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shilpa polavarapu

@shilpapolavarapu

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Creative and product leader at Cherryfield, developing US buyer collections with AI-powered visualization.

Kenya

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At Cherryfield Apparels Manufacturing EPZ Ltd, I lead development of internal collections for US buying teams, connecting trend research and consumer insight to sample development and digital catalogues. I introduced AI-powered visualization tools into the sampling workflow to accelerate development and improve buyer communication.

Previously, at Studio Earth (RDPL), I built and led the design and product function and launched three brand identities from concept through buyer presentation. Across roles at Arvind Fashions Ltd., Caravan Craft Pvt. Ltd., and Renfro India Pvt. Ltd., I developed collections and product strategies for brands including GAP, Levi's, and Flying Machine.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Creative & Product Development Lead

Current

Cherryfield Apparels Manufacturing EPZ Ltd

Jan 2026 - Present (9 months)

Lead end-to-end development of internal collections for US buying teams, from trend research to final digital catalogue. Introduced AI-powered visualisation tools to accelerate development cycles and improve buyer communication.

AI Powered Design Audience and Trend Intelligence Consumer Insights Product Development Sampling Digital Catalogues Cross functional Leadership

Design Head

Studio Earth (RDPL)

Jan 2022 - Dec 2025 (3 years 11 months)

Built and led the full design and product function, managing a 10-member team delivering 1,000+ design options per month. Launched 3 brand identities from zero, each reaching market in under 18 months.

Design Leadership Team Management Brand Identity GTM Strategy Collections Architecture Consumer Insights Sell Through Cross functional Coordination

Senior Manager – Design

Arvind Fashions Ltd.

Jan 2016 - Dec 2022 (6 years 11 months)

Drove seasonal design strategy across woven and knit categories for three major brand portfolios. Conceptualised and launched an India-exclusive collection for GAP and led the design-driven revival of legacy brands Ruf & Tuf and Newport.

Design Strategy Brand Management Product Development Sourcing Merchandising Cost Efficiency Innovation

AGM – Product

Caravan Craft Pvt. Ltd.

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016 (1 year 11 months)

Led product strategy development across apparel and home categories, balancing creative direction with profitability and vendor management.

Product Strategy Vendor Management Profitability Creative Direction

Senior Designer

Renfro India Pvt. Ltd.

Jan 2013 - Dec 2015 (2 years 11 months)

Developed trend-driven licensed collections for Levi's, Warner Bros, and USPA, working within strict global brand guidelines to deliver commercially successful seasonal ranges.

Licensed Collections Trend Design Brand Guidelines Seasonal Ranges

Designer – Various Roles

Yuti Textiles | Peppermint Kidz | Pee Empro Exports

Jan 2008 - Dec 2013 (5 years 11 months)

Built foundational expertise across kidswear, womenswear, and export-focused collections, developing breadth across product categories and international market requirements.

Children's Clothing Womenswear Export Import Collections Product Development