CASSANDRA HOBBINS
NEW YORK,NY
Summary
Innovative design executive with 15+ years of global leadership experience in creative direction, product development, and brand building across broad range of market segments. Skilled at bridging the business and creative sides of design, merchandising, and production, delivering solutions that are both visionary and commercially effective. Proven success in scaling brands, leading diverse teams, and collaborating cross-functionally to achieve strategic goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Creative Designer, Babaton
Aritzia
Vancouver, British Columbia
07.2024 - Current
- Develop and articulate the overarching creative and style strategy for Babaton that aligns with the brand’s identity and target market.
- Manage a team of designers while leading the creative process and strategy from concept through to bulk.
- Partner with merchandising and technical design to align design concepts with business goals, and oversee style and fit from development through bulk.
- Present collections to the SVP's and Founder/Executive Chair.
Design and Production Agency
Cass Hobbins LLC
New York
01.2014 - Current
- Working closely with founders, we provide end-to-end brand development, including design, creative direction, product development, merchandising strategy, sourcing, and production of apparel and accessory collections for retail, DTC, runway, collaborations, and product category expansion.
- Clients include: The Webster, Curve, Evan Mock, Mary Orton, Elena Velez, David Zwirner Gallery, Shiseido, Off Hours, Soft Services, Herschel Supply Co., and 21/Chee (China).
VP of Design
Solid and Striped x Sofia Richie Grainge
New York
01.2023 - 11.2023
- Working directly with Sofia Richie on the creative direction, merchandising plan, design, and development of SRG SS24 for Solid and Striped, overseeing collection development, and drove color, fabric, print, style, and fit from concept through launch.
- I traveled to international factories to oversee the entire development process.
VP of Design and Production
Totokaelo & Need Supply
New York
01.2014 - 07.2020
- Built from the ground up, the design, technical design, and production department for Totokaelo Collection, In-House brands, and Need Supply spans men's, women's, denim, home, and accessories.
- Set up domestic and international fabric and manufacturing partners. I traveled extensively to attend sourcing shows, oversee development and bulk, QC, expand product categories, and handle cost negotiations.
- Oversaw department calendar, budget, and P&L.
- Partner with Merchandising to grow double-digit year-over-year comps on double-digit less inventory, while increasing profitability to contribute to 25% of the company's total.
Creative Director
Inexcslv / Contempo Limited
04.2017 - 06.2020
- Contracted by a Hong Kong-based vertical knitwear factory, Contempo, to create a luxury knitwear brand.
Design Director
Isaac Mizrahi / Jump Design Group
05.2013 - 01.2014
- Led team of designers and in-house atelier to design licensed RTW product for Isaac Mizrahi.
Head Designer, Wovens Sportswear
Elie Tahari (ASL)
01.2011 - 08.2013
- Directed design of woven sportswear for Catherine Malandrino Pink Label.
Founder / Creative Director
Prose IV
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Womenswear label sold at Revolve Clothing, American Rag, and select boutiques across USA and Canada.
Head of Design and Production
Priorities
01.2008 - 06.2010
- Oversaw design and production for private label products catering to contemporary retailers like Bloomingdale’s Aqua. Based part-time in Shanghai, to closely manage the entire process from prototype through bulk.
Designer
Orthodox Clothing
04.2005 - 01.2008
- Managed design and production for an upper contemporary menswear brand produced in LA, sold at Barneys, Nordstrom, and select retailers in Japan, the US, Canada, and Australia.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Alberta
Skills
- Innovative mindset
- Strategic leadership
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Operations and workflow optimization
- Expert technical knowledge
Affiliations
- Mentor, Parsons School of Design
- Volunteer, City Harvest
- Member, Chief
Timeline
Head Creative Designer, Babaton
Aritzia
07.2024 - Current
VP of Design
Solid and Striped x Sofia Richie Grainge
01.2023 - 11.2023
Creative Director
Inexcslv / Contempo Limited
04.2017 - 06.2020
Design and Production Agency
Cass Hobbins LLC
01.2014 - Current
VP of Design and Production
Totokaelo & Need Supply
01.2014 - 07.2020
Design Director
Isaac Mizrahi / Jump Design Group
05.2013 - 01.2014
Head Designer, Wovens Sportswear
Elie Tahari (ASL)
01.2011 - 08.2013
Founder / Creative Director
Prose IV
01.2009 - 01.2012
Head of Design and Production
Priorities
01.2008 - 06.2010
Designer
Orthodox Clothing
04.2005 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Alberta
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