Poppy Gall, a co-founder and long-time chief design officer of ISIS for Women, has left the company to launch her own creative design services firm.


Carolyn Cooke, the company's president who co-founded the Vermont-based outdoor activewear company 11 years ago with Gall, told The B.O.S.S. Report that Gall actually left the firm in late September.
“It was kind of a personal choice,” said Cooke. “She'd been here 11 years and was kind of ready to move on. We've gotten to a really great place and she left a great foundation here. She had this creative urge to do something new.”


Gall's new creative services firm specializes in apparel design, knitwear design, color palette development, prints & graphics, mood & trend boards, trim design and product development.


Cooke also noted that prior to Gall's exit, ISIS added depth to its design team with the hiring of Cindy Gibson, formerly at L.L. Bean, as VP of development in September 2008. In May 2008, Jenn Zollars was hired a merchandiser. Cooke said ISIS may be looking to add some more expertise in outerwear, a particular strength of Gall.


In a note sent to the outdoor community, Cooke wrote, “She leaves ISIS well positioned for the future and I have deep gratitude and appreciation for her and all that she as done to grow the brand…We all wish Poppy much joy and success in her new adventures and thank her for all that she has given to the company and to each of us.”
Cooke also told BOSS that while partly helped by early cold weather across the country in October, sales of ISIS' products are starting to pick up at retail.


“Its' been a challenging time this past year but our spring 2010 bookings were good so business is okay,”  said Cooke. “I wouldn't say it's gangbusters but we're starting to feel cautiously optimistic going into Fall 2010.”