Claire McKimmie-Baskin is a seasoned fashion executive, knitwear expert, and designer with deep expertise in sweater + cut & sew design and cold-weather apparel. With over 19 years experience, she has shaped collections for leading global brands, balancing creativity with business strategy across diverse price points.
Originally from Scotland, Claire earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design from Grays School of Art before moving to New York to study Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design. She has led design teams at Anthropologie, Free Assembly, and Banana Republic, overseeing multi-category collections, and built a strong foundation at Calvin Klein, Club Monaco, Express, and Ann Taylor. Known for her keen eye for detail and refined sense of taste, she drives concept and color direction through to the finished product. Her extensive experience working with Italian and Asian mills and vendors stems from years of global travel and industry partnerships.
Beyond corporate fashion, Claire successfully launched her own preowned children’s brand, blending vintage aesthetics with modern sensibility. Most recently, she broadened her expertise in product development at Marc Jacobs, overseeing concept-to-production processes. Passionate about craftsmanship and innovation, she is always exploring new ways to merge her design expertise with evolving industry opportunities.
Claire currently lives in New York with her husband and two children while consulting and continuing to push the boundaries of knitwear and fashion design.