Associate Designer

Overview

Job Title: Associate Designer, Aéropostale Girls' Wovens

Position Overview

The Associate Designer, Aéropostale supports the development and execution of seasonal apparel collections with a primary focus on Girls' Wovens . Working closely with the Design team and cross-functional partners, this role helps bring seasonal concepts to life through trend research, product design, technical development, and sample execution.

The Associate Designer plays a key role in creating fashion-forward, commercially relevant products that aligns with brand strategy, customer preferences, and market trends. This position requires strong design skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the highest standards of quality and product execution.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Creative Development

• Research and analyze seasonal fashion trends, color, print, fabric, silhouette, cultural influences, and competitive brands to support collection development.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the brand aesthetic and target customer while contributing fresh and innovative design ideas.
• Assist in developing seasonal concepts, mood boards, color palettes, and product strategies aligned with overall brand direction.
• Create detailed CADs, technical sketches, colorways, and design presentations using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Develop original design concepts, garment details, graphics, washes, and trims that support seasonal storytelling and assortment needs.
• Support inspiration gathering through market research, competitive shopping, social media, trend platforms, and vintage resources.

Product Development & Technical Execution

• Create and maintain accurate tech packs, including design details, construction specifications, artwork placement, trims, measurements, and BOM information.
• Partner with Technical Design to review fit samples, communicate comments, and help ensure design intent is maintained throughout development.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Production, and Sourcing teams on fabric, trim, wash, color, and garment construction development.
• Review and provide feedback on lab dips, strike-offs, print submissions, trims, washes, and development samples.
• Track revisions throughout the sample process and maintain organized records to support on-time product development.
• Ensure all design deliverables are completed accurately and according to seasonal calendars.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Merchandising to support assortment strategies, line plans, customer needs, and business objectives.
• Participate in seasonal milestone meetings, fittings, line reviews, and cross-functional presentations.
• Communicate design direction and development feedback to internal teams and external vendors.
• Support collaboration across Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and Sourcing teams.

Operational & Team Support

• Manage multiple categories, styles, and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Maintain organized design files, artwork libraries, seasonal documentation, and development tracking tools.
• Update PLM systems and internal databases with accurate product information.
• Support market preparation, seasonal reviews, and key leadership presentations.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to help mentor Assistant Designers and Design Interns as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred.

Experience

• 3-4 years of apparel design experience, preferably within a teen, young adult, or contemporary fashion brand.
• Experience working within a fast-paced, high-volume retail or wholesale environment preferred.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating creative design skills, technical proficiency, and trend awareness.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office.
• Experience working with PLM systems preferred.
• Strong CAD, sketching, technical drawing, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of apparel construction, fabrics, fit, washes, trims, and product development processes.
• Familiarity with trend forecasting platforms, social media trends, and competitive market analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for research, concept development, and creative ideation.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and adapt quickly to changing business needs.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for fashion, youth culture, and emerging trends.
• Creative thinker with strong aesthetic judgment and commercial awareness.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and highly motivated.
• Collaborative team player with a positive and proactive attitude.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to take initiative.

Physical Requirements (if applicable)

• Ability to lift and transport garment samples and sample boxes.
• Ability to participate in fittings, line reviews, market appointments, and cross-functional meetings

What you get:

If eligible, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays*, and 401(k) with Company match. All associates are eligible for an associate discount on all Catalyst Brands merchandise. For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation (MTO) are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. All store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation. *For paid vacation days, as well as eligibility requirements for other benefits, please visit

Pay Range

USD $62,700.00 - USD $77,250.00 /Yr.