The Associate Designer for Handbags and Small Leather Goods is responsible for creating innovative product designs through the seasonal vision and illustration of design concepts into an accessories and non-apparel collection appropriate for the Talbots customer. This position reports to the Senior Designer.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Partner with the Senior Designer and design leadership to ensure all handbag designs are aligned with the seasonal brand strategy. This is a ready to wear collection driven assortment of handbags, ability to pivot and evolve designs as collection shifts is paramount. Wardrobing, collaborating and coordinating back to the ready to wear collection is key.
- Assist in identifying seasonal fashion direction, assortment opportunities, and merchandise trends as it relates to the Talbots handbag customer
- Serve as liaison between Design, Product Management, and Merchandising to ensure information flow is accurate throughout the development process. Strong collaboration and partnering skills necessary in order to be successful.
- Responsible for all aspects of technical design package process, to include drawings, measurements and design detail specifications, and hand offs to product development partner. A good grasp of handbag construction and leather goods is important.
- Maintain thorough knowledge of the line (silhouettes, yarns/fabrics and design details) and is responsible for tracking changes/additions
- Maintain specification sheets, trim sheets, and pitch sheets
- Participate in concept presentation and line building recaps, in addition to line presentation
- Assist in making Design Presentation Boards
- Research competitive market and present results and ideas
- Assist in executing designs to the Conceptual Assortment Plan slots while staying within the pre-determined development ratios
- Continue to develop and increase understanding of Talbot’s customer
- People Management
- Build collaborative relationships with vendors and internal clients
- Interface professionally and work effectively in group settings
- Key partners include: Product Development and Sourcing, Merchandising, Fabric and Color teams, and Vendors
Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
Internal and External Relationships:
Internal: Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Production, Technical Design, Fabric R&D, CAD, Colorist, Facilities
External: Yarn Mills, Factory Representatives, Trim Vendors
Education/Experience/Knowledge:
- Knowledge and experience at a level normally acquired through the completion of a bachelor’s degree
- 3-5 years of related experience
- Independent, self-motivated, and detail-oriented
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Must be highly organized
- Able to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced office environment
- Must be highly collaborative in a team environment
- Strong work ethic
- Proficient with computer programs including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Microsoft Office (Excel is a must)
- Experience working in PLM, a plus