Barbara Morehouse
Barbara Morehouse is an Outstanding Dynamic Fashion Icon whose impressive career spans the luxury fashion, home furnishing, and personal care industries. With a talent for building brands, creating luxury products, and shaping exceptional customer experiences, she has established herself as a visionary leader in marketing and retail store development. Known for her strategic insight and creative drive, Barbara has consistently delivered programs and products that strengthen brand identity and captivate consumers worldwide.
Over the course of her career, Barbara has held senior leadership roles at renowned companies including Estée Lauder Companies, where she served as Executive Director of Global Marketing for Origins, developing innovative global promotions and more than 100 exclusive products annually. As Vice President of Marketing at Waterworks, she led the execution of distinctive retail environments and launched freestanding stores across multiple markets. Earlier positions with Portico Bed & Bath and Ralph Lauren Women’s Wear further shaped her expertise in fashion, retail strategy, and customer-focused brand building. Today, as Co-Founder of RBA Design LLC, Barbara continues to advise brands on luxury product creation and market positioning.
Beyond her professional achievements, Barbara is deeply committed to her personal passions. As a Breast Cancer survivor, she partnered with local charity to raise money for Breast Cancer research in her community. Barbara is also a lifelong horse enthusiast has volunteered for more than three decades with Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, supporting programs that enrich lives through the healing power of horses. Balancing creativity, leadership, and a genuine care for others, Barbara’s journey is as inspiring personally as it is professionally.
• Laboratory Institute of Fashion Merchandising
• Barn volunteer at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding NY/CT
What do you attribute your success to?
My success is because I always moved forward doing what I loved and trying new opportunities. I did not accept a negative reaction to my background or my lack of a BA. That was a big deal in the 80's and I did not let it hold me back. Always keep your eye on the future and try all new opportunities that you might like.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice was to continue moving forward and try new opportunities that you are interested in, never staying at a job you are not happy with.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My industry has changed a lot and the advice I give is to be aware of what is happening around the world and how it is effecting your industry.
Change is good and learning new ways to move your industry along is my best advice.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
My brand that I created in 2018 has been a challenge because of COVID-19 and the change in going to work. My product is Handmade Leather Handbags which women didn't need while working from home.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important is to keep moving forward and figuring out how to be successful and enjoy the process.