EMEl Musse
@elmusse
I am a creative director blending apparel design and AI-driven product innovation.
ZimbabweWhat I'm looking for
I am a creative director and product developer with 20+ years shaping apparel, accessories and brand ecosystems across global markets. I fuse classic craftsmanship with emerging tech and AI prompt engineering to accelerate product innovation and trend-driven collections.
I founded and lead BrazenMaven, a purpose-driven urban tactical apparel and accessories brand, owning end-to-end creative direction from concept and prototyping to vendor sourcing, sampling and production. Previously I led headwear and accessories teams at OuterStuff and launched heavyweight outerwear categories at FreeCountry, driving measurable commercial gains including a 16% profit increase within one year.
I bring deep technical proficiency in apparel development and digital tools — Adobe CC, Gerber, CLO3D, Blender, Figma and PLM/PDM systems — and I amplify brands through strategic marketing, content creation and community engagement. I am a published author, radio/podcast host and spoken-word performer who mentors design teams and translates visionary concepts into commercially successful collections.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Creative Director & Product Developer
BrazenMaven
Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 7 months)
Founded and led a purpose-driven urban tactical apparel and accessories brand since 2019, designing full-spectrum collections and managing end-to-end product development, vendor sourcing, and digital marketing to build brand engagement and optimize margins.
Senior Headwear & Accessories Designer
OuterStuff
Jan 2014 - Jan 2019 (5 years)
Spearheaded design and development of licensed headwear and cold-weather accessories for top-tier leagues (NFL, NHL, NCAA, MLS, NBA), led a team of 6 in-house designers and 2 freelancers, and expanded the category into socks, jerseys, and outerwear.
Head Designer
FreeCountry
Jan 2011 - Jan 2014 (3 years)
Led launch and growth of the heavyweight outerwear category, positioning FreeCountry alongside industry leaders and driving a 16% profit increase within one year by developing 3-in-1 outerwear and managing tech packs, vendor communications, and mold/fee negotiations.
Freelance Designer
Freelance
Delivered end-to-end collection development for global clients, including creating the Spring 2026 mens and womens activewear collection for WarriorAngels, aligning product innovation with brand standards and market trends.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
FTFashion Institute of Technology
Associate of Applied Science, Graphic Design and Fashion Illustration
Associate of Applied Science focused on graphic design and fashion illustration, developing technical illustration and visual communication skills for apparel and brand work.
BCBorough of Manhattan Community College
Psychology and Communications
Completed coursework in psychology and communications to support understanding of consumer behavior and effective brand communication.
Availability
Location
ZimbabweAuthorized to work in
Job categories
Interested in hiring El?
You can contact El and 90k+ other talented remote workers on Himalayas.
Message ElFind your dream job
Sign up now and join over 100,000 remote workers who receive personalized job alerts, curated job matches, and more for free!
