Sr. Designer, Dresses - NYC

General Summary

 

The Sr. Dress Designer is responsible for leading 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. This position supports the Wholesale Apparel business.

The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role.  This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with VP of Design and Associate Design Director to bring the collection from concept to reality, including but not limited to conceptual presentations, sketch review, design research, fabric & trim development, spec and fit processes
• Contribute to seasonal concept research as well as competitive market research. Needs to be on the pulse for identifying trends and key items for a quick turnaround
• Sketch into design concepts synthesizing design direction, price parameters, and feedback from Design Director and Sales
• Drive and oversee your own groups independently, ensuring details are communicated clearly and effectively to cross-functional partners and all deadlines are met
• Develop strong partnerships with cross-functional team members in Design, Production, Tech Design, and Print. Communication is key!
• Work independently with technical design team to ensure proper fit and proportions are met and follow-up with oversea factories on trim approvals
• Clearly communicate silhouettes and detailed garment construction through sketches, garment drapes, and reference material, with feedback and updates as needed
• Participate in all development and production fittings. Confident in leading fittings when needed
• Create and update all TP’s from development through to production
• Help with seasonal line sheet creation
• Follow-through and problem-solving development issues by style
• Maintain and communicate up-to-date development details, including sketches, style and pattern information, fabric information, colorways, and development notes
• Pro-actively coordinate with team members from Design, Product Development, and Fabric departments to make sure all information is current and correct through development, SMS, and production handover stages
• Excellent follow-up on development styles and any special projects requested
• Manage calendar and time in order to meet all milestone deadlines
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

 

Specific Job Skills:

 

Essential duties include

• Knowledge identifying trends and key items for a quick turnaround
• Sketch into design concepts synthesizing design direction, price parameters, and feedback from Design Director and Sales
• Participate in all development and production fittings
• Confident in leading fittings when needed
• Follow-through and problem-solving of development issues by style
• Maintain and communicate up-to-date development details, including sketches, style and pattern information, fabric information, colorways, and development notes
• Pro-actively coordinate with team members from Design, Product Development, and Fabric departments to make sure all information is current and correct through development, SMS, and production handover stages
• Create and update all TP’s from development through to production
• Manage calendar and time in order to meet all milestone deadlines

 

 

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 4-year design school and 7+ years working experience in fashion industry focusing on dresses required
• Proficiency in fashion illustration/CAD work on Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office Suite is required
• PML knowledge is a plus
• The position requires an excellent tast