I am Lea Topan, a sales and product development professional specializing in the coordination of global fashion design and technical development teams. I lead international collaborations, manage startups, and promote real estate projects with a focus on delivering concrete results for clients and partners across Europe, USA, and Asia.\n\nI am based in Lugano, Switzerland, where I drive strategic projects from athleisure innovations based on bioceramics to high-end fashion campaigns, bridging creative ambitions with business realities. I value organization, forward-thinking leadership, and a methodical approach that turns ideas into successful outcomes.

Lea Topan

I am Lea Topan, a sales and product development professional specializing in the coordination of global fashion design and technical development teams. I lead international collaborations, manage startups, and promote real estate projects with a focus on delivering concrete results for clients and partners across Europe, USA, and Asia.\n\nI am based in Lugano, Switzerland, where I drive strategic projects from athleisure innovations based on bioceramics to high-end fashion campaigns, bridging creative ambitions with business realities. I value organization, forward-thinking leadership, and a methodical approach that turns ideas into successful outcomes.

Available to hire

I am Lea Topan, a sales and product development professional specializing in the coordination of global fashion design and technical development teams. I lead international collaborations, manage startups, and promote real estate projects with a focus on delivering concrete results for clients and partners across Europe, USA, and Asia.\n\nI am based in Lugano, Switzerland, where I drive strategic projects from athleisure innovations based on bioceramics to high-end fashion campaigns, bridging creative ambitions with business realities. I value organization, forward-thinking leadership, and a methodical approach that turns ideas into successful outcomes.

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Language

English
Fluent
Italian
Fluent
Romanian, Moldavian, Moldovan
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Intermediate
Swedish
Fluent
French
Intermediate
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

Sales Manager, Real Estate at Arch Real Estate
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Promotion and sale of the project under construction, Stabio Garden Living, for international customers.
Sales Manager - Real Estate at Arch Real Estate
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Promotion and sale of the Stabio Garden Living project for international clients.
Real Estate Sales Manager at A++ Human Sustainable Architecture, Lugano
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Managed the sale of 180 apartments and a hotel structure, coordinating between stakeholders and ensuring project integrity throughout.
Inventor, Designer, Development and Project Director at Leality SA
January 1, 2020 - Present
Start-up based on 12 years of scientific studies. Development of an athleisure collection based on bioceramics (therapeutic infrared rays for well-being). European patent granted for the creation of fabric innovation.
Inventor, Design, Development and Project Director at Leality SA
January 1, 2020 - Present
Startup developing an athleisure collection based on bioceramics; therapeutic infrared concepts; European patent granted for fabric innovation.
Founder and Creator of a Worldwide Patent at Leality SA, Lugano, Switzerland
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Conducted research in infrared science and developed a fabric with therapeutic properties, overseeing the setup of an award-winning start-up.
Global Project Manager at Real Estates Art Human Sustainable
January 1, 2020 - November 5, 2025
I manage global projects in real estate, focusing on balancing functionality with sustainability. My role involves coordinating between various stakeholders and ensuring project objectives are met.
GLOBAL PROJECT MANAGER at Real Estate & Fashion Design
January 1, 2020 - Present
Managed various projects in the real estate sector and fashion design, coordinating teams and ensuring projects align with client vision and expectations. My responsibilities included budgeting, scheduling, and stakeholder engagement.
Global Project and Product Manager at GUESS Europe
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Marciano Woman and Factory Outlet kids — Global collections. Coordination between the Swiss Product Development Office and HQ in Los Angeles (design and merchandising). Supplier management, cost negotiation and sampling times. International relations: Switzerland, USA, Southeast Asia, India, Turkey.
Global Project and Product Management at GUESS Europe
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Marciano Woman and Factory Outlet Kids — Global collections. Coordinated Swiss Product Development Office with HQ in Los Angeles; supplier management, cost negotiation and sampling timelines; international relations across Switzerland, USA, Southeast Asia, India, Turkey.
Global Project Manager at GUESS Europe, Lugano, Switzerland
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020
Oversaw the MARC AN WOMAN COLLECTION and FACTORY KIDS COLLECTION, coordinating production and marketing efforts across multiple regions.
FREELANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT at Creative Works
January 1, 2016 - October 9, 2025
Worked on various freelance projects, focusing on production and project management across several industries, enhancing creative solutions and operational efficiency.
Project Manager at LT Creative Works
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
FuturSkin — Founder of beneficial activewear collection based on bioceramics and far infrared rays. LaMartina — managed S/S 2013 advertising campaign; fashion show at Guards Polo Club for Queen's Polo Cup; other luxury and interior projects.
Freelance Project Management at LT Creative Works, Milan, Italy
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2016
Managed various projects in the fashion and wellness sectors, developing products and overseeing international certifications.
Freelance Project Manager at Creative Works
January 1, 2012 - Present
Working on various projects involving product launch strategies and project coordination in Milan and Lugano.
Product Manager at Ports 1961 SpA
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Ultra-luxury clothing brand; coordinated teams of 4 designers, 3 product developers and 1 fabric technician; managed development with NY merchandising; led fashion week preparations and production negotiations.
Product Manager at Ports 1961 SpA, Milan, Italy
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Responsible for the product development and production management of luxury women's apparel.
Senior Product Development at GUESS Europe
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Oversaw product development for women's fashion collections, ensuring alignment with market trends and customer preferences.
Senior Product Development at GUESS Europe
January 1, 2010 - October 9, 2025
Led product development teams focusing on women's fashion collections, managing timelines, budgets, and quality.
SENIOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT at GUESS Europe
January 1, 2010 - October 9, 2025
Led the product development process for women's fashion collections. Collaborated with teams to create designs, source materials, and bring products from concept to market.
Senior Product Development at GUESS Europe
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2011
Head of technical product development; negotiations with partners in China, India, Turkey, Tunisia, Italy; supported global product initiatives.
Head Designer and Product Developer at Guess
January 1, 2007 - October 9, 2025
Oversaw the design and creation of women's fashion pieces, collaborating with global teams on production.
Head Design and Product Management at Ittur Konflektion Investment Group
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2007
Business building and fashion collections of 3 brands: Hansen & Jacob, Baron Collection, Glenngarnock. Chief stylist and product development manager with partners in Italy, China, Turkey, Tunisia.
Head Design and Product Management at Ittur Konfektion Investment Group
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2007
Built business and fashion collections for 3 brands; chief stylist and product development manager with partners in Italy, China, Turkey, Tunisia.
Designer and Stylist at Florence (Freelance)
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Outfit design for TV shows in collaboration with Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia. Alternative hair shows and fashion events such as 'LaKore – Oscar of fashion' on Rai1, and other accolades.
Designer and Stylist at Florence, Italy
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2005
Outfit design for TV shows in collaboration with Franca Sozzani, Vogue Italia; notable fashion show work and media appearances.

