Handbag Designer

Job Description

Gina Concepts, a leading fashion company based in New York City, is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Handbag & Accessories Designer to join our dynamic team. Renowned for our expertise in manufacturing, licensing, and distributing fashion-forward products, we specialize in accessories, footwear, handbags, hosiery, and intimate apparel.

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This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and highly organized individual to contribute to the design and development of multiple brands and private label collections. The role encompasses a wide product range including handbags, small leather goods (SLGs), cosmetic cases, and travel bags.

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Key Responsibilities for Handbag Designer:

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• Lead the end-to-end design and development process for handbags, backpacks, and small leather goods from initial concept through final production.
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• Research and interpret seasonal fashion and market trends , including silhouettes, colors, materials, trims, hardware, prints, and construction techniques through market shopping, trend meetings, trade shows, and industry research.
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• Develop seasonal design concepts, mood boards, color palettes, material stories, prints, and graphic applications that align with brand direction and market opportunities.
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• Create original handbag and accessory designs while continuously identifying opportunities to enhance and expand existing product assortments .
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• Partner with the Design Director and business leadership to merchandise cohesive, commercially viable collections by brand and customer.
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• Create detailed sketches, technical designs, tech packs, line sheets, style guides, presentation boards, and other design documentation required throughout the development process.
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• Prepare and present design concepts, collections, and line sheets for internal teams, sales presentations, buyers, customers, and other external partners.
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• Manage the sample development process , including sample requests, tracking, reviews, revisions, approvals, and follow-up to ensure development milestones and deadlines are met.
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• Communicate daily with overseas factories and sourcing partners regarding product development, sample status, revisions, materials, construction, costs, and estimated completion dates.
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• Review and approve pre-production (PPS) samples , ensuring design, construction, materials, hardware, functionality, color, and overall execution meet established requirements.
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• Provide clear and timely sample corrections and revisions to overseas partners and follow through to ensure all updates are accurately implemented.
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• Maintain accurate and up-to-date style information, line sheets, development documentation, and sample status within the PLM system ; finalize adopted styles for production.
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• Collaborate with overseas partners on material development and approvals , with a particular focus on PU/faux leather, hardware, trims, and other handbag components.
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• Prepare detailed seasonal approval packages for licensors and ensure all required approvals are completed within established timelines.
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• Partner closely with Design, Production, Sales, Sourcing, Licensing, and business leadership to ensure products are developed efficiently and align with creative, commercial, and production requirements.
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• Participate in sales meetings, customer presentations, and buyer meetings , presenting collections and supporting the sales process with product knowledge and design expertise.
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• Proactively identify and resolve design, material, construction, and development issues to keep projects moving forward and ensure products are delivered on schedule.
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Qualifications:

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• Minimum 5 years of relevant design experience, with a focus on handbags and accessories
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• Bachelor of Arts degree preferred
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• Strong understanding of the retail marketplace and competitive landscape
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
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• High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office Suite
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• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong design sensibility
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• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
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• Expertise in:
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• Handbag design
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• Print and surface design
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• CAD presentations
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• Product photography and photo retouching
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Pay Transparency - (65 - 75k)

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Benefits and Perks:

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• Hybrid work schedule & early Fridays
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• Generous PTO and paid holidays
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• Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage with FSA or HSA options
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• 401K & Profit sharing
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• Pre-tax commuter benefits
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• Professional development
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• Team building and Company events
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Equal Opportunity Employer:

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Gina Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

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Recruitment Agencies: Gina Group does not accept unsolicited agency resumes and will not be held responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.