Designer, Special Projects (Footwear)

What You'll Be Doing

• Support the Creative Director of Special Projects and LA Connection Lab across all phases of the design process
• Ideation & Research: Conduct in-depth trend research, competitive analysis, and in-person market research related to footwear, materials, silhouettes, and construction
• Sketching & CAD: Create and refine footwear sketches and CADs throughout the development process, including uppers, outsoles, tooling, and color updates
• Development: Assist in launching, developing, and tracking footwear styles, materials, trims, hardware, outsoles, and colorways
• Meetings & Documentation: Capture detailed notes during cross-functional weekly meetings and milestone reviews
• Sample Management: Organize and track inspiration samples, vendor samples, protos, SMS, and production samples
• Material Organization: Develop and maintain seasonal material, trim, and outsole libraries/binders
• Prototype Reviews: Support proto reviews by preparing, labeling, and organizing samples
• Concept Boards: Assist in creating seasonal concept boards for presentations and milestone meetings
• Project & Calendar Management: Follow design calendars and timelines, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery of all work
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal teams, including Italian and global Lab teams, on innovation initiatives and special projects
• Events & Activations: Support LA Connection Lab based activations, workshops, and events

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Footwear Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, or related field preferred; or equivalent experience
• 1–2 years of industry experience in footwear or fashion design
• Experience with footwear making or hand crafting is a plus
• Knowledge of footwear machinery is preferred
• Knowledge of footwear materials including leathers, textiles, synthetics, rubbers, and trims
• Understanding of footwear construction, tooling, and manufacturing processes preferred
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
• Strong CAD skills with a focus on footwear
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word is required
• 3D modeling is a plus

Qualifications

• Based in Los Angeles, CA, with the ability to work in-office at least three days per week
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
• Strong verbal and written English communication skills; Italian, Mandarin, or Cantonese a plus