I am a creative and loyal product designer with 17 years at Vans, where I led cross-functional design initiatives in footwear and performance snow gear. I blend industrial design expertise with innovation, storytelling, and a deep knowledge of action sports culture, always focused on how products feel and perform in real life. I am passionate about building consumer-focused products that balance form, function, and lifestyle.…

Edwin S. Darden

I am a creative and loyal product designer with 17 years at Vans, where I led cross-functional design initiatives in footwear and performance snow gear. I blend industrial design expertise with innovation, storytelling, and a deep knowledge of action sports culture, always focused on how products feel and perform in real life. I am passionate about building consumer-focused products that balance form, function, and lifestyle.…

Available to hire

I am a creative and loyal product designer with 17 years at Vans, where I led cross-functional design initiatives in footwear and performance snow gear. I blend industrial design expertise with innovation, storytelling, and a deep knowledge of action sports culture, always focused on how products feel and perform in real life.

I am passionate about building consumer-focused products that balance form, function, and lifestyle.

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Work Experience

Head of Footwear Design – Snow & MTE at Vans / VF Corporation
January 1, 2025 - October 9, 2025
Directed seasonal design strategy for Snowboard and MTE footwear collections. Led and mentored a cross-functional design team, balancing creativity with project timelines. Collaborated with international sales, marketing, and innovation teams to deliver market-relevant and performance-driven products. Traveled globally for factory visits, training and quality reviews, vendor meetings, and consumer wear testing. Pioneered the MTE footwear program and co-launched the performance sock initiative in partnership with SmartWool. Supported trade shows, product launches, and brand campaigns through visual storytelling.
Head of Footwear Design – Snow & MTE at VANS / VF Corporation
January 1, 2025 - October 9, 2025
Directed seasonal design strategy for Snowboard and MTE footwear collections. Led and mentored a design team, balancing creativity with project timelines. Collaborated with international sales, marketing, and innovation teams to deliver market-relevant and performance-driven products. Traveled globally for factory visits for training and quality, vendor meetings, and consumer wear testing. Pioneered the MTE footwear program and co-launched the performance sock initiative in partnership with Smart Wool. Supported trade shows, product launches, and brand campaigns through visual storytelling.
Independent Designer at DARDEN DESIGNS (dardendesigns.com)
January 1, 2022 - October 9, 2025
Provided services in industrial design, brand identity, and graphics for a range of clients including Crocs, Flojos, and Volcom. Projects included custom furniture, product development, prototyping, and visual branding. Focused on aligning design execution with client vision and user experience.
Independent Designer at DARDEN DESIGNS (dardendesigns.com)
January 1, 2022 - October 9, 2025
Provided services in industrial design, brand identity, and graphics for a range of clients including Crocs, Flojos, and Volcom. Projects included custom furniture, product development, prototyping, and visual branding. Focused on aligning design execution with client vision and user experience.
Independent Designer at DARDEN DESIGNS (dardendesigns.com)
January 1, 2022 - October 9, 2025
Provided services in industrial design, brand identity, and graphics for a range of clients including Crocs, Flojos, and Volcom. Projects included custom furniture, product development, prototyping, and visual branding. Focused on aligning design execution with client vision and user experience.
Industrial Designer – Protective Gear at PRO- TEC (Protecbrand.com)
January 1, 2008 - October 9, 2025
Designed action sports protective equipment, including helmets, gloves, and pads. Created iterative 3D mockups and prototypes to refine concepts prior to market release. Integrated user feedback through product testing and performance analysis.
Industrial Designer – Protective Gear at PRO- TEC (Protecbrand.com)
January 1, 2008 - October 9, 2025
Designed action sports protective equipment, including helmets, gloves, and pads. Created iterative 3D mockups and prototypes to refine concepts prior to market release. Integrated user feedback through product testing and performance analysis.
Head of Footwear Design – Snow & MTE at VANS /VF Corporation
January 1, 2008 - Present
Directed seasonal design strategy for Snowboard and MTE footwear collections; Led and mentored a design team, balancing creativity with project timelines; Collaborated with international sales, marketing, and innovation teams to deliver market-relevant and performance-driven products; Traveled globally for factory visits, training, vendor meetings, and consumer wear testing; Pioneered the MTE footwear program and co-launched the performance sock initiative in partnership with Smart Wool; Supported trade shows, product launches, and brand campaigns through visual storytelling.
Industrial Designer – Protective Gear at PRO-TEC (Protecbrand.com)
January 1, 2008 - October 9, 2025
Designed action sports protective equipment, including helmets, gloves, and pads. Created iterative 3D mockups and prototypes to refine concepts prior to market release. Integrated user feedback through product testing and performance analysis.

Education

Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design at Art Center College of Design
January 11, 2030 - October 9, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Retail, Professional Services