Designer, Accessories

Position Title: Designer, Accessories

Reporting to Title: VP, Head of Design, Accessories & Footwear

Summary:

Reporting to the VP, Head of Design, Accessories & Footwear, the Designer, Accessories will support the design and development of handbags, small leather goods (SLG), and other accessories categories. This role requires a highly creative and commercially minded designer who can identify business opportunities through a brand-right lens while translating seasonal concepts into compelling product.

The Designer will partner closely with Product Development, Merchandising, Materials, and Production teams to ensure a seamless process from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate combines strong design instincts, technical product knowledge, and an understanding of the luxury market to create innovative products that align with brand vision and business objectives.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Research and develop seasonal concepts for handbags, SLG, and accessories in alignment with seasonal direction and line plans.
• Create and present design concepts including market and vintage research, material explorations, shape studies, sketches, mockups, hardware concepts, and color direction.
• Design products with consideration for functionality, construction, finishes, trims, closures, branding, and overall user experience.
• Collaborate with the VP, Head of Design, Accessories & Footwear on the development of seasonal collections and execution of category strategies.
• Partner with Materials, Product Development, and Merchandising teams to identify and source materials appropriate for each season.
• Present design concepts and seasonal developments for review, incorporating feedback and refining ideas through multiple stages of development.
• Manage product developments according to seasonal calendars and overseas deadlines, ensuring accurate communication of design intent to development partners and factories.
• Prepare and maintain detailed sketches, specifications, and technical packages that clearly communicate construction, materials, hardware, finishing, and functional requirements.
• Set up and maintain product information, sketches, and style details within PLM and internal systems, ensuring accuracy throughout the development process.
• Support the preparation of seasonal design presentations, milestone meetings, and creative reviews.
• Maintain design boards, concept presentations, and development trackers, ensuring all information is current and accurately reflects product status.
• Review prototypes and development samples, identifying opportunities for refinement and proposing solutions that maintain design integrity while supporting commercial objectives.
• Participate in proto reviews, SMS reviews, styling meetings, and assortment reviews, ensuring products are aligned with seasonal vision and category objectives.
• Communicate style launches and development updates cross-functionally, ensuring alignment across Design, Product Development, and Merchandising teams.
• Evaluate sales performance, customer insights, and market trends to inform future product development and identify opportunities for growth.
• Participate in BOM reviews and contribute solution-oriented recommendations regarding materials, trims, hardware, sourcing, and cost considerations.
• Support product development through SMS, fit reviews, and TOP stages, partnering with Product Development and Production teams to preserve design intent while ensuring manufacturability.
• Stay informed on industry trends, competitive landscape, emerging materials, and innovations relevant to the accessories market.
• Contribute to special projects and additional initiatives as assigned by the VP, Head of Design, Accessories & Footwear.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Accessories Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in accessories design, with experience in handbags and SLG strongly preferred.
• Experience designing across multiple accessories categories including handbags, SLG, belts, and lifestyle accessories preferred.
• Strong understanding of luxury accessories design, construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with hardware, trim, and closure development.
• Knowledge of leather, textiles, and accessory materials, including sourcing considerations and material capabilities.
• Strong sense of color, proportion, and product aesthetics.
• Excellent sketching, rendering, and CAD skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Experience with PLM systems and technical package creation.
• Ability to communicate design intent effectively through sketches, technical drawings, presentations, and supplier communications.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong presentation skills and confidence communicating design concepts to leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with 3D design and rendering software such as Rhino, Gravity Sketch, or similar programs is a plus.
• Passion for innovation, craftsmanship, and creating product that balances creativity with commercial success.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer M/D/F/V

In compliance with the New York City salary transparency requirements, the potential salary for this position is from $105,000 to $110,000, which represents a range commensurate with experience, knowledge, and skills required.