Design Director, Women's - RTW White Label

Women's RTW White Label Design Director
About rag & bone
From our origins in New York in 2002, rag & bone was founded on a belief of uncompromising ideals: a commitment to doing things the right way, not the easy way. To making things that are as original as they are timeless. To being true to ourselves, even when that truth sets us apart from the mainstream.
We still believe in the same principles we started with: the easy elegance of classic British tailoring, the authenticity of American workwear, and the originality of our home city, New York. As New Yorkers, community and authenticity have become synonymous with our brand. An inclusive environment at rag & bone upholds our original values by encouraging employee connection and empowering each individual to have a voice on policy, process, and collaboration for a more equitable future.
Job Summary:
Partner with the Senior Design Director in the creation and execution of the Women's RTW White Label design process; maintaining the aesthetic and integrity of the rag & bone brand while balancing the needs of the business. This role is focused on our White Label collection - the foundation of the women's line - encompassing everyday essentials, relaxed casual wear, elevated basics, classic tees, and unfussy, wearable pieces that speak to the rag & bone woman at her most effortless.

Responsibilities:

• Lead design for all Women's RTW White Label categories, including basics, casual separates, t-shirts, fleece, denim, and other core everyday pieces
• Bring a thoughtful, refined point of view to "simple" pieces - understanding that the White Label customer expects exceptional fit, fabric, and detail in even the most pared-back styles
• Collaborate with the SVP to identify seasonal big ideas, key trends, and silhouettes relevant to the White Label aesthetic - relaxed, unfussy, and rooted in quality
• Design inspirational protos for seasonal conceptual rigs with an emphasis on casual, wearable dressing
• Conduct competitive market research with a focus on the premium basics and casual wear landscape
• Flawlessly execute product and design vision from concept, sketch/design creation, through PP approval
• Prepare presentation boards (sketches, washes, fabrics) that reflect the ease and simplicity of the White Label ethos
• Adhere to and enforce all Design calendar deadlines
• Manage the entire process from design through development
• Collaborate with internal partners (Design, Production, Development, Sales, etc.) and external resources (agents, suppliers, laundries, mills, factories, etc.)
• Negotiate prices to achieve gross margin targets
• Value engineer products to meet financial objectives in collaboration with design leads, with particular attention to fabrication and construction efficiency in basics categories
• Develop vendor relationships and monitor vendor KPIs
• Monitor product category trends; recommend piece types for development and inclusion in the line with a focus on longevity and wearability
• Complete spec/tech packages including technical illustrations, construction details, and trim sheets
• Partner with Technical Design to ensure fit - particularly critical in a basics-driven collection where fit is everything
• Occasional travel to factories both domestic and overseas

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design or equivalent
• Minimum 7 years of Women's RTW design experience, with a strong focus on basics, casual wear, or essentials-driven collections; experience with domestically made product a plus
• Deep understanding of premium casual and basics manufacturing - including jersey, knit, woven, and denim construction - as well as component sourcing and materials development
• An eye for elevated simplicity: the ability to make a t-shirt or classic trouser feel special through fabric, fit, and proportion
• Proven track record in developing strong vendor partnerships while achieving financial objectives
• Experience traveling to factories
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to problem-solve specifications, construction, or material issues with vendors
• Strong Photoshop & Illustrator skills
• Strong sketching and design capability with fluency in casual and relaxed silhouettes
• Deep knowledge and understanding of fit, especially as it applies to knit and casual wear
• Presentation skills and ability to influence at the senior management level
• Resourceful, creative, and efficient when faced with multiple projects or challenging deadlines

Rules we live by | Rules you live by

• Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity.
• Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
• Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
• Quality Matters - Not only with product but we see it in our people
• Make Shit Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Clothing Allowance
• Generous Employee Discount
• Paid Parental Leave
• Commission Eligible
• Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
• Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
• 401k

rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.