1. BERNARD FIGUEROA
511 Third Avenue Asbury Park NJ, 07712
Tel: 917-655-0754 E-Mail: figueroashoes@optonline.net
PROFESSIONAL HISTORY
2014 to present
Freelance design collaboration at Wolverine for Sebago and Hush Puppies
2013 to 2014
Vice President of Design- Nine West. Jones Group
2012
Freelance design collaboration with Jean Michel Cazabat, New York, NY
2011-2013
Design Director Women’s- Modern Shoe Company, Ellen Tracy, New York, NY
• Responsible for the design and development of Ellen Tracy footwear, including the
oversight and direction of the assisting teams.
• Create the design concepts for the brand identity based on fashion and market
trends.
• Seasonally working directly with Mrs Susanne Klevorick, creative director of Ellen Tracy
ready to wear and her team.
• Working directly with the factory and agent in China.
2009-2011
Vice President of design-Schwartz and Benjamin, DVF, New York, NY
• Responsible for the design, development and production of DVF. Diane Von
Furstenberg footwear, including the oversight and direction of the assisting
team.
• Seasonally working directly with Mrs Von Furstenberg’s design team and with
factories in Italy, Brazil and China.
2007-2009
Design Director Women’s - Payless Shoe Source, New York, NY
• Responsible for women’s shoes and handbags
• Create concepts and trends for the women division used as a guide line for the
corporation
• Develop the guest designers program working directly with Ms Lela Rose, Ms Laura
Poretzky of Abaete, Ms Patricia Field and Ms Stacey Bendet of Alice+Olivia
• Lead a team of three designers
• Work closely with the merchants’ team in Topeka, Kansas and development’s teams in
Topeka, Kansas and China
• Design collaboration with Sperry Top Sider
2003-2007
Vice President of Design -Schwartz and Benjamin, Michael Kors, New York, NY
• Responsible for the design, development and production of MK, Kors and Zac Posen,
including the oversight and direction of the assisting design team.

2. • Seasonally direct all new collection development, working with factories in Italy, Brazil
and Spain.
• Coordinate the design efforts with Merchandising and Sales to drive growth directives
for each brand in its respective channel of distribution.
2000-2003
Design Director - Michael Kors LLC, New York, NY
• Responsible for the design, development and production of 4 collections per year.
• Created the image and standard for the collection at launch, working directly with Mr.
Kors and the licensee responsible for merchandizing, sales and production of the
line.
1993-2003
Founder and Designer – Figueroa, New York, NY
• Launched my own footwear and handbag collections. A couture collection developed
in Italy that achieved widespread success at luxury points of sale globally for 10
consistent years.
• Distribution included Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and
multiple high-end boutiques throughout the US, Italy, France, and Hong Kong.
1999-2000
Design Director - Rena Lange, Munich, Germany
• Directed the design of women’s footwear, handbags and belts.
• Responsible for the development of all product categories.
• Worked directly with Suttor Montelassi, the finest factory in Italy
• Guided the factory sourcing strategy for all products, creating new relationships for
the company.
1997-1999
Design Director - Vera Wang Collection Footwear, New York, NY
• Designed and developed 4 seasonal collections in New York and Stra, Italy.
• Worked directly with Ms. Wang and and Rossi Moda, the agency responsible for sales
and production, to execute the design in coordination with Ms. Wang’s core
product and business direction.
1996-1997
Design Consultant – Coach, New York, NY
• Assisted the venerable leatherware company in the refocus of its women’s footwear
collection.
• Defined the seasonal trends, materials and design direction for the launch phase of
the new product extension.
1994-1996
Design Director - Di Sandro, Bologna, Italy
• Designed the footwear and handbag collections.

3. • Direct responsibility for the development and production.
• Worked daily with Mr. and Mrs. Magli.
1993-1994
Design Consultant - Charles Jourdan, New York, NY
• Designed multiple seasons’ product for women’s footwear, including several distinct
hardware collections.
1992-1993
Design Director -Adrienne Vittadini, New York, NY
• Designed women’s footwear, handbags and belts.
• Complete oversight of product design and development.
• Coordinated the strategy to refocus the accessory division.
• Work directly with Mrs. Vittadini and the licensee companies.
1991-1992
Design –Rockport, Marlboro, MA
• Responsible for the design and the development of a new category of footwear
consisting of women’s and unisex styles with an emphasis on casuals and
fitness.
• Work with factories in Taiwan and China
1989-1991
Design -Esprit de Corp, Düsseldorf, Germany
• Responsible for the design and development of the footwear division including
casuals and athletics.
• Developed product seasonally with factories in Taiwan and Korea.
1988-1989
Assistant Designer -Christian Dior, Paris, France
• Assistant designer for the ready to wear collection produced by Charles Jourdan
1987-1988
Design -Claude Montana, Paris, France
• Design women’s and men’s collection
1986-1987
Design -Ernesto Esposito, Naples, Italy
• Design in collaboration with Mr. Esposito for Lerre and linea lidia
1984-1986
Designer -Thierry Mugler Runway, Paris, France
• Work with Mr. Mugler to design and produce shoes for the fashion shows in
coordination with his elaborate themes.
EDUCATION
1983-1985

4. Studio Berco, Paris, France
• Internships: Thierry Mugler, France Andrevie and Apostrophe
1981-1983
Ecole Bessiere, Paris France
• Degree in advertising and communication