Assistant Designer, Creative Design

Soft Accessories Assistant Designer

The Soft Accessories Assistant Designer assists in the execution of the seasonal design development process, from concept to delivery, by creating and executing original, trend-appropriate design concepts that meet market needs and drive sales, ensuring the timely execution of each stage in the process. The Assistant Designer is responsible for assisting in building out collections inclusive of knit cold weather accessories, printed scarves, hats and leather gloves for licensed and private label brands.

Specific responsibilities would include:

• Strategy & Innovation: Research and identify trend directions; perform competitive analysis; source and review fabrics, design concepts, presentation boards for meetings, mock-ups, color-ups, inspirational photos.
• Execute development of initial seasonal design category in context of larger assortment and cost structure.
• Become expert in brand code/ limitation/ design language, knows ins and outs of what can be approved by the brand.
• Operations & Results: Assist in the design of seasonal collections according to style plans, sales needs and emerging trends; ensure timely execution of product development calendar; being able to visit or call vendor in real time for any design related questions or concerns.
• Create Illustrator sketches; execute specification sheets and line sheets; ensure accuracy of product development logs, line sheets, spec sheets and Nuorder; ensure maintenance of designs in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system and shared drives; coordinate SMS photography needed based on assortment submitted for the line.
• Select and review raw materials and trims before sending to NYO; ensure maintenance of fabric and trim logs.
• Support counter sourcing efforts on any styles going into bulk production before sending to NYO, provide any comments needed and catch issues before sending.
• Ensure approval of lab dips before sending to NYO for review by Senior Designer and ensure consistency with color standards and licensor directives, where appropriate; review prints and graphics where appropriate and advise comments before sending to NYO for sign off by Senior Designer; review all samples (proto, SMS and PP) ahead of sending to NYO and advise fit comments for sign off by Senior Designer.
• Manage SHO keep set samples w/ tracking list- keeping library for seasonal sample approval process as well as all carryover styles.
• Customers & Relationships: Coordinate follow-up with internal partners and external vendors, including technical design, production and vendors; manage SHO interoffice communication including coordination between Merchandising, Design Ops, Product Development and Production.
• Build collaborative relationships with vendors and internal partners.
• Contribute positively to team dynamic and manage up where necessary.

Our best fit candidate would have:

• High taste level with a history in high end fashion brands and product.
• Great eye for color and meticulous eye for detail, handfeel, tension and construction.
• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines; highly detail oriented, meticulous and creative.
• Creativity, technical capability and sensibility for merchandising; ability to sketch.
• Strong textile knowledge including knits, wovens and print design.
• Extensive knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, silhouettes, color ways, sewing techniques, fabrication and trim; strong familiarity with manufacturing.
• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design.
• 1-2 years experience in apparel, accessory or textile design.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe products, PLM, CAD and Mac computers.