Erin Lavigne is a dynamic design leader with a powerful point of view: the future of fashion depends on fearless originality.
As a Director of Footwear Design, she brings over a decade of expertise driving category growth, mentoring design teams, and building standout product lines for brands ranging from $5M to $18M in revenue. Erin’s unique strength lies in her ability to bridge creative excellence with strategic thinking—delivering meaningful design while strengthening brand identity and operational flow.
She is known for her ability to see whitespace in product lines, building compelling assortments that support margin, elevate brand perception, and unlock new business opportunities. Whether expanding categories, introducing sourcing partners, or streamlining team structures, Erin is a trusted creative partner who improves efficiency without ever compromising the integrity of her work.
Erin has restructured entire teams and calendars to reduce burnout and build more space for innovation, earning a reputation for leadership that is both human and high-performing. With a deep respect for the craft and a commitment to knockoff-free design, Erin helps brands stand out in a sea of the same.
If you’re looking for a visionary who can scale design teams, rethink process, and deliver fresh, original footwear that actually moves the business forward—Erin is that rare blend of artist and creative strategist.
Experience
2024-2025
Design Director - Men's & Women's
Led the end-to-end footwear design process, driving product innovation from concept to market-ready samples. Developed seasonal strategies in partnership with VP and creative leads to ensure alignment with brand DNA, balancing commercial viability with trend-driven design. Spearheaded market research and data-driven insights to refine assortments, optimizing the mix of foundational and fashion-forward styles. Managed and mentored a high-performing design team, fostering creativity while ensuring execution met the highest standards of quality, fit, and comfort. Collaborated cross-functionally with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Product Development to meet calendar deadlines, margin goals, and sourcing strategies. Strengthened alignment across RTW, Denim, and Accessories teams, ensuring a cohesive brand aesthetic. Presented collections to commercial teams, incorporating market feedback to drive business growth. Maintained direct factory relationships, overseeing overseas development trips to enhance product execution and streamline operations.
2015-2024
Design Director
My journey at Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn has been a creative whirlwind that formed the foundation to lead the overall creative process. From initial sketches to final samples, I led the process in addition to material development and technical aspects. Utilizing my extensive technical skills, I meticulously corrected all patterns on my own foot, doubling as a fit technician. This dual role provided a hands-on and precise approach to ensuring the quality of our products. Furthermore, I spearheaded a rebranding initiative by creating and executing a comprehensive brand guide to be used by all departments, ensuring a unified and cohesive brand identity. These responsibilities allowed me to reinforce the importance of meticulous design paired with consistent branding across all channels, from web design to social media, to build a strong connection with our consumer and increase revenue.
2014-2015
Senior Footwear Designer
My journey at BCBG Generation was a collaborative adventure. Leading a team through design and product development highlighted my leadership and teamwork skills. Developing materials and color palettes and designing collections based on market trends emphasized brand identity and creative prowess. Correcting patterns, constructions, and hardware technically honed my precision. Overseas travel for line development, as well as domestic travel for major client presentations, broadened my horizons and showcased the global dimension of my experience
2013-2014
Footwear Designer
2009-2013
Footwear Designer
My journey with Banana Republic was marked by a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. Designing, developing, and executing seasonal collections sharpened my design skills and honed my ability to meet deadlines. Managing a team in daily activities taught me the art of leadership and teamwork. Developing seasonal materials and color palettes contributed to my understanding of brand identity. Both domestic and overseas travel broadened my creative horizons and provided me with valuable opportunities to establish connections with development teams and clients, enriching my overall experience.
DKNY was a creative playground where I explored inspiration and innovation. Providing seasonal inspiration for DKNY and DKNY Active taught me the art of staying ahead of market trends. Skecthing and finalizing designs, incorporating market research and price-sensitive guidelines, showcased my ability to merge creativity with market demands. Developing new and exciting constructions, creating tech packs, and revising blueprints emphasized my knack for innovation and precision. Collaborations with brands like Opening Ceremony and Bensimon added a dynamic twist to my experience. Designing promotional books used by the sales team reinforced the importance of effective communication and presentation.
2008-2009
Design Apprentice
During my time at Reebok, I had the privilege of starting my journey in the world of athletic footwear design, laying a solid foundation of technical skills that have proven invaluable throughout my career. It was more than just a job; it was a gateway to understanding company culture and the art of brand building. During my time, I had the unique opportunity to witness the inner workings of a successful brand's pivot, as Reebok underwent a rebranding process to remain relevant to consumers.I made it a point to build strong relationships and absorb knowledge from every corner, learning from as many people as I could, and this invaluable experience has shaped my approach to collaboration and innovation in the industry.
Education
2004-2008
Industrial Design
My journey at the College for Creative Studies was a transformative journey. I initially embarked on a path in automotive design, driven by my life-long obsession with cars. As I delved deeper, my passion led me to the world of industrial design. This shift not only equipped me with a substantial technical background but also instilled in me an intense and efficient work ethic that continues to drive my career today. Among my peers, I stood out as one of just two women in my grade, an experience that fueled my determination to excel. I took pride in graduating among the top of my class, a testament to my unwavering commitment and dedication to success.