Assistant Designer

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design team in the creation and development of seasonal denim collections across assigned categories.
• Research fashion, denim, cultural, and social media trends to identify opportunities relevant to the Nautica customer.
• Aid in the preparation of inspiration boards, seasonal concepts, trend presentations, and color direction.
• Create and update sketches, CADs, technical flats, and presentation materials under the guidance of senior design leadership.
• Help develop washes, fabrications, trims, and design details that support seasonal product initiatives.
• Conduct competitive shopping and market research across retail channels and online platforms.

Product Development & Technical Support

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of tech packs, ensuring design details, construction information, trims, and wash instructions are accurately documented.
• Organize and track sample development throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support wash development by reviewing strike-offs, wash submissions, and samples with manager for design consistency.
• Prepare samples, reference materials, and comments for fittings and review meetings.
• Partner with Technical Design and Product Development teams to communicate updates and maintain accurate records.
• Help ensure design specifications are updated and entered into PLM systems in a timely manner.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and Sourcing teams throughout the development process.
• Participate in sample reviews, fittings, seasonal meetings, and line reviews.
• Communicate sample status, design updates, and development needs to internal and external partners.
• Afford assistance in preparing seasonal presentations and leadership review materials.

Trend & Market Research

• Maintain trend, wash, fabric, and inspiration archives for the design team.
• Track industry developments in denim fabrics, silhouettes, washes, sustainability, and consumer preferences.
• Monitor denim and fashion trends through retail research, social media, runway coverage, and competitive analysis.

Administrative & Organizational Support

• Maintain organized sample libraries, wash standards, fabric swatches, trims, and seasonal design records.
• Afford seasonal calendar management and ensure key milestones are met.
• Organize design files, line sheets, presentation decks, and seasonal documentation.
• Support special projects and additional design initiatives as needed.