Hi, I’m Helen — Design Leader
Blending creative vision with strategic execution, I thrive in dynamic environments, crafting impactful, lasting designs across luxury and commercial markets. Driven, collaborative, and detail-obsessed, I lead and mentor teams to push boundaries and elevate every project. Please explore my work.
NOTABLE BRANDS
FEATURED BRANDS
Draper James
Founded by Reese Witherspoon, a classic American lifestyle brand creating collections for women seeking sophistication and ease. Polished yet approachable clothing combines feminine charm, Southern grace, and a modern twist for stylish, effortless looks.
Kate Spade
Exudes the vibrant energy of New York City, blending joyful optimism with a playful spirit. A blend of rich surface details and a mix of textures that interplay in unexpected ways, each design captures a whimsical elegance and effortless style.
Lapointe
A luxury brand for women offering bold, monochromatic sets and statement pieces. Its aesthetic is sleek, cool, and effortlessly luxe, creating designs that embody sophistication and a modern edge for women who value simplicity with impact..
Prabal Gurung
Gurung’s philosophy blends modern luxury with style, glamour, and a commitment to innovation. Emphasizing sustainability and social responsibility, his designs reflect beauty, elegance, and a deeper consideration of the world.
Reed Krakoff
His aesthetic is refined minimalism, blending sophistication with bold, utilitarian elements. Inspired by art, his vibrant yet controlled color palettes bring a gallery-like quality, while sports references, especially boxing, add a dynamic edge.
TESTIMONIALS
“Helen is a consumate professional. Her dedication to the job and her attention to detail is unparalleled. She brings technical skill, creativity, and problem-solving into the mix so that designs move forward in a brand-right, profitable way. I had the pleasure of working with Helen at Kate Spade Ready-to-Wear. She was a joy to work with as she is a collaborative partner with an incredible amount of integrity. I would relish having another opportunity to work closely with her.”
Heidi Beute
Former VP of Merchandising, Kate Spade Ready-to-Wear
“Working with Helen is a real priviledge. She’s an ideal partner from the first sketch to the final product, always able to collaborate seamlessly. Her talent for keeping an eye on every detail-without ever losing sight of the bigger aesthetic picture-is what makes her stand out as a designer. Helen is exceptionally precise, and every piece she creates reflects her commitment to style and quality.”
Tara Maurice
Design Strategist, Coach
“Helen’s measured approach to visual and written communication and brand strategy implementation is eclipsed by her cross-category design expertise. A creative and technical expert, and whole-line design leader, make Helen as asset to any team. Her warmth and good nature as a team leader add to her successful results-driven approach to company deliverables at every stage of the development calendar. Helen is a valued partner to both internal and external teams and an all around top-tier executive creative leader.”
Kathryn Sukey
Chief Creative Officer, Draper James
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Helen for the past four years and can confidently say she is one of the most results-driven and creative leaders in the industry. Helen’s visionary approach consistently turns ambitious ideas into achievable goals. She combines her creativity with a deep understanding of market demands, making her invaluable to our successes throughout the years. Beyond her professional talents, Helen brings an infectious enthusiasm and collaborative spirit, making her a true pleasure to work with.”
Helen Allen
VP Sourcing, Logistics, Draper James
“Helen is an exceptionally skilled and adaptable designer who not only understands the brand’s aesthetic but also keeps the customer in mind to ensure a great fit. In her creative process, Helen takes the brand as a whole into account, making sure her designs connect with the customers. Working alongside Helen for the past six years has been an absolute pleasure, as she truly enhances the collaborative experience.”
Aimee Van Brunt
Director of Operations, Chinamine USA
“Helen is a true talent, not only as a superb designer and product person but also in how she works with her team and suppliers. I have known Helen for ten years, she is a dynamic leader and is able to transition into any project in whatever capacity she is needed. It is rare to find such a blend of talent in design, merchandising, and business acumen. She has repeatedly proven herself in her ability to work on multiple brands and I have witnessed first hand that she believes training and empowering all levels of her team will ensure the best results.”
Carri Barnett
President, Chinamine USA