Hi, I’m Keryn.
DESIGN STRATEGIST
CULTURAL LEADER
CHANGE AGENT
UNDERCOVER GEEK
25 years of apparel creative design, manufacturing, marketing and management experience for the world’s largest and most-loved global megabrands such as Gap Inc., Nike, Levi’s, and The North Face. I thrive in challenging, creative environments and teams. I utilize strong creative, organizational, technical and communication skills (visual, written and oratory), as well as possess an aptitude for interpersonal relations, an empowering management style and an entrepreneurial spirit. I have a long-standing and successful track record in turning individual designers into inspired, collaborative and high performing teams with a shared vision. Specializing in Design Leadership, 3D Digital Product Creation, Apparel Innovation across lifestyle, active, denim and merino wool.
My values around sustainability, female empowerment, diversity and inclusion, are deeply expressed in my work.
Professional Experience
Jan 2022-present
DPC Change Management Lead
Pillar Lead for Organizational Transformation and Change Management for all GAP Inc. brands (Old Navy, Gap Brand, Athleta, and Banana Republic) for Digital Product Creation, including Communications, Onboarding and Training, Roadmap Strategy.
2020-present
Principal
Owner of KÜLHAUS llc a creative consultancy in apparel design and strategy, 3D digital product creation and innovation.
Creative business also includes brand marketing, extraordinary consumer experiences and spaces in the short term rental and hospitality space.
2017-2020
Director, Digital Product Creation + Creative Director, Active
When The North Face absorbed Lucy, I brought my team with me to become Creative Director of their Active business. I was subsequently hand-selected by the President of the company to lead the Digital Product Creation strategy that would then influence the entire corporation.
2014-2017
Creative Director
Lucy Activewear was one of the most empowering and exciting roles in my career. I utilized my experience in brand-building, performance wear innovation, premium denim, natural fibers like wool and silk, women’s fit excellence, and 3D technology, culminating in US Patent 9839247B2.
2010-2013
Global Design Director
My personal interest in sustainability and supply chain transparency was realized at Icebreaker. Learning about the miraculous properties of merino wool shifted my entire mindset about apparel manufacturing. I was the head of design across all categories and genders.
2004-2010
Global Women’s Training Design Director
Re-invented Nike’s Women’s Sportswear and Training lines (core and sport training, yoga, dance) to define an enduring brand aesthetic. Managed global lines of more than $500M annually.
2002-2004
Design Director
Launched new Juniors line for the Bay Area sportswear company, Blue Marlin, grossing $2M in its inaugural year.
1997-2001
Senior Designer + Retail Marketing Coordinator
While attending design school in New York, I worked in Retail Marketing for Levi Strauss & Co and rolled out shop-in-shops in major department stores across the country. I was promoted as a designer back in the home office in San Francisco, where I designed and launched their volume moderate channel line, L2, a Juniors and Girls sub-brand.
1995-1998
Owner
My first entrepreneurial venture, CYA Skatewear, introduced a new niche category of versatile activewear with ergonomic and safety features specifically designed for female skaters.