I have over 20 years of experience in project management and global development, primarily within the real estate and fashion design sectors. My journey has led me to work with various stakeholders, from family-owned brands to publicly traded companies, allowing me to hone my skills in coordination and brand integrity. I am passionate about creating impactful projects that deliver tangible results and foster collaboration. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures, which helps me to stay inspired and innovative in my work. I believe in continuous learning and always seek to expand my knowledge in the fields of design and development.

Lea R. Topan

I have over 20 years of experience in project management and global development, primarily within the real estate and fashion design sectors. My journey has led me to work with various stakeholders, from family-owned brands to publicly traded companies, allowing me to hone my skills in coordination and brand integrity. I am passionate about creating impactful projects that deliver tangible results and foster collaboration. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures, which helps me to stay inspired and innovative in my work. I believe in continuous learning and always seek to expand my knowledge in the fields of design and development.

Available to hire

I have over 20 years of experience in project management and global development, primarily within the real estate and fashion design sectors. My journey has led me to work with various stakeholders, from family-owned brands to publicly traded companies, allowing me to hone my skills in coordination and brand integrity. I am passionate about creating impactful projects that deliver tangible results and foster collaboration.
In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exploring new cultures, which helps me to stay inspired and innovative in my work. I believe in continuous learning and always seek to expand my knowledge in the fields of design and development.

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Language

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

Work Experience

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.

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

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Real Estate & Construction, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Consumer Goods