ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHT SERIES: AN INTERVIEW WITH LIAM HUFF
April 16, 2025
In our Associate Spotlight series, we are highlighting associates across our Company who are shaping our community and who embody our Centric Brands philosophy every day.
Meet Liam Huff, Assistant Designer, Accessories at Centric Brands. Even as a new-hire, Liam has quickly made an impact on his team through the creativity he brings to projects and dedication to organization. In his Interview, he shares the launch of his latest project for Vince small leather goods and how it’s expanded his knowledge of leather craft.
Read his full interview below.
Can you provide a brief overview of your current role and responsibilities?
I am an assistant designer in the Small Leather Goods and Gifting Department in the New York office. My work spans a wide range of projects, from mass-market collaborations with Walmart’s Time & Tru to premium designs for Vince SLGs. After graduating college in May, I joined Centric this June and have already gained a wealth of experience. It’s incredibly rewarding to see my creative efforts come to life as commercially viable products. Contributing to many projects in such a short time has been inspiring and fulfilling.
How do you stay organized when juggling multiple projects?
Each morning, my team meets to set priorities, ranking tasks from most to least urgent. Afterward, I jot down my assigned tasks on Post-it notes and line them up along the bottom of my monitor. As I complete each task, I remove the corresponding note, aiming to have a clear space by the end of the day. While it may not be the most high-tech system, it works for me— “knock on wood,” my projects are always finished on time. There’s something satisfying about physically removing each note and closing out my day with a clean workspace.
What is one quality that you bring to your role that you think makes you stand out?
I take pride in my commitment to delivering work on time and to the best of my ability. One memorable example was my first market preparation. I worked with my manager, Elka, to prepare everything for the meeting. We faced multiple challenges—printers that wouldn’t work, a crashing computer, and last-minute samples, some of which were incorrect. Despite these hurdles, we managed to pull everything together. That experience strengthened my problem-solving skills and built a foundation of trust and teamwork, making the workplace an enjoyable and supportive environment.
How did you choose this career path?
I began my studies in Industrial Design with the goal of creating kitchen products—I was drawn to appliances, cutlery, stemware, and everything related to cooking. However, during my studies, I realized the long lead times for kitchen products and the limited creative freedom in that field. I still remember an alum sharing how, after three years on a project, her only contribution was designing a stove knob.
In search of a more dynamic and creative career, I explored various opportunities. While seeking internships, I connected with an alumna working in fashion accessories. She encouraged me to consider a career in fashion, explaining how it aligned with my aspirations. Her guidance proved invaluable, as I now truly love the direction my journey has taken. I thrive in a fast-paced environment, value greater creative freedom, and enjoy bringing products from concept to final production—all while creating items that positively impact consumers every day.
What is a current project you’re working on that is especially exciting for you?
One of the most rewarding projects I’m currently working on is the launch of Vince SLGs for Fall 2025. This experience has significantly expanded my knowledge of leather craft, strengthened my communication skills with vendors, and enhanced my ability to collaborate across teams. I’m proud of what my team has accomplished and look forward to sharing our work with the rest of the Company.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy playing the cello, gardening, and experimenting with cooking and baking. This past summer, I made homemade pesto using basil I grew on my balcony, and recently started exploring pasta-making. I even hosted a ravioli-making night with friends, which turned out to be a fun and engaging team-building activity that I highly recommend.
