I help apparel brands expand into accessories.

I partner with apparel founders to make category expansion feel effortless. From the first sketch to the final sample, I’m here to handle manufacturing-ready details so you can stay focused on your vision.

The Mission:

I help fashion founders stop leaving revenue on the table. Accessories are the most profitable, lowest-risk category you're not selling yet — and I make the path to launching them clear, manageable, and even fun. My job is to take the complex "how" completely off your plate, so you can say yes to growth without the stress that usually comes with it.

Previous Clients:

The Market Share Takeover: Your 8-12 Week Roadmap

Here's how I take you from "we've always wanted to do accessories" to a collection that's ready to sell. Every phase is designed to keep you in the loop without pulling you away from running your brand.

  • I help you find your brand's best accessory opportunity — before we design a single thing.

    Instead of guessing what might sell, we start by looking at what your customers are already reaching for. I dig into your current collection to find the white space — the gaps where accessories can drive real growth. By the end of this phase, you'll have a clear, confident roadmap instead of a vague wish list.

  • I help translate your brand's existing DNA into an accessories aesthetic that feels inevitable.

    This is the creative part — and my favorite. We build mood boards, develop color stories, and select silhouettes and hardware that make your new accessories feel like they've always belonged in your lineup. Nothing feels tacked on. Everything feels intentional.

  • I help you get every detail right on paper, so nothing goes wrong at the factory.

    This is where I do the technical heavy lifting. I create detailed Tech Packs and Bills of Materials so the factory knows exactly what to make — no guesswork, no expensive surprises, no back-and-forth over misunderstood specs. You get total clarity before a single move is made.

  • I help you find the right materials and manage the factory relationship so you don't have to.

    Whether we work with your existing suppliers or tap into my global network, I'll source premium materials that fit your brand's standards. I handle all the back-and-forth with the factory and oversee every sample iteration — so by the time something lands in your hands, it's already been refined.

  • I help you cross the finish line with everything your production team needs to hit the ground running.

    This is the moment we've been building toward. We review your final samples together, make sure every detail is exactly right, and once you give the green light — I package up the complete technical backbone: finalized Tech Packs, your sourcing map, and everything your team needs to move into production confidently. You launch knowing nothing was left to chance.

Results

when apparel brands add a well-designed accessories line:

Your customers are already buying accessories — just not from you. By adding a coordinated headwear or leather line, you capture more of each customer's outfit budget without spending a dollar more on marketing. It's the simplest revenue lift available to an established brand.

The result: A higher average order value — and more of your customer's spend stays under your roof.

Sell more to the customers you already have.

Add a category that's easier to run than apparel.

Apparel is complicated — multiple size runs, high return rates, seasonal pressure. Accessories are the opposite. One size fits most. Returns are rare. Margins are higher. I help you launch into the most forgiving, most profitable category you're not in yet.

The result: A more stable, higher-margin part of your business that keeps performing even when your apparel season slows down.

Show up in more moments of your customer's life.

A great accessories line isn't just a product extension — it's a statement. When your customer reaches for a bag or pulls on a hat, they're choosing your brand over everything else in their closet. I help you design pieces that make that moment feel completely natural.

The result: Deeper brand loyalty, stronger lifestyle positioning, and a collection that makes your aesthetic feel complete.

Testimonials

“Heather is a talented designer and merchant. She is capable of designing multiple categories for all tiers of distribution. She was able to deliver sellable programs in headwear, bags, scarfs, ponchos, sunnies and home goods. She has good communication skills working with factories and working with internal teams to build line plans that are needed to capture business. She has worked on multiple proprietary brands and licensed brands for SDHC.”

John Astleford

Business Development at Design Resources, Inc.Business

“I worked with Heather on several different projects at DC and was impressed with her level of detail and commitment to meet specific deadlines and she did whatever was necessary to get the job done. She is very enthusiastic and is an extremely talented designer who knows the trends and can translate to a fashionable and sellable product. I would highly recommend Heather for any design position.”

Andrew Akiyoshi

Executive Operations & Supply Chain Leader

“Heather is great person to work with all the information received is always complete and easy to follow. She is great on fittings, knows what she wants in a garment and works with you to improve it.”

Gladys Franco

GFranco Enterprise LLCGFranco Enterprise LLC

About Vintini

Hi, I’m Heather Denis!

I’ve spent the last 15+ years designing headwear and accessories for category favorites like melin and San Diego Hat Co.

I founded Vintini to help apparel brands easily expand into premium hats and leather goods. Think of me as your development partner—I handle the technical strategy, tech packs, and factory sourcing so you don't have to stress about the details. You get a beautiful, retail-ready new line, and your team gets to stay focused on what they do best.

Let’s chat and build something great together.

P.S. The name Vintini comes from my mini partner-in-crime, Vincenzo—a 2 lb dwarf bunny with a whole lot of character.

A peek at some of the collections

I've had the joy of designing.

heather@vintini.design

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