Education

BA in Fashion Design & Technology at Politecnico di Milano
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2006
Fashion Design & Technology BA at Fashion Institute of Technology
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2003
BA in Fashion Design / Fashion Business and Technology at Politecnico di Milano
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2006
BA in Fashion Design and Technology at Polimoda
January 1, 2003 - January 1, 2005
BA Fashion Design and Technology at Polimoda, Florence, Italy
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2003
AAS Fashion Design at Fashion Institute of Technology, New York
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003
Fashion Design at Accademia Italiana, Florence, Italy
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2000
High School Diploma, Natural Science at Olympiaskolan, Sweden
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1999
Exchange Student at St. Charles High School, St. Charles, MI, USA
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1996
Fashion Design at Polimoda, Florence
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2003
AAS in Fashion Design at Fashion Institute of Technology, New York
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003
Fashion Design, Women's Clothing at Accademia Italiana, Florence
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2000
Scientific High School at Olympiaskolan, Helsingborg, Sweden
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1999
High School Exchange Program at St. Charles High School, MI, USA
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1996
Fashion design (women's clothing and leather goods) at Polimoda, Florence
January 1, 2002 - January 1, 2003
AAS in Fashion Design at Fashion Institute of Technology, New York
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2003
Fashion Design (women's clothing) at Accademia Italiana, Florence
January 1, 1999 - January 1, 2000
Scientific High School at Olympiaskolan, Helsingborg, Sweden
January 1, 1996 - January 1, 1999
Exchange program at St. Charles High School, Michigan, USA
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1996

Qualifications

European patent granted for fabric innovation
January 11, 2030 - June 22, 2026

Industry Experience

Real Estate & Construction, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Consumer Goods, Manufacturing, Retail, Education