CAGGIE SIMONELLI BRADFORD
Katonah, New York
+1.917.294.5119 | caggie@caggie.com | www.caggiebradford.com
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Versatile and results-driven brand leader with 15+ years of experience spanning fashion, lifestyle, and startups. Proven success in brand development, licensing, design direction, and early-stage business growth. Adept at building omnichannel strategies, leading high-performing creative teams, and cultivating strategic partnerships. Recent work includes driving business development for a disruptive beverage startup, demonstrating entrepreneurial agility and market foresight.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Founder & Creative Director
Simonelli Group – New York, NY 2008 – Present
Independent brand consultancy and creative studio for fashion, lifestyle brands and startups.
• Brand Strategy & Creative Oversight: Lead design direction for multiple consumer brands across fashion and lifestyle categories.
• Business Development – Beverage Startup: Spearheaded early-stage growth for a Thc-infused beverage company, including sales outreach, distributor relations, and retail expansion planning.
• Licensing & Market Expansion: Secured new partnerships, including launching UK brand BABYBLOOMS in the U.S. and developing market-ready strategies for emerging lifestyle companies.
• Design & Product Development: Oversaw concept-to-market creative execution for apparel, home, and gift categories with a strong focus on aligning with consumer trends and retail needs.
• Retail Achievements: Successfully placed brands with Neiman Marcus, Barneys New York, and high-end regional chains.
Other brands - Caggie&Lisa - Plus Size Startup , HONOR, Callula Lillibelle, The Oriole Mill, Urban Zen, Wylie Willson,
Vice President, Design - Licensing
Anne Klein – New York, NYJuly 2015 – July 2019
• Directed creative and commercial strategy for all licensed categories including Apparel, Footwear, Accessories, Watches, Eyewear, Sunglasses, Jewelry, Sleepwear, Luggage, Fragrance and Korea Apparel.
• Collaborated with international licensees to ensure alignment with brand DNA and growth goals.
• Supported global retail sales exceeding $650M, helping to drive consistent YOY increases.
• Delivered new product opportunities through robust trend analysis and cross-functional collaboration with merchandising and marketing.
Senior Vice President, Design – Licensing
Donna Karan International – New York, NY 1988 – 2008
• Led global design strategy for a multi-category portfolio including DKNY Jeans, DKNY/Donna Karan Intimates, DKYNY Coats, DKNY Home, DKNY Swim, DKNY Kids, DKNY International Kids, DKNY/Donna Karan Hosiery, DKYN Scarves and international lifestyle businesses across Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. ( All categories Men and Women)
• Managed cross-functional teams spanning design, merchandising, production, and marketing.
• Partnered closely with C-suite and external licensees to ensure brand cohesion and international relevance.
• Supported brand growth to over $750M in annual sales and played a pivotal role in international expansion and category diversification.
EDUCATION
Parsons School of Design, New York, NY
University of Wisconsin - Madison
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
• Brand Development & Licensing
• Business Development & Startup Growth
• Omnichannel Product Development
• Global Market Expansion
• Trend Forecasting & Merchandising
• Cross-Category Design Management