KATY ZILINSKI
THE PERSON IN THE PRODUCT
I’ve spent more than two decades building products, brands and businesses across the apparel industry, but at my core, I am a creator and a problem solver.
My career has never fit neatly into one box. I’ve led design, product development, merchandising strategy, sourcing and manufacturing. I’ve built categories from the ground up, launched brands, developed product for some of the world’s largest retailers and worked across men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel. I love the creative process, but I’m equally fascinated by what happens after the idea: how it gets made, how it gets costed, how it gets positioned and ultimately, why a consumer chooses it.
“I don’t just design the product. I understand the business it needs to build.”
I’ve always had an instinct for seeing the bigger picture. I can move from the smallest product detail to the larger business strategy because, to me, they are connected. A great idea has to work creatively, commercially and operationally.
That same curiosity extends far beyond apparel. I love architecture and interiors, and I’m currently building my third home. I create characters, illustrate, write and am constantly finding something new to make. Whether I’m working on a collection, developing a brand, drawing a monster or obsessing over the proportions of a room, the process is remarkably similar.
“I love taking an idea that doesn’t exist yet and figuring out how to make it real.”
I believe the strongest creative work happens when vision and execution are equally strong. Creativity and strategy are not opposing forces. The best products, brands and businesses happen when the two work together.
I lead with curiosity, high standards and a deep respect for the people behind the process. I love building teams, connecting disciplines and creating clarity where there was once complexity.
“For me, creativity has never been limited to one medium. It’s simply how I see the world.”
EXPERTISE
Creative Direction
Consumer insight • Trend strategy • Brand vision • Design direction • Color & concept • Assortment building
Product Leadership
Product strategy • Category development • Line architecture • Cross-functional leadership • Team building
Product Creation
Concept to commercialization • Product development • Costing • Sourcing • Manufacturing • Global vendor strategy
Business Growth
Whitespace identification • Brand creation • Category expansion • Account growth • New business development • Commercial strategy