ABOUT
Michele Manz is a Los Angeles based Design Consultant with 25 years of experience spanning a unique mix of high-end Italian fashion, contemporary American Ready-to-Wear and Premium Denim in both Men’s and Women’s.
Michele has worked with brands in both the start up and realignment phases, looking to either establish brand codes or realign brand DNA through storytelling, design and innovation. Together with a deep understanding of process, Michele has worked with brands to evaluate team structures, processes, budgets, vendor bases and calendars to improve efficiency and creativity.
Since 2018, Michele has committed to working with brands who strive to do better for our planet. Working extensively with leading mills in areas of recycled, organic and regenerative yarns Michele can guide companies on how to improve their carbon foot prints via vendor sourcing, fabric selection and finishing, as well as energy and chemical saving technology such as Jeanology and sustainability grading systems such as EIM.
Consultancy work is offered in either a full-time or seasonal/part time capacity based on individual brand needs and timelines.
BACKGROUND
Michele graduated from the prestigious Royal College of Art in London in 1997 going on to start her career in Italy, working first at Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti and quickly transitioning to become Head Designer of the ultra-feminine brand, Alberta Ferretti. Introducing a direction of romantic ease and wearability through drape and textile manipulation, Michele worked closely with the inhouse atelier and showcased collections during 13 seasons of Milan Fashion week with work featured in numerous Fashion magazines.
In 2004, Michele was appointed Creative Director of Womenswear at John Varvatos in New York beginning her fascination with genderless clothing and overlays of masculine/feminine. The Fall 2005 collection was presented at New York Fashion week. For Fall 2006, Michele launched Converse by John Varvatos, a contemporary collection merging rock'n'roll and athletic influences, including Converse’s first premium Denim for Fall 2006.
In 2010 Michele moved to Los Angeles as Creative Director for Men’s and Women’s at 7 For All Mankind and quickly repositioned the brand to be at the forefront of denim innovation with leading initiatives such as Slim Illusion and Luxe Performance. Michele collaborated on several iconic campaigns with James Franco, Alex White and Arianne Phillips.
As VP of Design for Men’s and Women’s at Current/Elliott, Michele focused on a modern take of the brand’s rich DNA for heritage and vintage by introducing modern silhouettes and innovation. Key new fits such as the gender fluid - Crossover, and The His Jean were ahead of their time. Michele also oversaw the 125-year anniversary collaboration with Cone Denim Mills in collaboration with Wonderland laundry, celebrating the best of American denim.
Working in collaboration with Kate Hudson, Michele designed HappyxNature, a clothing brand made of casual statement pieces with a focus on sustainability, working closely with notable brands such as Repreve and Lenzing.
Michele has also consulted for brands such as Rebecca Taylor, Riders Academy, Loft, Lucky Brand and most recently, Ética on a Mission Zero program, using Jeanologia technology to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals and significant water reduction within the Denim production cycle.
This website highlights collections designed and overseen by Michele Manz
.