I am a multilingual merchandising professional with 15+ years of experience across collection merchandising, retail merchandising, and wholesale management within leading luxury fashion houses. My expertise includes accessories, product development, assortment planning, and commercial strategy, with a strong understanding of European, North American and international luxury markets. I bridge creative, production, and commercial teams across cultures and regions, translating market insights into profitable product and merchandising decisions. I collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to align concepts with brand positioning and customer needs, while driving growth for luxury brands in global markets.

Cecilia Castagna

I am a multilingual merchandising professional with 15+ years of experience across collection merchandising, retail merchandising, and wholesale management within leading luxury fashion houses. My expertise includes accessories, product development, assortment planning, and commercial strategy, with a strong understanding of European, North American and international luxury markets. I bridge creative, production, and commercial teams across cultures and regions, translating market insights into profitable product and merchandising decisions. I collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to align concepts with brand positioning and customer needs, while driving growth for luxury brands in global markets.

Available to hire

I am a multilingual merchandising professional with 15+ years of experience across collection merchandising, retail merchandising, and wholesale management within leading luxury fashion houses. My expertise includes accessories, product development, assortment planning, and commercial strategy, with a strong understanding of European, North American and international luxury markets.

I bridge creative, production, and commercial teams across cultures and regions, translating market insights into profitable product and merchandising decisions. I collaborate with suppliers and cross-functional teams to align concepts with brand positioning and customer needs, while driving growth for luxury brands in global markets.

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Experience Level

Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent
Italian
Advanced
French
Advanced

Work Experience

Women’s Wholesale Manager, Accessories at Dolce & Gabbana
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2015
Managed all wholesale accounts in the US territory for leather goods and footwear; collaborated with buyers to ensure product selections aligned with customer preferences and business goals. Coordinated product distribution and merchandising plans for seasonal launches and special collections. Regularly traveled to US locations for Product Knowledge Seminars. Served as liaison between Italian style office and US commercial office. Led a small team of 2 account managers and collaborated with top accounts Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Holt Renfrew in Canada. Prepared and presented visual merchandising presentations to clients for new collections.
Retail Merchandiser, Accessories & RTW at Miu Miu
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2012
Reviewed sales data, sell-through rates, and product performance across stores and regions. Determined which products, sizes, colors, and categories should be stocked in each boutique. Tracked inventory levels and identified opportunities to transfer, replenish, or reduce stock. Used historical data and market trends to forecast future product demand and support buying decisions. Identified opportunities to improve sales, margins, and in-store productivity. Created regular reports and presentations on sales, stock, and business recommendations for management. Ensured product presentation, stock availability, and merchandising strategies supported the brand's luxury positioning.
Collection Merchandiser, Accessories at Prada and Miu Miu
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2010
Defined the structure of the accessories collection (handbags, SLGs, belts, jewelry, etc.), ensuring balanced price points, product families, and category coverage. Gathered feedback from regional markets, retail teams, and sales performance to guide future product development and collection priorities. Worked closely with designers in Milan to evaluate concepts ensuring they align with commercial objectives, target customers, and brand strategy. Liaised with manufacturing teams in Tuscany to assess construction methods, material availability, technical constraints, and production lead times. Participated in prototype reviews and collection meetings determining which styles move forward, are modified, or are discontinued. Collaborated with industrial teams and finance to establish retail prices that support profitability while remaining consistent with Prada and Miu Miu's luxury positioning. Developed assortment guidelines, product storytelling, collection books, and merchandising tool

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Media Communications at Regent's University London
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2004
High School Diploma at International School of Florence
January 1, 1986 - January 1, 2001

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Retail, Wholesale & Distribution, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services