Shaping Fashion's Future

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Shaping Fashion's Future ~

Hi, I’m Courtney.

I'm the founder and president of Illume. I’m a seasoned fashion executive and entrepreneur with 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, with a track record of driving progressive strategies and meaningful growth and impact. The throughline of my career is in the support of the advancement of emerging designers and independent brands and retailers.

As a fashion industry veteran with specialization in multiple disciplines, my vast experiences have given me an incredibly well-rounded view and understanding of the fashion industry. Throughout my career, I have held roles such as Co-Founder, President, Vice President, Event Director, Wholesale Sales Director, Buyer, as well as Fashion Business Professor. 

The teams that I’ve led and the clients that I’ve supported have appreciated me for my strategic, creative and decisive leadership and for my diplomatic and empathetic mentorship style. With a dynamic career spanning diverse sectors of the fashion industry, I bring a uniquely well-rounded perspective to my role as a consultant and advisor, empowering founders and leaders to achieve meaningful growth, innovation, and long-term success. I established Illume in 2024 with a mission to be a guiding force in the fashion industry—serving as an essential executive partner, delivering strategic vision, clarity, and actionable growth strategies to emerging designers, independent brands, retailers, and fashion tech companies shaping the future of the industry.  I cant wait to connect.

Your Partner,

Courtney

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The throughline of my career is a commitment to advancing emerging designers, independent brands, and retailers.

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My experiences and accomplishments include:

Vice President, Coterie (‘20-’23)

As Vice President of Coterie and Project, the preeminent large-scale contemporary fashion tradeshows, I managed a high revenue portfolio and led a large team of sales, brand, and event professionals to deliver major events that brought together the most important contemporary brands and retailers worldwide. I led my team to achieve aggressive goals, develop new strategies and revenue streams and was a driving force in a critical rebrand.

Co-founder, Favors Showroom (‘13-’20)

I co-founded Favors showroom to support a growing advanced contemporary sector of womenswear. As a notable NY-based showroom that represented incredible independent brands including Collina Strada, Dusen Dusen, Cacharel, Tyler McGillivay and Wray, our role was to build a wholesale business for clients that not only secured seasonal orders from top retailers globally, but built meaningful relationships across the retail landscape.

Co-Founder, Baiae (‘18 -’22)

After many years sharpening my point of view in fashion, I co-founded Baiae, an online shop and pop-up series offering advanced contemporary resortwear and swimwear from independent designers for discerning, destination-bound customers. As President and Chief Merchant, I oversaw everything in this lean venture —from curating collections from beloved brands like Simkhai, Solid & Striped and Anaak, to creative direction and customer experience. By maintaining a customer-centric focus, we achieved 250% year-over-year growth, making Baiae a go-to destination for modern resort style.

Co-founder, Favors Agency (‘13-’20)

Favors Agency was a leading NY-based fashion consulting firm that provided strategic brand and business development advisory to contemporary and designer brands seeking development in the U.S. market, and buying and launch advisory to independent retailers. Our consulting services extended to major organizations and governmental entities like the Thai Trade Center of NY and Uruguay XXI and to respected retailers like Concrete + Water

Professor, Fashion Business (‘16-’19)

Teaching at LIM College allowed me to share my experiences in the fashion industry with future professionals. I developed curriculum in fashion business and fashion history, giving students the knowledge and practical skills to navigate the fast-moving industry. As one who is fashion history obsessed, I was able to share passion and knowledge of the critical movements and moments that shaped the industry and culture alike. Helping my students grow, learn and navigate the industry was one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

Show Director, Capsule Shows (‘10-’14)

As Women’s Show Director of Capsule Tradeshows, I built the women’s division from the ground up, creating a platform where advanced contemporary brands could connect with key buyers and build lasting relationships. Beyond driving nearly 700% growth in sales over three years, I focused on cultivating a tight-knit community of designers, retailers, and industry leaders - many of which are still friends, collaborations and clients. Capsule became more than just a marketplace—it was a hub of collaboration and connection known for incubating next-gen talent that fostered long-term partnerships and brand success.