Janae Audrey Harmon
Janae Harmon is a passionate and visionary Senior Designer at Abercrombie & Fitch Co., specializing in women’s outerwear, swimwear, and fashion bottoms. With over 10 years of experience in the fashion retail industry, Janae has a proven track record of driving sales and delivering innovative apparel designs that resonate with consumers. She is skilled in all facets of apparel design including fittings, fabric development, tech pack creation, and seasonal assortment planning. Janae holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design Product Development with a Minor in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati. Her expertise spans trend forecasting, brand and consumer identity, and talent development, complemented by proficiency in Adobe Creative Suites, PLM systems, and Microsoft Office. Known for her collaborative approach and creative vision, Janae has contributed to notable projects including Abercrombie’s partnership with RAISEfashion, resulting in a Vogue-featured collection showcased at New York Fashion Week. She continues to influence the fashion world by blending strong design leadership with a commitment to diversity and innovation.
• University of Cincinnati - BA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family and the encouragement of my mother, who has been a constant source of inspiration throughout my career journey. Their belief in me has motivated me to pursue my goals with confidence and resilience.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to make sure you genuinely like what you do and to find a career that offers opportunities for growth. Passion and the potential to develop professionally are key to long-term fulfillment and success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to learn to be flexible and adaptable. The ability to adjust to changing circumstances and continuously evolve is essential for long-term success in today’s dynamic work environment.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—in my field right now involves navigating macroeconomic trends that impact product design and consumer spending. Understanding how economic shifts influence customer behavior helps me anticipate market needs and adapt strategies accordingly, turning challenges into growth opportunities.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity and the courage to ask questions. Being genuine and curious allows me to build meaningful connections and continuously learn, which drives both personal growth and professional success.