Design Assistant

Job Description

About the Brand

Established in 2020 by Amy Zurek, Savette celebrates traditional leather craft in a new and modern form. 

The foundation of each handbag is a timeless, sophisticated silhouette, rendered in exceptional Italian leather. From the convertible strap to the signature hardware, every component is designed to be aesthetically refined and intuitively functional. Each bag is made by hand outside Florence with considered details and thoughtful design. 

Savette is born from Amy’s mother’s maiden name. Women in her family are a source of strength and inspiration; the notion of a bag being passed on through generations of women, a rare modern heirloom, is at the heart of the brand. Amy approaches the design process with the intention of only creating bags she feels are necessary and unique to the brand, adding to a highly edited collection of styles. 

Savette has been featured by VOGUE, British Vogue, ELLE, WWD and other publications around the world. The bags have been worn by notables such as Lady Gaga, Emily Ratajkowski, Leandra Medine, Camille Charriere and others. 

The Role

The Design Assistant will work closely with our Founder and our Product Development and Production Manager to bring each new style from concept to final sample. Working across handbags, home objects, belts and jewelry, this individual will support research, design and technical development, and work hand in hand with the Founder and the internal team to keep every project aligned, organized and moving forward.

This is a hands-on role for a highly organized, detail-driven designer with a strong eye, a deep understanding of leather goods construction and a sharp knowledge of the luxury accessories market. It offers the opportunity to grow across both design and product development at a young luxury brand during an exciting period of growth. This is a full-time position based in Brooklyn, NY.

Primary Responsibilities

Research and Design:

• Research: Conduct market, trend, material and vintage research across luxury fashion, with a focus on accessories, leather goods and handbags. Distill findings into concise, well-edited research and concept boards.

• Market Awareness: Track the competitive landscape, including new silhouettes, hardware, materials, pricing and launches, and flag opportunities relevant to Savette’s highly edited collection.

• Design Support: Develop sketches, line drawings and color-ups in Illustrator and Photoshop for handbags, objects, belts and jewelry, in line with the Founder’s direction and the brand’s design language.

• Prepare presentation boards, line sheets and meeting materials for design and development reviews.

Technical Design and Product Development:

• Tech Packs: Create and maintain accurate, detailed tech packs, including technical flats, measurements, construction details, materials, hardware and colorway specifications.

• Development Calendar: Partner with the Product Development and Production Manager to track each style from concept through prototype, sample and production approval.

• Factory Communication: Communicate design and technical revisions clearly and promptly with our factory in Italy and with material and hardware suppliers.

• Sample Review: Participate in sample reviews, document comments and corrections, and issue revised specs in a timely manner.

• Support the development of hardware and components (i.e. signature hardware, straps and closures), including drawings, specs and sample tracking.

• Maintain an organized library of leathers, linings, hardware and trims, with swatch cards and supplier references.

Studio Organization:

• Organize, track and manage prototypes, development samples and archival styles.

• Maintain design files, style numbers and component lists so that information is accurate and easy to find.

• Gather material and component information to support costing as needed.

• Support diverse Studio responsibilities as needed or as required 

Key Attributes

• Minimum 3 years’ design experience specifically in accessories, ideally handbags and leather goods at a luxury or premium brand

• Strong working knowledge of handbag construction, leathers and hardware, with the ability to spec complex styles

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, with experience building tech packs

• Strong research skills and deep familiarity with the luxury market, from fashion houses to independent leather goods brands

• Exceptionally organized and detail-oriented; a self-starter who takes ownership, follows through and holds a high standard for accuracy

• Interest in product development and comfort working across design and production within a small team

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including with overseas factory partners

• Degree in Accessories, Fashion, Industrial or Product Design, or relevant professional experience

• Proficiency in Excel and Google Workspace

• Italian language skills a plus

• Experience with pattern making or 3D mock-ups a plus

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience. Savette currently offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

Savette is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions (including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, discipline and termination) are based on the applicant’s or employee’s qualifications as they relate to the requirements of the position under consideration. These decisions are made without regard to age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic characteristics, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or any other legally-recognized protected basis prohibited by applicable law.

Please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com with your resume, cover letter, and any other pertinent materials.