Suggestions
Justine Liu
Chief Merchandising & Product Officer at Girlfriend Collective
Professional Background
Justine Liu is a dynamic and accomplished professional with extensive experience in merchandising, product development, and brand strategy in the fashion industry. She currently serves as the Chief Merchandising & Product Officer at Girlfriend Collective, a brand renowned for its sustainable activewear. In this pivotal role, Justine is responsible for overseeing product lines, driving merchandising strategies, and aligning brand vision with consumer trends, thereby enhancing the company's reputation in sustainability and ethical production. Her leadership at Girlfriend Collective has been instrumental in fostering innovation and ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of the eco-conscious fashion movement.
Prior to her current position, Justine held the title of President at Girlfriend Collective, where she played a vital role in scaling operations and enhancing brand visibility. Her journey in the fashion world began with several notable roles at Reformation, a well-respected sustainable clothing brand. Justine's expertise as both the Director of Brand Marketing and Director of Buying and Design at Reformation allowed her to develop a deep understanding of market trends, customer preferences, and effective marketing strategies that resonate with conscious consumers.
Justine’s career trajectory includes her time at Verishop, where she led the Fashion Incubator, mentoring emerging brands and supporting their growth within the e-commerce landscape. This role showcased her commitment to nurturing new talent and innovations in fashion.
In addition, Justine is a seasoned entrepreneur, having founded and served as General Manager for several fashion brands, including Billie the Label and LETT Clothing. In these ventures, she demonstrated her ability to build brands from the ground up, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and a unique customer experience. Her early experience in retail included serving as Sr. Director of Merchandise Planning and Merchandise Planner for Saks Fifth Avenue, where she honed her skills in merchandise planning and strategy. Throughout her diverse career, Justine has consistently demonstrated a passion for sustainable fashion and a commitment to creating meaningful products that resonate within the industry.
Education and Achievements
Justine Liu's academic credentials lend a solid foundation to her illustrious career in business and fashion. She studied for her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) at Harvard Business School, which is widely regarded as one of the top business schools globally. This experience helped her develop strategic thinking and leadership skills that have been crucial throughout her career.
Prior to her M.B.A., Justine earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she gained a strong analytical background that has informed her approach to decision-making in retail and merchandising.
Justine has consistently been recognized for her contributions to the fashion industry, not only through her professional successes but also by her role as a thought leader in sustainable fashion practices. She is a sought-after speaker and contributor, frequently sharing insights on the intersection of sustainability and fashion, the importance of innovation in product development, and effective brand strategies in today’s market.
Notable Achievements
- Leadership at Girlfriend Collective: Ongoing contributions to positioning Girlfriend Collective as a leader in sustainable fashion.
- Entrepreneurship: Founded multiple brands that emphasize sustainability and fashion-forward thinking, which have made significant impacts within the industry.
- Mentorship and Development: Actively involved in mentoring start-ups in the fashion industry, supporting new designers and encouraging innovative approaches through her role at Verishop.
- Marketing Expertise: Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies at Reformation, enhancing brand image and driving consumer engagement.
- Strategic Forecasting: Demonstrated excellence in merchandise planning and analysis at Saks Fifth Avenue, leading to improved sales outcomes and brand performance.
Justine Liu’s career reflects a passionate dedication to reshaping the fashion landscape through sustainability, innovative product development, and strategic brand leadership. Her impressive blend of educational accomplishments and hands-on experience uniquely positions her as a forward-thinking leader in the fashion industry, passionate about creating a more sustainable future for retail.