I am a highly motivated and passionate storyteller targeting a challenging position in the retail industry, with a focus on innovation and product development, particularly in the footwear segment. I have led design initiatives for accessories and footwear across major brands, collaborated with buyers, photographers, and suppliers, and enjoy mentoring junior designers to deliver compelling, market-ready products.

Alekhya Mulpuri

I am a highly motivated and passionate storyteller targeting a challenging position in the retail industry, with a focus on innovation and product development, particularly in the footwear segment. I have led design initiatives for accessories and footwear across major brands, collaborated with buyers, photographers, and suppliers, and enjoy mentoring junior designers to deliver compelling, market-ready products.

Available to hire

I am a highly motivated and passionate storyteller targeting a challenging position in the retail industry, with a focus on innovation and product development, particularly in the footwear segment.
I have led design initiatives for accessories and footwear across major brands, collaborated with buyers, photographers, and suppliers, and enjoy mentoring junior designers to deliver compelling, market-ready products.

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Work Experience

Footwear Design Intern at GREEN SOLE FOOTWEAR PVT LTD
August 1, 2021 - October 31, 2021
Backend development on the R&D of kids shoes and accessories. Sampling, prototyping of selected designs. Material sourcing/procuring plant-based materials locally and internationally. Regular progress and planning reports. Technical iterations, pattern making and testing. Forecasting color, trend, material and consumer behavior.
Assistant Product Developer at COZY WALKS
November 1, 2021 - March 31, 2022
Designed and worked on sampling, outsourcing of the pilot project. Ownership of product development, sourcing and vendor management. Creating trend, color and mood boards. Collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers to ensure execution. Factory and supplier visits. Technical drawing and spec/line sheet creation. Color forecasting and development of unique colorways. Sampling and technical iterations.
Junior Buyer & Designer at Reliance Centro (RIL)
April 1, 2022 - May 31, 2023
Support for buying and design process for upcoming seasons; collaboration with design and merchandising teams; assist in product development and supplier coordination.
Designer (Accessories & Footwear) - Senior Executive at FirstCry.com
October 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024
Lead accessory and footwear designer for FirstCry's private labels: Pine Kids, Pine Active, Earthy Touch, and Bella Mama. Managed sourcing, forecasting, and OTB requirements; designed character merchandise; collaborated with photographers for shoots; analyzed sell-through and product performance using PLM; conducted supplier and factory visits; oversaw surface pattern design and all-over prints.
Assistant Manager at Skechers India (Skechers South Asia Pvt Ltd)
April 1, 2024 - Present
Leading the design for Skechers India, acting as the main reference for the current collection. Developing detailed sketches, technical drawings and tech packs. Researching trends in colors, materials and finishes. Creating color stories aligned with brand identity. Collaborations for footwear collections; e.g., Mumbai Indians. Checking prototype quality and suggesting design/material changes. Market analysis domestically and internationally. Mentoring design trainees.

Education

ICSE at St. Joseph's Public School (ICSE), Hyderabad
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2016
B.Des - Footwear Design and Production at FDDI, Hyderabad
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2022

Qualifications

FIT, New York Sneaker Essentials
January 11, 2030 - January 6, 2026

Industry Experience

Retail, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Professional Services