Sierra Designs named product design veteran Melodie Miller as director of product development and merchandising for Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction. Miller brings nearly three decades of freelance and in-house design and development of technical and casual outdoor apparel and equipment experience to Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction. She has worked with such clients and brands as Recreational Equipment Inc., Marmot, Woolrich, Eddie Bauer, NIKE, Descente, Nordstrom, 3M, Helly Hansen and more.
“We conducted an exhaustive search for the right person to lead our apparel and gear efforts and Melodie was the perfect fit,” said Paul Gagner, president of Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction. “Her profound skills encompass product design, development, strategic direction, price negotiations and architectural renderings, to name a few. We are very fortunate to have a person with her deep experience joining our team and leading our future product efforts that continue to illustrate our commitment to the environment and innovation.”
For the past decade, Miller was the owner and creative director of Melodie Miller Productions where she designed apparel in the technical outdoor, sportswear and snow sports markets, as well as water sports, golf and athletic clothing. Her five-person design company implemented design elements including concept, color direction, production design and product development.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new adventure and journey with Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction,” said Miller. “With the brands reputation and consumer loyalty, I look forward to bringing on new creations and innovations to all of its categories. I look forward to living in Colorado and becoming part of the Sierra Designs and Ultimate Direction family.”
Prior to owning her own design firm, Miller worked as a freelancer and in-house with numerous companies and brands. Specifically, Miller has gained experience in product direction for retail sales upward of $100 Million. Additionally, she has traveled extensively around the world to conduct product development and trend research as well as pricing and negotiations.
Miller is an avid participant in outdoor activities including skiing, rock climbing, sea kayaking, water skiing, swimming and hiking. She also loves to write, produce movies and practice art.
