Sr. Designer, Dresses - NYC

About the Role

This position leads design in assigned categories, translating creative direction into innovative, trend-right, and commercially viable products through in-depth market research, concept development, and advanced sketching. The role supports the Wholesale Apparel business and is based in our NYC office, requiring on-site work.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with VP of Design and Associate Design Director to bring the collection from concept to reality, including conceptual presentations, sketch review, design research, fabric & trim development, spec, and fit processes.
• Contribute to seasonal concept research and competitive market research, staying on the pulse to identify trends and key items for quick turnaround.
• Sketch design concepts, synthesizing design direction, price parameters, and feedback from Design Director and Sales.
• Drive and oversee your own groups independently, ensuring clear communication of details to cross-functional partners and meeting all deadlines.
• Develop strong partnerships with cross-functional teams in Design, Production, Tech Design, and Print.
• Work independently with the technical design team to ensure proper fit and proportions, and follow up with overseas factories on trim approvals.
• Communicate silhouettes and detailed garment construction through sketches, garment drapes, and reference material, incorporating feedback and updates as needed.
• Participate in all development and production fittings; lead fittings when needed.
• Create and update all tech packs (TP’s) from development through production.
• Assist with seasonal line sheet creation.
• Follow through and problem-solve development issues by style.
• Maintain and communicate up-to-date development details, including sketches, style and pattern information, fabric details, colorways, and development notes.
• Proactively coordinate with team members from Design, Product Development, and Fabric departments to ensure all information is current and correct through development, SMS, and production handover stages.
• Manage calendar and time to meet all milestone deadlines.
• Handle multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

• Identify trends and key items for quick turnaround.
• Sketch design concepts, synthesizing design direction, price parameters, and feedback.
• Participate in and lead development and production fittings.
• Follow through and problem-solve development issues by style.
• Maintain and communicate up-to-date development details, including sketches, style and pattern information, fabric details, colorways, and development notes.
• Proactively coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure information accuracy through development, SMS, and production handover stages.
• Create and update tech packs (TP’s) from development through production.
• Manage calendar and time to meet all milestone deadlines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4-year design school and 7+ years of working experience in the fashion industry, focusing on dresses.
• Proficiency in fashion illustration/CAD work using Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• PML knowledge is a plus.
• Excellent taste level, strong attention to detail, and adaptability to a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively with design, tech design, production, fabric, and product development teams.
• Highly creative, hardworking, and knowledgeable of fabrics, trims, garment sewing, and construction.
• Ability to conduct fittings independently and fluency in construction when discussing with pattern makers.
• Brand-appropriate design aesthetic.
• In-depth knowledge of dress construction and design (daytime and occasion dresses).
• Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and time management skills.
• Knowledge of denim and prom dresses is a plus.

Pay

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $110,000 to $120,000, based on relevant skillset, training, years of experience, education, and organizational structure.

Benefits

• Health and dental insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• 401K plan.
• Paid holidays.
• Generous paid time-off policy.
• Career opportunities within a dynamic team.