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George Yang
Design Director (Head of Design) at Cerruti
Professional Background
George Yang is an accomplished design executive with over 15 years of extensive experience in the luxury and premium fashion industry across major fashion capitals, including New York, Milan, and Paris. He has a proven ability to lead international design teams, making his mark in both menswear and womenswear. His exceptional capabilities enable him to provide creative direction for high-level fashion runway and commercial ready-to-wear (RTW) collections, all while developing a clear creative vision from inception to the end consumer. Known for his structured approach to the intricate balance between design and merchandising, George has carved out a niche for himself in understanding the dynamics of global retail, e-commerce, and wholesale markets.
George’s established professional journey includes notable positions in prestigious organizations where he has applied his expertise in delivering groundbreaking designs that resonate with discerning fashion consumers. He is exceptionally focused and consistently strives for excellence, driven by a deep commitment to creating what he describes as “the perfect product.” Beyond his design prowess, George is passionate about photography, art, and architectural design, which profoundly influences his creative expression and aesthetic sensibility.
Education and Achievements
George Yang's academic foundation is as impressive as his professional accomplishments. He began his higher education at the Parsons School of Design, where he completed an AAS in Fashion Design, a prestigious institution known for cultivating some of the finest talents in the fashion industry. Following his studies at Parsons, George pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography at Richmond, The American International University in London. This combination of comprehensive design knowledge complemented by an artistic perspective in photography informs his unique approach to fashion design.
Further enhancing his professional toolkit, George obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from The University of Texas at Austin. His educational background not only equips him with the creative skills needed for design but also the strategic marketing insights essential for promoting and positioning luxury fashion products effectively in a competitive landscape.
Throughout his career, George has excelled in various prominent roles, including:
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Design Director at Cerruti: As Design Director for both the Directuer du Studio MRTW and WRTW Collection at Cerruti, George played a pivotal role in redefining the brand's fashion narrative while ensuring that the collections resonated with quality and artistry.
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Design Director Consultant at Guy Laroche: In this consultancy capacity, George's keen eye for detail and market trends allowed him to create impactful seasonal collections that celebrated the brand’s heritage while appealing to a modern audience.
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Head of Design for MRTW & WRTW Collection at CoSTUME NATIONAL: Here, he was instrumental in spearheading innovative collection designs that emphasized individuality and craftsmanship.
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Senior Designer Menswear at Theory: George leveraged his experience at Theory to design sophisticated menswear collections that merged contemporary style with classic elements.
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Freelance Designer Menswear at John Varvatos Enterprises: Working on a freelance basis allowed George the flexibility to explore diverse styles while contributing his expertise to a renowned menswear label.
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Product Manager at Tivoli Software Group, IBM: This role underscored George's versatility, showcasing his ability to manage product strategy in a technology setting, which further enhances his multifaceted approach to design.
Achievements
George Yang’s career is punctuated by notable achievements that set him apart in the competitive landscape of fashion design. His ability to translate intricate concepts into tangible, commercial products is a testament to his professional acumen and vision.
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Award-Winning Designs: Over the years, George has garnered accolades for his design collections, setting trends and influencing the course of fashion within both the menswear and womenswear categories.
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Leadership in International Teams: He has successfully led diverse, international teams of designers to create and launch collections that are both innovative and reflective of a refined aesthetic that appeals to global markets.
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Creative Direction for Runway Shows: George has directed numerous high-profile fashion runway shows, exhibiting his collections on prestigious platforms that showcase his designs to audiences of fashion devotees and industry insiders alike.
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Balancing Design with Market Strategies: His unique skill in harmonizing innovative design with effective marketing strategies has enabled the brands he has worked with to thrive in highly competitive environments, ensuring their collections are both commercially viable and creatively thrilling.
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Passion Beyond Design: Beyond the corporate realm, George actively engages in photography and architectural design, utilizing these interests to enhance his understanding of space, form, and color, further enriching his work as a designer.
In summary, George Yang is a highly experienced design professional whose career is characterized by creativity, leadership, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence in the fashion industry. His multifaceted expertise in design, marketing, and team management positions him as a significant contributor to contemporary fashion, always pushing boundaries while honoring the artistry of design. As he continues to navigate the ever-evolving fashion landscape, George remains committed to refining the aesthetic experience for consumers worldwide, driven by his passion and dedication to the craft.