Head of Accessories Design

About the Role

As the VP of Accessories Design at Madewell, you will own the end-to-end creative vision and design strategy for the full accessories collection: footwear, handbags, jewelry, small leather goods, and soft accessories. Reporting to the Creative Director of Madewell and partnering closely with the Madewell Design leadership team, you will ensure accessories function as a defining pillar of the brand—cohesive with the apparel line, distinctly Madewell, and a meaningful driver of the business each season. This is an opportunity to lead with purpose, build and inspire a multi-category design organization, and shape an accessories portfolio that resonates with today’s customer.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the seasonal design strategy and creative execution for all Madewell accessories categories: footwear, handbags, jewelry, small leather goods, and soft accessories; developing collections that are innovative, brand-right, and commercially relevant.
• Own the creative point of view for accessories in totality, ensuring all categories work as one cohesive collection with a unified material, color, and design language.
• Partner closely with the Madewell Design leadership team to ensure accessories complement and complete the full breadth of the Madewell assortment each season.
• Drive innovation by identifying opportunities for new silhouettes, materials, craftsmanship techniques, and brand-defining hero products that establish Madewell’s authority in the accessories space.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a multi-category team of designers—building the organization’s structure, talent, and succession—while cultivating a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages creative risk-taking and professional development.
• Translate market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives into an elevated, forward-thinking design vision, serving as the executive voice for accessories in seasonal line reviews and brand planning.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Marketing—including vendor and development strategy across diverse supply chains—to ensure flawless product execution and the highest standards of design integrity from concept through delivery.

Requirements

• 15+ years of accessories design experience, with a demonstrated track record of success in a senior design leadership role within a fashion brand.
• Deep, hands-on expertise in at least two core accessories categories (footwear, handbags/leather goods, jewelry, or soft accessories), with a proven record of leading design across a full multi-category accessories portfolio.
• Proven ability to develop and articulate a compelling, forward-thinking creative vision that aligns with brand identity and drives meaningful business results.
• Advanced understanding of materials, construction methods, product development processes, and quality standards across accessories categories.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills at an executive level, with the ability to inspire teams and influence cross-functional partners.
• Strong illustration, presentation, and storytelling skills—proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office—with a portfolio showcasing successful collection launches that have positively impacted business outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep appreciation for and understanding of the Madewell brand aesthetic and customer, with the ability to translate that understanding into a cohesive seasonal design vision.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a related field.

Benefits

• Health & Well-being: Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance, family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel, and more.
• Associate Discount: Discount across all brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).
• Summer Fridays: Office closes at 1:00 PM every Friday during the summer months, in addition to a hybrid work model.
• Community Impact: Support for communities through philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.
• Winter Break: Additional time off at the end of December for eligible full-time associates to recharge.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location, employment type, and eligibility requirements.

Pay

Salary Range: $256,900.00 - $343,450.00. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The base salary is one component of J.Crew Group’s competitive total rewards strategy, which also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits, and perks.