Justine Kousonsavath is a creative specializing in apparel design. Her design philosophy is characterized by a holistic, thoughtful, and highly collaborative approach.
get to know her
Justine Kousonsavath is an accomplished apparel designer known for her expertise in blending style, functionality, and sustainability into each creation. With a diverse background encompassing roles at esteemed outdoor apparel brands like Mountain Hardwear and prAna, Justine brings extensive experience and a wealth of knowledge to her craft.
Motivated by a passion for innovation and a discerning eye for design, Justine specializes in product innovation, trend research, and collaborative cross-functional efforts. She excels in pushing the boundaries of technical performance apparel while infusing every piece with a touch of artistic refinement.
In addition to her professional achievements, Justine is deeply committed to sustainability and ethical fashion practices. She believes in the transformative power of design to effect positive change in the world, striving to integrate environmentally conscious principles into all aspects of her work.
Justine's dedication to blending style, functionality, and sustainability is evident in each creation, showcasing her unwavering commitment to both aesthetic sophistication and ethical responsibility. Throughout her career journey—from her tenure at renowned outdoor apparel brands to her relentless quest for mastery of craft—Justine's work is distinguished by meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering drive for product excellence.
Mountain Hardwear
Senior Designer, Men’s Sportswear
September 2022 - Present
As Senior Apparel Designer at Mountain Hardwear, Justine prioritizes product design and innovation, spearheading trend research initiatives to anticipate market demands. Focusing on men's sportswear products, she leads the conceptualization and execution of pioneering designs, continuously seeking new materials and technologies for enhanced performance. Justine's expertise in color theory and design facilitates the creation of captivating color palettes, resonating with target audiences and driving revenue growth.
prAna
Senior Designer, Outerwear
January 2020 – September 2022
In her role as senior outerwear designer at prAna, Justine was tasked with overseeing the execution and design of all outerwear collections, encompassing both lifestyle and technical pieces. This involved the development of outdoor and down programs, which were collaboratively constructed with cross-functional partners. Furthermore, Justine displayed a keen interest and active participation in prAna's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employee Resource Group (DEI ERG), with a strong aspiration to further concentrate on making a tangible impact within the organization.
FIGS
Lead Designer, All Product Categories
February 2018 – May 2019
Upon joining FIGS, Justine assumed the role of the first full-time in-house designer, tasked with achieving a cohesive look and feel across all product categories. One of her primary objectives was to facilitate FIGS' transition into a lifestyle brand. A significant aspect of her responsibilities involved collaborating across multiple teams and establishing a coherent design calendar.
Aether Apparel
Designer, M/W Knits & Accessories
Associate Designer, All Categories
Assistant Designer, All Categories
Pre-Production / Production Assistant
August 2013 - February 2018
At Aether, Justine began her journey in an entry-level position, serving as an assistant to both the design and production departments. Over time, her role expanded, affording her valuable opportunities to deepen her knowledge in fabric and trim development, fit and construction, as well as quality assurance and testing. Aether served as her introduction to consumer-focused design, igniting her passion for creating with a focus on technicality and performance.
Nixon
Freelance Technical Designer
January 2012 - November 2012
During her time at Nixon as a freelance technical designer, Justine played a pivotal role in the softgoods division, focusing on fleece and tees. Her responsibilities included conducting fittings, generating detailed fit comments for communication with factories, and initiating the development of a standardized measurement chart to establish blocks.
Bridge & Burn
Assistant Designer
September 2010 - December 2011
Justine started as an intern at Bridge & Burn during her final year in college and later transitioned to a full-time position. She contributed to original designs for men's and women's wovens while also overseeing trim and fabric selection. Justine coordinated printer visits and played a key role in standardizing the fitting process by identifying a fit technician and recruiting a women's fit model.