POSITION TITLE:  Designer/Associate Designer – Soft Wovens

DEPARTMENT: Design

REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Design

LOCATION:  New York, NY

JOB TYPE: Full–Time

POSITION SUMMARY: The Designer/Associate Designer is responsible for working with the design team on executing the strategic direction of a category by designing brand enhancing products that grow the business and meet customer needs. This person will design soft wovens product and gowns, translating their vision, ideas and sketches into a finished product, as well as supporting their soft wovens team members.  The individual will partner closely with Production, R&D, and other design related divisions.

ROLE PRIORITIES:

·       Research and develop seasonal trends from creating initial concepts and sketches to production working closely the design and merchandising teams to ensure product needs are accomplished 

·       Actively participate in the design and launch of new lines from inception to completion

·       Use trend intelligence and thorough understanding of current and historical business to design and execute desired vision

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

·       Interpret the seasonal mood and concept working with the Design Director and Creative Director on the development of the season’s product. 

·       Develop design ideas into groups and create a story with one idea. Illustrate boards based on deliveries. 

·       Work on a comprehensible, neat, presentation materials. 

·       Design concepts, illustrations/sketching by hand, drape and create designs based on original ideas. 

·       Create original hand sketches of style groups based on concept/direction from Creative Director

·       Communicate chosen designs to in-house pattern maker and development team to ensure a quality result.  

·       Researches and creates new approaches and methods for the specific category.

·       Ensure timely development of line by adhering to time and action calendar.

·       Prepares design presentations for review meetings. 

·       Partner with the Knits & Sweaters Designers to ensure a cohesive collection across categories.

·       Work closely with Senior Designer, product development and merchandising team to ensure product needs are accomplished.

·       Work closely with Product Development team to launch embroidered and embellished garments. 

·       Understand and take an active role in the production process. Take an active role in fit sessions and product line reviews;   Ensure original vision and fit expectations are maintained

·       Work on special projects such as magazine illustration requests, charity requests, and celebrity dress designs.

·       Maintain a pulse on fashion, culture, art, lifestyle and competitive market trends.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

·       Strong Technical Skills

o   3 – 8 years of experience in women’s apparel design

o   Demonstrated expertise and knowledge in design concepts, practices, and procedures specifically in women’s apparel. High fashion aesthetics with modern aesthetic sense.

o   Knowledge of garment construction, luxury fabrics, silhouette, finishing, embellishments and trim

o   Strong color and print sense

o   Must have experience in freehand and flat design sketching

o   Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office, Illustrator, Photoshop

·       Excellent Communication and Teambuilding Abilities

o   Is a highly effective communicator, both verbal and written; can communicate information around a vision in clear and compelling manner

o   Teambuilding and promoting teamwork; participates in setting clear goals, fosters innovation and collaboration

o   Strong decision making and problem-solving abilities. Is viewed as a problem solver; can clearly identify obstacles and select effective solutions

·       Strong Organization Skills

o   Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; proficient at organizing workload around multiple priorities and tight deadlines

o   Ability to work on overlapping seasons and storylines.

o   Highly attentive to detail

BENEFITS:

·       $75,000 - $100,000 base salary (This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this NYC - based position. The base salary will depend on numerous factors such as: experience and qualifications for the role, experience level, skillset, and balancing internal equity relative to other AO employees.)

·       401(k) with an employer match

·       Medical, dental, and vision

·       Generous employee discount

This job description is not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform, and the employee may be required to perform additional functions. Additionally, the job responsibilities may change at any time as necessitated by business demands.