ABOUT
Michele Manz is a New York–based design executive and consultant with more than 25 years of experience spanning luxury Italian fashion, American ready-to-wear and premium denim across women’s and men’s.
Her career has been defined by a unique ability to combine creative vision, brand storytelling and product innovation with a deep understanding of fit, fabric, wash and process. She has worked with both established and emerging brands to define and evolve brand DNA, build compelling product strategies and create collections that balance creativity with commercial relevance.
A graduate of London’s Royal College of Art, Michele began her career in Italy, becoming Head Designer at Alberta Ferretti, where she spent 13 seasons developing collections shown during Milan Fashion Week. She later moved to New York as Creative Director of Womenswear at John Varvatos, exploring the intersection of masculine and feminine design and helping launch Converse by John Varvatos.
As Creative Director of Men’s and Women’s at 7 For All Mankind, Michele helped reposition the brand at the forefront of premium denim through fit, fabric and performance innovation, including the launch of Slim Illusion and Luxe Performance. She later served as VP of Design at Current/Elliott, evolving its vintage-inspired DNA through modern silhouettes, gender-fluid fits and collaborations celebrating American denim heritage.
Michele subsequently partnered with Kate Hudson to create Happy x Nature, a collection built around relaxed, expressive design and more responsible materials. Her consulting work has included Rebecca Taylor, LOFT, Lucky Brand, Riders Academy and Ética, advising across creative direction, product, denim, sustainability, team structure and development strategy.
Since 2018, sustainability has become an increasingly important part of Michele’s work. She has collaborated with leading mills, laundries and technology partners on recycled, organic and regenerative materials, lower-impact finishing, water and chemical reduction, Jeanologia technology and EIM environmental impact measurement.
In June 2025 Michele became VP of Design at Madewell, leading Men’s and Women’s Denim and Women’s Washed Product where she has restructured the team, repositioned fabrics and relaunched fits. She is also working closely with Saitex laundry on innovative, sustainable programs.
This website highlights collections designed and directed by Michele Manz
.