My focus in my professional life is to generate excellence with integrity, tenacity and enjoyment. I am a strong communicator, team player and leader. I have a keen international interest in all things brand, fashion and media.

Head of Accessories and Womenswear @ This role involves managing the accessories and women's ready to wear areas. Brand account management is key as well as driving new business to the category and company, negotiating stock packs, approaching new brands, stock selection and negotiation on price, managing a team of Senior Buyers, Junior Buyers and Assistant buyers; growing the Accessories category to increase profitability for the business. From March 2012 to Present (3 years 10 months) Senior Accessories and Footwear Buyer @ My role as a senior Buyer at Brandalley encompassed Footwear, accessories and leather goods. The buying role involved brand account management, driving new business to the category and negotiating stock packs. The flash sale skill set also required approaching new brands and selling the flash sales concept, stock selection and negotiation on price, managing a team of Junior Buyers, Buyers and Assistant buyers and growing the areas to deliver on tough targets. From January 2010 to March 2012 (2 years 3 months) Buyer and Account manager @ I joined secretsales before the site launch and worked to develop the content, creative, blog, buying strategy, pitched to new accounts and managed existing revenue earners. I also managed the production timeline and the processing team for a time when the business was growing and yet to expand into departments. From July 2007 to January 2010 (2 years 7 months) Freelance illustrater @ This role involved working on projects for WGSN on technical drawings and design for theme specific collections. From March 2007 to July 2007 (5 months) Trend analyst and Designer @ My role in the fashion and trend studio involved trend prediction, range planning and key trend direction for various departments accross the company. I worked with Young fashion, Denim, Footwear, Accessories and the development of the YDE ( Young Designers Emporium) branded range. I also sat on the colour planning commitee for the company. From May 2005 to March 2007 (1 year 11 months) Cape Town Area, South AfricaJunior Buyer @ I joined Truworths as a junior buyer and trained in the Men's formal department. Here, I gained good experience in range planning, critical path, manufacturing accross all aspects including international sourcing, fabric buying, design and merchandising. From May 2004 to May 2005 (1 year 1 month) Cape Town Area, South Africa

Diploma in Fashion Design, Fashion/Apparel Design, Distinction Diploma @ Haute Couture School of Fashion Design From 1999 to 2002 Matric @ St Cyprians School From 1994 to 1998 Kara Knight is skilled in: Brand Communication, Product Development, Contract Negotiation, Buying, Negotiation, Footwear, New Business Development, Account Management, Accessories, Watches, Jewelry, Apparel, Brand Development, Business Strategy, Denim