ABOUT
I'm Michael "Myko" Lin, a hands-on creative thought leader with a passion for innovation, product + conceptual storytelling and team mentoring. I take a collaborative, cross-functional approach to design leadership and ideation with over 20 years of fashion styling, collection creation, design strategy, and innovation experience with global brands. Passionately driven by curiosity and the creative process, I love finding purposeful solutions to complex problems that meet evolving needs and I thrive in getting my hands dirty doing it.
I have a unique background of having worked for both brands and vendor as well as partnering with premium brands and leading retail giants such as Target, Nordstroms, Hurley, Converse, Zara, Fila, Emporio Armani 7, Sesame Street and Saks Fifth Avenue. I am also well versed in all-categories design and have a deep understanding of product life cycles from MEN to RTW and from Boys to Girls. Throughout my career, I have shown proven ability to drive revenue growth across multiple classifications, price points, and distribution channels.
Currently I’m Design Director, where I set direction for all mens and gender neutral apparel and accessories collections for a sustainable street meets active brand Magnlens based in Los Angeles, CA.
Key highlights:
-Mentored and grew our global team of apparel designers, concept designers, graphic artists, and surface designers across 17+ simultaneous brands/design partners per season (12 to start, currently 45+ in 2 global offices) with multimillion dollar budget allocations
-Overhauled cross-functional PD&D team procedures, workflow cadence and milestones to reduce over-development by 50% while maximizing design hit ratios (>80% adoption on own brands and >60% on PL/Co-Design)
-Launched successfully over 10+ new brands both internally and with business partners all with significant YoY growth (>30%)
-Introduced streamlined fast-tracked PD&D calendar and restructured design infrastructure for optimal efficiency and speed-to-market responses
-Forecasted global and region specific trends, color, denim, and graphic reports for all Asia partners as A.P.A.C. Design Lead and key design contact for all licensed brands
-Exceeded targeted growth goals YoY (25-30%), often doubling forecasts results
-Vast international travel experience and strong relationships with mills and factories
TESTIMONIALS
“I have had the pleasure of working with Michael for over 4 years. Michael is a very strong and dynamic design leader, he has the ability to not only spot trends but the amazing talent to commercialize them. Michael is a tremendous business partner who works closely with the merchant and sales teams to make sure we move the company forward together. Michael brings so much passion and energy to every project he works on whether its kids, young mens or mens collection he motivates his team and always produces amazing product. Michael is an absolute pleasure to work with, a super talent who remains humble while leading with confidence.”
“Michael Lin is a talented, design leader who takes a strategic and collaborative approach to the design process. Michael focuses his team and resources on creating meaningful design solutions to business opportunities, delivering a consistent and fresh approach to product development.
Michael also ensures the development of the design talent pool, matching individual abilities with meaningful position responsibilities, stretch assignments, and holds all members accountable to performance expectations. Michael is an outstanding talent, committed to personal growth, continuous improvement and results leadership. I would not hesitate to wholeheartedly recommend Michael.”
“Michael has been my client and key design contact at both Cherokee and Decor developing graphic programs for multiple categories. Working as an independent contractor is an unstable and constantly changing environment but Michael has always made me feel like an integral part of his team. His level of direction and communication is at the highest level which provides the insight and vital details needed to be successful. I always look forward to new projects with Michael and hope to have the privilege for many years to come.”
“I worked directly with Michael and his team as an intern. I was not treated as an intern but more as part of the team. Michael has taught me the importance of team work and treating others with respect and professionalism. He provided me with many challenges and learning opportunities that have helped me grow as a designer. I will always view Michael as an a mentor and an amazing manager. I would work with Michael again in a heart beat.”