Design Director (New York)

Design Director

SAME is a Los Angeles-based luxury fashion label founded by Shea Marie, known for its modern femininity, elevated craftsmanship, and timeless approach to dressing. As the brand continues to expand its Ready-to-Wear offering, we are seeking an exceptional design leader to help shape and execute this next phase of growth.

We are looking for a Design Director to partner directly with our Founder & Creative Director in developing and executing SAME's Ready-to-Wear collections. Candidate must be super organized and capable.

This role is ideal for a highly creative, product-driven designer who thrives in a founder-led environment and enjoys translating vision into beautifully executed collections. Working side-by-side with the Founder, you will lead the Ready-to-Wear design process from concept through final development, ensuring every piece reflects the brand's elevated aesthetic, exceptional fit, and commitment to quality.

This position includes dedicated full-time support from a Product Development Assistant, allowing you to focus on design, creative execution, fittings, and collection development.

• Partner directly with the Founder & Creative Director to develop seasonal Ready-to-Wear collections.
• Translate creative concepts into cohesive, commercially relevant collections that embody the SAME aesthetic.
• Research trends, vintage references, fabric innovations, silhouettes, and construction techniques to inspire each season.
• Contribute original design ideas while maintaining a refined, timeless point of view.
• Help evolve the Ready-to-Wear category through thoughtful product innovation and elevated design.

• Design seasonal Ready-to-Wear collections from initial concept through final product.
• Create sketches, CADs, technical flats, and presentation materials.
• Develop seasonal color palettes, fabric direction, trims, and finishing details.
• Build balanced assortments across dresses, tailoring, separates, outerwear, knitwear, and occasion pieces.
• Ensure consistency of fit, proportion, fabrication, and design throughout the collection.

• Partner closely with Product Development throughout the development calendar.
• Review prototypes, sample iterations, and SMS collections.
• Lead fittings alongside the Founder and Technical Design, providing clear design direction and feedback.
• Communicate design intent to domestic and overseas development partners.
• Work closely with your dedicated Product Development Assistant on sample tracking, vendor communication, organization, and calendar management.
• Ensure every garment meets the brand's luxury standards for fit, construction, and finish.

• Partner with Merchandising, Production, Marketing, and Sales throughout each season.
• Participate in seasonal assortment planning and product strategy.
• Support styling, campaign development, and product storytelling when needed.
• Help manage seasonal timelines while maintaining exceptional design quality.

• 7–12+ years of Ready-to-Wear design experience within the luxury or contemporary women's market.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional taste, proportion, fabrication, and silhouette.
• Extensive experience designing women's Ready-to-Wear collections.
• Expert knowledge of garment construction, fit, fabrics, and luxury manufacturing.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and CAD development.
• Experience working directly with domestic and international factories throughout development.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and seasonal calendars.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative working style.
• Ability to balance creative vision with commercial product development.

You are a highly skilled Ready-to-Wear designer with exceptional taste and a deep understanding of luxury product. You love the creative process as much as the execution, and you know how to transform inspiration into garments that feel effortless, modern, and beautifully made.

You are equally comfortable brainstorming alongside a founder, leading fittings, reviewing samples, and refining every detail until the final product is exceptional. You thrive in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are valued above all else.