Melissa Benson

Design and consulting studio specializing in headwear, accessories, product development, and brand-right execution from concept through production. Partner with startup and established brands to create product that is commercially sound, thoughtfully designed, and executed with a high level of craftsmanship.

Led the development and strategic direction of New Era’s women’s fashion headwear category across licensed and non-licensed product, with a focus on elevating the assortment for fashion-focused consumers and premium retail distribution. - Set seasonal product direction across silhouette, material, trim, and branding strategy - Introduced new women’s headwear shapes and differentiated product details to strengthen the category’s position in the market - Oversaw development in partnership with licensing, internal teams, and key accounts to ensure alignment across brand vision, commercial goals, and execution - Delivered licensed assortments across MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL for a range of strategic partners and retailers - Collaborated with accounts including Bandier, Revolve, Swarovski, Glossier, Lady Foot Locker, and the New York Yankees

Led creative and product direction across five hat and accessory brands, managing a global team of designers and product managers and driving seasonal collections with a focus on brand clarity, product integrity, and commercial alignment. - Set design strategy across multiple brands, ensuring alignment with pricing, SKU, and merchandising objectives - Partnered with merchandising and executive leadership on range planning, cost targets, and category direction - Streamlined development timelines and cross-functional processes to improve speed to market and reduce sample costs - Led internal and external product presentations, translating design vision for sales teams, customers, and global partners - Worked closely with international offices and suppliers across the U.S., U.K., Italy, and Asia

Lead Designer for Bailey of Hollywood while contributing to broader category leadership across Bollman’s Consolidated Brands Group, shaping seasonal collections through craftsmanship, material innovation, and market-aware product direction. - Directed the development of 125+ styles per season across felt, straw, and cap categories - Set seasonal design direction across silhouette, color, trims, and material strategy - Partnered with manufacturing and artisan suppliers to develop exclusive bodies, finishes, and custom product details - Expanded the cap business through new pattern development, tripling sales within the first year - Adapted assortments for international markets, including Europe and Japan, contributing to record sales growth in 2016

Expanded Bollman’s private label business through custom headwear programs developed for leading fashion and lifestyle brands. - Partnered directly with key accounts to create headwear assortments aligned with each brand’s positioning and customer base - Drove significant growth in both customer acquisition and sales performance, consistently exceeding forecast - Supported accounts including Janessa Leone, Tory Burch, Rag & Bone, Mark McNairy, Orvis, Eugenia Kim, Ralph Lauren, and Brooks Brothers

Led the development of seasonal headwear and accessories collections aligned with Timberland’s apparel and footwear business, spanning cold-weather accessories, performance categories, blocked hats, cut-and-sew styles, knits, gloves, and small leather goods. - Managed design and development from trend research through sales sample completion - Led milestone meetings with Timberland and internal teams to ensure alignment across product, timing, and execution - Managed and mentored cross-functional team members, including an Associate Designer and Product Managers - Presented product direction at global summits and sales conferences - Supported sustainability and licensing requirements across the category

Contributed to the design and development of licensed and non-licensed headwear across men’s, women’s, and kids’ categories, supporting market-leading product for major sports leagues, collegiate teams, and New Era’s lifestyle and limited-edition collections. - Developed seasonal product across baseball caps, beanies, fashion headwear, and blocked hat programs - Created custom logos, graphics, prints, and embroidery for a broad range of licensed and original product - Guided Assistant Designers and Spec Artists in translating concepts into tech packs and production-ready design packages - Collaborated with key accounts on SMU programs for retailers and partners including Lids, Hat World, Rocawear, and Tokidoki - Helped develop exclusive fits for the women’s and kids’ divisions