Jaqueline Arzu

Jaqueline Arzu is a merchandise buyer and designer with expertise in product design for footwear, merchandise buying, and sportswear. She has worked with major brands including Nike and Adidas, where she has contributed to sneaker collaborations and design projects. Arzu began her journey in the field as a high school intern after being recruited by her mentor, Portia Taylor, who was then marketing at Adidas. She earned a bachelor's degree in fashion production from the Art Institute, starting in 2004, and later returned to school to study the business side of the industry. Arzu attributes her success to persistence and the support of peers and mentors who challenged her to pursue her ideas. She has collaborated on designs with celebrities and artists, including efforts to work with the late Ms. Betty Saar, and draws career advice from Saar's encouragement to use her ideas and prove skeptics wrong.