Design Director - Women's RTW - NYC
We are excited to invite an experienced Women's Design Director to join our team. Looking for an organized, director with expertise in the design, line creation, and development from concept to production. You will be responsible for creating a seasonal collection of innovative products appropriate for the women's RTW customer while leading and mentoring the Design and Art teams.
Responsibilities:Report to the President, who oversees all product categories and aspects of the design directionWomen's Lifestyle Apparel - dresses, jackets, sweaters, inner wear, some outerwear, blazer, pants, activeWomen's RTW Trend Direction - think Chico, WHBM, Lane Bryant, Ann Taylor target audience.Must work closely on deadlines with high calendar efficiencyTravel seasonally - European shopping and European presentationsCollaborate with the Creative Design Director on Season direction/prints & fabricsWork closely with the sourcing team on design development, denim wash development/fitsPresent all designs merchandised by classification to the President, ensuring all silhouettes and key shapes are coveredOversee the Design Team on all designs/request forms on new development designs/construction & finishing.Review & approve all drapes from the in-house sample roomCommunicate daily with the Head of the Pattern Room to prioritize samples for seasonal meetings.Set up seasonal design presentations with the design team to present to the President before developingManage sample developments to reduce overdevelopment to the best of your ability.Review seasonal fabric & trim reviews to ensure newness within the line assortmentPresent to the VP of Design the styles to develop at the factory level to reduce the amount of in-house sample development.Present Seasonal Line to Sourcing TeamsCollaborate with the Creative Design Director & Team to set up showroom looks for seasonal line buyerAssist in the seasonal coloring of monthly deliveries with the buyer and teamPost Line selection review with the Merchandising TeamProto fittings with President, Buyer & TeamsPost proto-fit reviews with Merchandising and CompanyEnsure all RE-Design requirements from Buyer / Merchandising are executed and developed in a timely mannerRequirements:
10 years of experience and/or an advanced degree from a fashion instituteTeam Leader, MentorTechnical Garment knowledgeFabric knowledgeMerchandising/Line BuildingStrength in identifying key itemsCost engineering of garmentsAdobe Creative Suite, Microsoft/ExcelConfident, strong presentation skills
Annual Salary $200K Range, Full Benefits
Hybrid 4 days In NYC Office / 1 WFH