Associate Designer - Handbags

MZ Wallace is seeking a Associate Designer who will work on the development and maintenance of seasonal collections. The individual in this role must be highly organized, detail-oriented and adaptable to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment. They must be creative, passionate about the product, and possess an elevated aesthetic. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop detailed technical packs with specifications for handbag designs, including dimensions, materials, construction details, and hardware.  
• Accuracy in creating and reviewing specs and ensuring prototype quality.  
• Ensure all materials meet brand standards, including fabrics, leathers, and hardware.  
• Assist in product development with tanneries, mills, and factories. This includes fabric detail sheets, lab dips and organizing standards.  
• Communicate cross-functionally with marketing, production, and wholesale on design updates  
• Record all seasonal updates and take notes during design/sketch meetings  
• Management of seasonal and cross-functional documents, as well as design boards  
• Prepare samples and protos for review  
• Manage organization of seasonal samples, archives, and design studio 
• Hand and technical proficiency in sketching  
• Create and execute flat CADs  
• Work with team on seasonal design trend research and seasonal collections  
• Understanding of current fashion trends and market demands. 

The Ideal Candidate 

• 2-3 years of professional experience in handbag design, or relevant coursework 
• Strong portfolio demonstrating elevated aesthetic, and understanding of design principles, materials, construction techniques, and current trends 
• Excellent sketching, CAD, and presentation skills 
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop and Illustrator) and Microsoft Office. WFX PLM preferred. 
• Detail oriented with strong communication and organizational skills 
• A self-starter with the ability to multi-task and work independently as well as part of a team 

About Us 

MZ Wallace is an independent, women-led company launched in New York City in 2000 by Monica Zwirner and Lucy Wallace Eustice. Their collaborative vision is informed by their backgrounds in fashion, design and contemporary art. Their aim from the start was to combine smart, solution- driven design with timeless style to create bags that work for dynamic lives. MZ Wallace bags offer sophistication through both heritage and seasonal collections, and solution-driven style through innovative details, like lightweight, sustainable materials and pockets that are just where you need them. Today Monica and Lucy remain true to their founding philosophy—great design propels dynamic lives. 

At MZ Wallace, we’re always working on ways to innovate in how we design and produce our products. Sustainability and good citizenship govern everything we do and we continue to look for new solutions to reduce our carbon footprint. One hundred percent of our signature fabrics are made from fully recycled fibers. We are proud of being awarded B Corporation certification, which means we achieved the highest standards for social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability across our entire operation, in a way that benefits our customers, our employees, our communities, and our planet. 

Our Company culture is grounded in our core values of excellence, learning, responsibility, teamwork, inclusion, and fun. They guide us in creating an environment that fosters the kinds of individual and collective accomplishment essential to creating exceptional products for our customers. 

What We Offer 

• Competitive salaries with annual bonus eligibility 
• Estimated compensation range for this role is $70,000-$90,000/year 
• Annual performance appraisal & compensation review 
• 401(k) with employer match 
• Health, dental, and vision insurance 
• Pre-tax transit accounts 
• Vacation, personal, and holiday time-off 
• Free and discounted MZW product 
• Fully-stocked kitchen and weekly catered lunches 
• Happy hours on our roof deck and seasonal team outings 
• Continuing education 
• Beautiful SoHo office