, new everything.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
EXPERIENCE
GUESS? Inc.
Senior Designer – Marciano Collection RESPONSIBILITIES
• Oversaw execution of collections from season concepts to final production approval, all Marciano womenswear and accessories categories
• Managed workflow of 3 US-based designers on all Marciano categories in accordance with corporate Master Calendar. Scheduled cross-functional deliverables with Materials R&D, Graphics, Product Development/Pattern, Technical Design and Production departments
• Built and negotiated product costs
• Developed and managed vendor relationships, including new vendor sourcing and lead-time / price negotiations
• Designed looks for the global advertisements and red carpets events for Jennifer Lopez and Gigi Hadid
• Traveled throughout Asia to manage production quality of the SMS; instructed factories on elaborate construction and attention of details in order to ensure brand quality KEY RESULTS
• Achieved average 85% adoption rate in partnering with Merchandising and Sales Departments through developing seasonal line plans and sales strategies, and meeting company’s IMU objectives
• Grew the sweater category from less than 5% of business to over 30% of business over seven years, with average 150 SKU in production per year
• Created aesthetic and operational synergy between global and US product offerings by managing the global team, starting from 2018. Traveled monthly to the Swiss-based global design office to review and develop collections.

ROYAL UNDERGROUND Irvine 2007-2012 Head Designer – By Nikki Sixx and Kelly Gray from St John Knit
• Created seasonal concepts, designs and oversaw the execution of the collections. Creation and implementation of brand image from denim and graphic t-shirts to full-scale collection sold on the contemporary floor of Neiman Marcus, Saks fifth avenue, Nordstrom and specialty boutiques Los Angeles, 2013 – 2020

• Partnered with Merchandising and Sales Departments to develop seasonal line plans and sales strategies
• Managed design, pattern room, and sewing room workflow and seasonal deliverables
• Traveled throughout Asia and India to source new vendors and manage production quality of manufacturing partner KEY RESULT
• Transformed Royal Underground from a jeans and t-shirt Menswear collection into a Menswear and Womenswear brand merchandised in all apparel categories
• Created strong leather jackets category for both Men and Women’s collections, which were featured on celebrities and primetime televisions shows

ROCK & REPUBLIC Los Angeles 2006 – 2007 Head Designer – By Victoria Beckham Collection
• Oversaw Fashion Denim and Tailor Made collections including outwear and dresses, from conception to completion including direction of New York Fashion Week runway shows inclusive of casting and styling
• Collaborated with merchandising teams for the needs of the American and European Markets
• Managed design team of 8, pattern room and sewing room workflow

DOLCE & GABBANA Milan 2005 – 2006 Head Designer – Black Label
• Designed Black Label collection covering all categories, from fabric and embroideries selection to finished garments
• Managed design and pattern team in creation of proto samples
• Reported daily to Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana for concept creation to collection finalization
• Collaborated with merchandising teams for the needs of the European and U.S.A. Markets
• Designed custom looks for: celebrities including: Jessica Alba, Monica Bellucci, Jennifer Lopez, Diana Ross and Madonna

GIORGIO ARMANI SPA Milan 2000 – 2005 Senior Designer – Armani Collezioni Donna
• Designed soft woven, cut & sewn and sweater categories, from fabric and yarns research to oversee the execution of proto until production relies
• Reported directly to Giorgio Armani
• Oversaw completely the creative direction and execution of seasonal look book and videos for showrooms
• Collaborated with merchandising teams for European and U.S.A. markets to fulfill their needs

GATTINONI COUTURE Roma 1997 – 2000 Designer
• Created mood for seasonal collections, reported directly to the art director Guillermo Mariotto
• Designed and developed prints, lace, macramé and embroideries for each collection
• Specialize in cocktail and evening embroidery dresses

EDUCATION
Los Angeles 2020 “Copenhagen Business School” Sustainable Fashion online course Rome 1996-1999 “Istituto Europeo di Design”
Rome 1991-1995 “Istituto Tecnico Commerciale Luzatti”

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
For sure, the biggest mentors of my career is Giorgio Armani, my first big work experience; he educates me about fabric quality and garment construction.

Contact Info:

• Email: p.rosicarelli@gmail.com

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