Aubrey O’Neal is a seasoned designer with nearly 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, specializing in premium denim.
Aubrey’s expertise spans heritage-inspired and modern five-pocket silhouettes, novelty trend-forward denim dressing, and utilitarian washed product. Her design philosophy centers on authenticity, functionality, and the belief that great denim is the first thing you reach for when getting dressed.
Graduating summa cum laude from Michigan State University with a double major in Apparel & Textile Design and Merchandising Management, Aubrey quickly leaned into this foundation to establish her strength in translating brand vision into commercially successful, trend-driven collections—particularly in the contemporary market.
Aubrey began her career in New York City, and after a small stint in luxury RTW, she moved over to J.crew Corp. and immersed herself in every stage of the denim design process. This lead to a deep knowledge of denim construction, fit, fabric development, and sustainable wash technologies, which has been integral to her success in both hands-on design and broader creative direction. Over the years, she has led design teams across Women’s and Men’s, launched capsule collections, and played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Madewell denim in the evolving retail landscape. Known for her collaborative leadership style, she has mentored design talent, managed cross-functional teams, and driven strategic product development with a global sourcing perspective.
A passionate advocate for responsible production, Aubrey combines deep technical expertise with a future-focused approach to sustainability. Whether designing everyday essentials or high-impact collaborations, she is driven by a commitment to innovation, quality, and building denim that lasts—in style and in substance.