I’m a Creative and Product Executive based in Florence, with more than 20 years of experience working across luxury, performance and lifestyle apparel. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping brands evolve, translating identity into clear product direction, stronger positioning and commercially solid collections. I naturally work at the intersection of creativity, product strategy and industrial execution, combining design vision with deep technical and market understanding. Over the years, I’ve led international product development, managed supplier networks and directed multidisciplinary teams for brands ranging from global performance players to premium lifestyle companies. What defines my approach is the ability to connect vision with reality. Having also co-owned and managed retail businesses for nearly two decades, I developed a strong sensitivity toward consumer behavior, sell-through dynamics and market positioning, which continues to shape every creative and product decision I make. From repositioning brands like Sundek to consulting on the evolution of Arena Beachwear, I’ve consistently worked in transformation contexts where product, branding and business strategy need to move together. Today, I’m open to Creative Director roles, external product direction, strategic advisory and operational partnerships with ambitious brands and investment groups looking to build long-term value through strong product identity.

Davide Bencini

I’m a Creative and Product Executive based in Florence, with more than 20 years of experience working across luxury, performance and lifestyle apparel. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping brands evolve, translating identity into clear product direction, stronger positioning and commercially solid collections. I naturally work at the intersection of creativity, product strategy and industrial execution, combining design vision with deep technical and market understanding. Over the years, I’ve led international product development, managed supplier networks and directed multidisciplinary teams for brands ranging from global performance players to premium lifestyle companies. What defines my approach is the ability to connect vision with reality. Having also co-owned and managed retail businesses for nearly two decades, I developed a strong sensitivity toward consumer behavior, sell-through dynamics and market positioning, which continues to shape every creative and product decision I make. From repositioning brands like Sundek to consulting on the evolution of Arena Beachwear, I’ve consistently worked in transformation contexts where product, branding and business strategy need to move together. Today, I’m open to Creative Director roles, external product direction, strategic advisory and operational partnerships with ambitious brands and investment groups looking to build long-term value through strong product identity.

Available to hire

I’m a Creative and Product Executive based in Florence, with more than 20 years of experience working across luxury, performance and lifestyle apparel. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on helping brands evolve, translating identity into clear product direction, stronger positioning and commercially solid collections. I naturally work at the intersection of creativity, product strategy and industrial execution, combining design vision with deep technical and market understanding. Over the years, I’ve led international product development, managed supplier networks and directed multidisciplinary teams for brands ranging from global performance players to premium lifestyle companies.
What defines my approach is the ability to connect vision with reality. Having also co-owned and managed retail businesses for nearly two decades, I developed a strong sensitivity toward consumer behavior, sell-through dynamics and market positioning, which continues to shape every creative and product decision I make. From repositioning brands like Sundek to consulting on the evolution of Arena Beachwear, I’ve consistently worked in transformation contexts where product, branding and business strategy need to move together.
Today, I’m open to Creative Director roles, external product direction, strategic advisory and operational partnerships with ambitious brands and investment groups looking to build long-term value through strong product identity.

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Language

Italian
Fluent
English
Advanced

Work Experience

Brand & Product Consultant – Beachwear Division at Arena Beachwear
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Supported the strategic evolution of Arena Beachwear across product validation and brand positioning, validating SS26 collection architecture and guiding the SS26 campaign shoot to align visuals with product identity and long-term brand evolution.
Head Designer – Men & Women at Keeling
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Designed and developed the first men’s and women’s collections for the start-up, structuring product categories and establishing initial brand identity through collection architecture.
Creative Director at SundeK
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2021
Led the strategic and creative repositioning of the brand, sharpening its identity toward a brighter yet more sophisticated image while preserving its surf heritage. Outcomes included revenue growth, new core collections and stronger international positioning.
Head Designer at SundeK
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2016
Streamlined men’s and boys’ collections, reorganizing product lines and refining brand coherence between iconic items and seasonal innovation. Oversaw international sourcing and campaign development to ensure alignment with brand DNA.
Co-Owner & Managing Partner at Sunset SRL – Dreamstore / Feedback Shop
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2023
Co-owned and managed a multi-store lifestyle retail business in Florence and Pistoia. Developed strategic buying direction, brand selection and merchandising structure; gained direct expertise in sell-through dynamics, margin structure, consumer behavior analysis and market trend validation.
Graphic & Concept Design Consultant at Gianfranco Lotti
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Collaborated with internal design team during brand expansion post-acquisition by an investment fund; contributed to product concepts and graphic development aligned with luxury market positioning and international expansion strategy.
Designer at Stone Island Junior
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Led Junior collection from concept to product development; deepened expertise in garment dyeing techniques, material-driven innovation and brand positioning discipline.
Art Director – Retail Project (Live Strong) at Nike Italia
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009
Conceptualized and produced retail windows and product displays for Italian launches, ensuring visual alignment with global brand standards.
Head Designer at Cadini
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2007
Redesigned existing formal menswear collections and launched a new younger line, modernizing brand image while preserving Made in Italy heritage.
Graphic & Concept Consultant at Patrizia Pepe
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Collaborated with the style department on concept development and graphic execution, aligning creative direction with brand identity and seasonal storytelling.
Co-Owner & Product Designer at NaturContact
January 1, 2024 - Present
Co-founded and developed a direct-to-consumer barefoot footwear brand focused on the UK and Northern European markets; defined product identity, structured development and supplier coordination, built brand narrative and ecommerce presence; integrated performance materials with lifestyle positioning.
Junior Designer at Stone Island
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Led Junior collection from concept to product development. Deepened expertise in garment dyeing techniques, material-driven innovation, and brand positioning discipline.

Education

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Qualifications

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Industry Experience

Retail, Manufacturing, Other, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment