I'm a Creative Design Leader with 20+ years of women’s full-collection experience across bridge, contemporary, private label, mass market, and outdoor markets. I drive trend research, concept creation, color theory and palette development, and silhouette strategy to deliver cohesive collections. I specialize in trend research, concept creation, color theory and palette development, silhouette strategy, multi-fabric cohesion, and creative direction. I'm known for high EQ leadership, refined aesthetics, commercial intuition, and building confident, high-performing design teams.

Valerie Thibault

PRO

I'm a Creative Design Leader with 20+ years of women’s full-collection experience across bridge, contemporary, private label, mass market, and outdoor markets. I drive trend research, concept creation, color theory and palette development, and silhouette strategy to deliver cohesive collections. I specialize in trend research, concept creation, color theory and palette development, silhouette strategy, multi-fabric cohesion, and creative direction. I'm known for high EQ leadership, refined aesthetics, commercial intuition, and building confident, high-performing design teams.

Available to hire

I’m a Creative Design Leader with 20+ years of women’s full-collection experience across bridge, contemporary, private label, mass market, and outdoor markets. I drive trend research, concept creation, color theory and palette development, and silhouette strategy to deliver cohesive collections. I specialize in trend research, concept creation, color theory and palette development, silhouette strategy, multi-fabric cohesion, and creative direction. I’m known for high EQ leadership, refined aesthetics, commercial intuition, and building confident, high-performing design teams.

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Work Experience

Owner, Creative Director at Valerie Thibault Design, LLC
January 1, 2025 - Present
Apparel design consultant providing brands with creative and design direction.
Senior Product Developer at Krimson Klover
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2024
Manage all design, technical design and development of woven and knit product for the brand; lead one direct report for a small woman-owned sustainable brand; identify color and trend direction; create seasonal color palettes; research sustainable materials and finishes; own the technical design process from proto to top; hire and manage fit models.
Head Designer at Dillard’s / ADPL, LLC. (Formerly Tahari ASL)
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2024
Head Designer of multiple lines, managing 2 direct reports and directing knitwear; created brand direction through color palettes, mood boards, silhouette and styling; identified material direction; merchandised collections; managed sample room team; sourced new materials; reviewed sales and market analysis; launched capsules and fabrications; led Liberty of London and Loro Piana programs for Antonio Melani; generated substantial brand growth.
Head Designer at ELIE TAHARI, Tahari ASL
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2019
Sportswear Head Designer for Neiman Marcus and Dillard’s private label brands; revitalized a failing line with a new identity and look; secured buyer confidence to invest more.
Senior Knitwear Designer at ANA / JCP
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2017
Designed and developed brand right knits and sweaters within cost constraints; annual travel for development and fittings; collaboration with HQ.
Sweater Designer at LIZ CLAIBORNE / JCP
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2014
Design, yarn selection and development for all Liz Claiborne sweaters; travelled for development and fittings; mills visits in China.
Designer at CALVIN KLEIN JEANS / WARNACO, INC.
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012
Designed sweaters and knits; designed wovens and outerwear; managed assistants and freelancers; collaborated with other category designers on trend, material and trim development.
Freelance Sweater Designer at ADRIENNE VITTADINI
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Designed sweaters and knits; managed freelancers and interns; travel to Hong Kong for development and fittings.
Associate Knitwear Designer at MAGASCHONI APPAREL GROUP
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2009
Designed sweaters and knits; managed freelancers and interns; travelled to Hong Kong for development and fittings.
Associate Designer at HAMPSHIRE GROUP
January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2008
Sweaters and knits; contributed to color palettes, materials and developments.
Associate Designer at REPUBLIC CLOTHING CORPORATION
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007
Promoted from Assistant Designer to Associate Designer in 2006; assisted in creating color palettes, mood boards and materials selection for wovens, knits and sweaters.

Education

B.F.A., cum laude, Fashion Design at Savannah College of Art and Design
January 11, 2030 - August 1, 2004
Fashion Design Major at Philadelphia University, College of Textiles
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2002
Certificate in AI for Creativity and Leadership at Parsons The New School
January 11, 2030 - March 1, 2026
Beginner and Advanced Machine Knitting Courses at Fashion Institute of Technology
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2011
Machine Knitting Course at Rhode Island School of Design, Textiles Department
June 1, 2009 - July 31, 2009

Qualifications

Certificate in AI for Creativity and Leadership
January 11, 2030 - March 1, 2026

Industry Experience

Retail, Manufacturing, Other