ABOUT DEBORAH BOHANDY

Deborah Bohandy is a highly experienced leader in the fashion industry.  Her diversified experience combines talent, knowledge and a dedication to excellence.  Deborah is the founder of Design Directives, a service which provides a resource center for the promotion and success of the apparel industry. Her goal is to meet the needs of the fashion creatives. Her services include creative direction, styling, sample services, sourcing and trend direction, merchandising and marketing; production and sales strategy. The service is customized to meet individual needs for the success of its clients. She also conducts seminars on Manufacturing and Retail Strategies in the Global Market Place; Specialty Merchandise; Intro to Manufacturing; Consumer Identification; Branding; Licensing; and Joint Ventures.

Deborah is a Faculty Member of the Art Institute of Los Angeles where she mentors students toward a successful career in the fashion industry, helping them to develop a philosophy and environment that nurtures creativity and accomplishment.  She is also a member of the  Program Advisory Committee of the Art Institute.  The  PAC acts as an integral component in ensuring appropriate curriculum objectives, assist in structuring and improving programs, and providing high levels of competency. The goal is to combine the students’ passion and skills to prepare them for a profession in the fashion industry.

Deborah’s experience also  includes working for BCBG from 2004-2011 as the Design Director for all Dresses, supervising a large staff in design, development, trend forecasting and merchandise strategy; increasing profit centers while maintaining brand image.  She has also worked as a Designer for various successful companies, including: ABS by Allen Schwartz in LA and Guy Laroche and Oleg Cassini in NY.  She has designed for celebrities such as Racquel Welch, Angelina Jolie, Beyonce, Fergie and Miley Cyrus; and worked with Entertainment Tonight and the Oprah Winfrey show.  She had her own company – Deborah Bohandy Evening Elite.  Her background also includes designing costumes for the theater and for Mattel’s Barbie Doll.

Deborah has a Bachelors Degree in Fashion Design from the University of Cincinnati. Her passion is to combine her talents and creativity in the pursuit of bringing dreams to life …