Ashley Tashjian

About Ashley Tashjian

With over 15 years of experience in the apparel industry, I specialize in product line development, design strategy, and cross-functional collaboration to bring high-quality, innovative products to market. As the Senior Director of Design + Merchandising at LT Apparel Group, I lead the entire French Toast product line, from conceptualization to launch, including the successful introduction of the French Toast Adaptive line. My approach blends creative design with a data-driven understanding of market trends, customer needs, and industry standards.I have a track record of executing strategic initiatives that align with our brand vision and commercial objectives, often pushing boundaries to deliver fresh, on-brand collections season after season. My expertise spans seasonal trend research, fabric and print selection, technical design oversight, and team management—all geared towards creating collections that resonate with consumers and perform at retail. I’m also deeply involved in process innovation, spearheading the use of 3D design tools (Browzwear - Lotta + VStitcher) to streamline fittings and move toward a more digital showroom experience.Beyond my role-specific responsibilities, I actively partner with sales, marketing, and merchandising teams to enhance our go-to-market strategy, ensuring our collections are showcased effectively and are positioned for maximum impact with customers.

Experience

1. Senior Director of Design Merchandising Adaptive - French Toast

   LT Apparel Group

   May 2021 — Present · New York, NY, US

   Lead the entire French Toast product line, ensuring quality and consistency across all offerings.Conceptualized, developed, and launched the French Toast Adaptive line, expanding the brand’s reach and inclusivity.Reduced SKU count by 53% from 2019 to 2024, leading to a 60% increase in units per SKU.Spearheaded the launch of Browzwear’s 3D design software, enabling virtual fittings, reducing physical samples, and advancing the transition toward a fully digital catalog.Direct the design process, guiding the team to meet business needs in alignment with the design time-and-action calendarCollaborate closely with cross-functional management to support and execute the company’s strategic initiatives.Oversee all style development and production, meticulously tracking samples to ensure timely product launches.Manage store-purchased samples, oversee sampling logistics, maintain the division’s design supply, and coordinate the team’s travel calendar.Conduct in-depth market research, identifying current trends and competitor insights to set seasonal objectives.Partner with Sales to create and launch seasonal lines tailored to various distribution levels.Travel internationally to Europe, as well as domestically, to LA for trend inspiration and market analysis.Travel to factories to collaborate with agents and make on-the-spot decisions to directly impact production.Provide direct management and guidance to the design team, fostering a cohesive and effective design process.

Education

• Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Liberal Arts

  2007 — 2007

• Marist University

  BA, Fashion Design/Merchandising

  2005 — 2009