NICOLLE ARBOUR STANLEY
I’m an experienced Creative Design Director with a proven record of building brands, collections, and collaborations. My strategic and visionary approach, along with a passion for spotting new opportunities, has shaped a dynamic and rewarding career.
With over 20 years of industry experience and design studies in NY and Italy, I’ve contributed to the success of leading lifestyle brands, playing varying roles in their "comebacks". These experiences have given me valuable insights into driving business growth.
My expertise covers nearly all apparel categories, with a strong focus on women’s, sustainability, and premium quality.
I find my greatest fulfillment in creating a brand's vision and identity. These roles tap into my strengths in creative direction, design strategy, team building, and an entrepreneurial mindset. I’m driven by the challenge of understanding target consumers, developing a cohesive brand experience from packaging to customer engagement, and leading collaborative teams to bring these visions to life. I believe in the transformative power of collective creativity and the magic that emerges when people work together.
I’m passionate about all facets of design and find inspiration in everyday life. Curiosity fuels my growth and keeps me constantly inspired.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2023 - Present
2020 - 2023
2014 - 2020
2011 - 2014
2009 - 2010
2003 - 2008
CREATIVE DIRECTOR - ADVISORY
Expanding. Focused on creative direction and projects that share aligned values. Quality, innovation, wellness, and sustainability.
GLOBAL DESIGN DIRECTOR, MEN'S TOPS - LEVI'S
Thriving through change. Amid the evolving demands of 2020, Levi's prioritized growth in the Red Tab business and appointed me as the Global Men's Tops Director, where I perfected the foundation and elevated the overall design. With comfort becoming a key priority, we concentrated on refining and expanding our non-denim offering. I led the launch of Gold Tab, a sportswear collection designed to meet the growing athleisure trend. Prioritizing digitalization, we incorporated 3D rendering into our design process, improving both speed and sustainability. Shaping the future of Levi’s.
GLOBAL DESIGN DIRECTOR, COLLECTIONS & COLLABORATIONS - LEVI'S
Revitalizing a legacy brand. During my time in this role, the brand transformed from outdated to a fashion-forward presence at Paris Fashion Week. I led the design of collections for both Women's & Men's, targeting new consumers with youthful, premium, and sustainable products such as Levi's Made & Crafted, Levi's Red, Levi's Line 8, & Levi's California. By spearheading collaborations with influential partners like Virgil Abloh and Vetements, we elevated the brand. In this era of Levi’s, we experienced years of consecutive growth and added well over $1B in revenue.
GLOBAL SR DESIGNER, WOMEN'S TOPS - LEVI'S
Rebuilding a legacy brand. I joined Levi's during a time of transformation. Chip Bergh had just started and we were transitioning from regionally distinct businesses to a unified global structure—a monumental task. The challenge was to assess regional designs, learn and consolidate needs, and create a cohesive vision. Every detail, from branding to fabric and fits, was reimagined, laying the foundation for significant growth.
GLOBAL VP DESIGN, WOMEN'S - HURLEY
A masterclass in innovation and marketing. As a Nike-owned brand, Hurley was a hub of creativity. I drew on Nike’s expertise in innovation and technology and translated it into youthful, modern clothing and swimwear collections. I learned how to deliver a clear, compelling message through product and storytelling to connect with our consumers.
DESIGNER, WOMEN'S KNITS - J.CREW
A dream start to my career. Starting shortly after Mickey Drexler’s arrival, I had the privilege of being part of the company’s peak years, which led to one of retail's most successful IPOs. Working alongside design leaders Jenna Lyons and Marissa Webb, I learned how to create a brand identity that balanced quality, unique contrasts, and the blend of creative vision with commercial success.
EDUCATION
FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY - NY, NY
BFA Fashion Design - 1998-2002
POLIMODA - FLORENCE, ITALY
BFA Fashion Design - 2000-2001
STRENGTHS
CREATIVE DIRECTION & DEVELOPMENT
Clear vision, inspiration, and execution
STRATEGY & BRAND IDENTITY
Maintain holistic point of view
INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP & MENTORING
Lead with courage and connection
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION
Communicate with transparency and understanding
EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
Over 20 years in the industry with multi-billion dollar brands, constantly learning and evolving
SKILLS
CREATIVE - Concept / Trend Analysis / Color / Styling / Photoshoot Direction
GRAPHIC - Branding / Label / Packaging
TECHNICAL - Fitting / Draping / Patternmaking
SOFTWARE - Microsoft Office / Adobe Suite / CLO 3D
AWARDS
RECOGNITION - Recipient of numerous Levi's awards over the years for substantial impact and innovative achievements