Merle Schubert

Background

About Merle Schubert

With nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of design, development, and brand building, I specialize in premium outerwear, active lifestyle, and tactical performance products. My journey began with a degree in fashion design and a master’s in performance sportswear, which laid the foundation for a career dedicated to elevated premium performance apparel. I launched my own brand of bespoke, down-insulated outerwear in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, where I spent 15 years building it from the ground up—long before direct-to-consumer was a common model. From running a flagship retail store to pioneering e-commerce in the early days, I wore every hat while staying deeply committed to product excellence. In parallel, I collaborated with some of the world's most respected outdoor brands, which led me to join Arc'teryx on the West Coast of Canada in 2014. My design ethos blends strategic vision with precision execution—driven by a passion for product innovation and user-centric solutions. My strength lies in turning big ideas into finely crafted, high-performance products that elevate the user experience and build lasting brand loyalty. Whether leading design strategy or getting hands-on with development, I bring both creative insight and rigorous attention to detail to everything I do. Contact: merle@merleschubert.com Portfolio: merleschubert.com