What are the responsibilities and job description for the Handbag Designer - NYC position at PRTNR Recruiting?
An exciting fashion accessories brand is seeking a Associate Designer or Designer for Handbags to help shape and expand its handbag collection. This role is ideal for a highly creative designer with a strong understanding of handbag construction, trend forecasting, materials, and product development from initial concept through final production.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings a refined fashion point of view, and understands how to balance creativity with commercial success. This is an opportunity to play a key role in building trend-right assortments across multiple handbag categories while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams and overseas factory partners. REMOTE
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and develop women’s handbags across seasonal collections
- Create trend-driven concepts, sketches, and color stories
- Manage product development from concept through production
- Develop tech packs and construction specs for factory communication
- Collaborate with merchandising, sourcing, and production teams
- Research materials, trims, hardware, and construction techniques
- Review prototypes and provide feedback on design and finishing
- Monitor fashion trends and competitive market direction
- Communicate with overseas factories on development and sampling
- Support presentations, product reviews, and timeline management
REQUIREMENTS
- 3–5 years of women’s handbag design experience
- Strong understanding of handbag construction, materials, hardware, and development
- Experience creating detailed tech packs and managing factory communication
- Proven ability to take product from concept through production
- Knowledge of sourcing and material development; experience with non-leather materials is a plus
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field preferred