Handbag Designer

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities for Handbag Designer:

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

Qualifications:

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

Pay Transparency - (65 - 75k)

Benefits and Perks:

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

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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.

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