Designer / Product Development Fashion Access

About the role

The Designer / Product Development role is responsible for supporting the development of seasonal fashion accessory collections from concept through production. This position partners closely with the Design Director and cross-functional teams to create innovative, commercially viable products while ensuring all development milestones and deadlines are met.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal fashion accessories and headwear collections from concept through production.
• Research and identify seasonal fashion trends, colors, materials, patterns, and silhouettes.
• Create new product designs and improve existing market products.
• Partner with the Design Director to merchandise products by brand.
• Design prints, patterns, and recolor artwork as needed.
• Prepare presentation boards and sales sheets featuring new product concepts and imagery.
• Communicate daily with overseas factories regarding product development, sample status, and estimated completion dates.
• Send sourcing and development emails to overseas partners.
• Prepare detailed tech packs for assigned accounts.
• Review pre-production (PPS) samples to ensure design direction and construction requirements have been met; communicate approvals and revisions to factories.
• Maintain accurate style information and development updates within the PLM system.
• Finalize adopted styles in PLM for Production.
• Submit seasonal approval packages to licensors.
• Partner closely with Design, Production, Sales, and Licensing teams throughout the development process.
• Track sample progress and proactively follow up on outstanding items to ensure development milestones are achieved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in fashion accessory design and/or product development.
• Experience designing fashion accessories and headwear, including cold weather knits, scarves, hats, gloves, ruanas, and straw headwear.
• Strong creative, technical, and organizational skills.
• Excellent eye for color, pattern, trend, and commercial design.
• Expert level of proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Experience working with a PLM system is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve product development and sample issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management and project management abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Positive, collaborative team player with strong attention to detail.

Requirements

• Meet all product development deadlines and proactively communicate any potential delays.
• Ensure assigned product development projects are completed accurately from concept through production.
• Maintain timely and professional communication with internal teams, overseas factories, and licensors.
• Ensure tech packs, development emails, and factory communications are complete and accurate before release.
• Keep PLM records, style information, and development status updated throughout the development process.
• Track sample progress and follow up with factories to maintain development timelines and ETAs.
• Review pre-production samples thoroughly and communicate clear, detailed comments or approvals.
• Maintain organized digital files, server folders, and product development documentation.
• Take accurate meeting notes and clarify assignments whenever necessary.
• Demonstrate proficiency in PLM, including creating style numbers, updating development information, and preparing required documentation.
• Consistently contribute innovative product ideas while maintaining brand integrity and commercial viability.