mitchell lai

Freelancer of Store Planning & Design at Calvin Klein

Maintained store presentation through customer engagement, visual merchandising, and sales floor replenishment. Occasionally supported for the overnight team with floorset execution, mannequin styling, interior marketing, and window updates. Routinely managed a small group of 4 associates in visual updates before every opening.

Provocative. Modern. Sensual. Iconic. Calvin Klein is a global lifestyle brand that exemplifies bold, progressive ideals and a seductive, and often minimal, aesthetic. We seek to thrill and inspire our audience while using provocative imagery and striking designs to ignite the senses. After nearly 50 years, Calvin Klein continues to be a cultural catalyst across the globe by embracing tension, sparking ideas and creating unforeseen realities. We believe in a culture that provokes discovery and brave thinking. We strive to make a positive impact on the world. We inspire passion in our people. We embody authenticity and embrace individuality. Founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein and his business partner Barry Schwartz, we have built our reputation as a leader in American fashion through our clean aesthetic and innovative designs. Global retail sales of Calvin Klein products exceed $8 billion in 2015 and were distributed in [over] 110 countries. Calvin Klein employs over 10,000 associates globally. In 2003, we were acquired by PVH Corp., one of the largest apparel companies in the world.

Assisted senior director with creating store directives for visual merchandising, and interior displays. Regulated employee discount, office calendar, and special directive for the active wear division. Co-creative director for the Holiday 2015 look book project, managing photo touchups, and the men’s spread.

Completed various workshops that pertained to different aspects of the business, team building, office etiquette, and internship projects. Presented the summer exiting team project on retail solution for in-store. Maintained given weekly tasks; sample rack distribution, and documenting competitors. Took part in a team of 3 project with two managers in creating the brand standards guide for store-line. Traveled occasionally to New Jersey for store opening, and presentation setup at the NJ office.

Developed a proposal for the new brand identity & website for the internship program. Participated in the SCIP 2011 Fundraiser Night Gala event.

A creative degree that explores the fundamentals of retail & exhibition design through various disciplines revolving around the stages of branding, planning, and fabricating. This one of a kind program works closely with the ever changing retail landscape through partnership with organizations such as A.R.E. & Design: Retail. Students graduate with knowledge in different platforms of creative from fixture design, self branding, event planning, to small scale exhibit design.