Handbag Designer

Reformation • New York, NY

1d • $80,000 - $108,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is an exciting opportunity to join Reformation as Handbag Designer working with the Product Innovation Design team to shape the vision and future of the accessories business. This individual will build the design language and support the growth of one of our most exciting and new categories, driving the creative vision from initial concept, to material sourcing, development, through to final execution in partnership with the Design Director. In this role, you will be responsible for translating directional global trends into must-have, customer-right bags that feel distinctly Reformation. The ideal candidate is both highly creative and deeply technical, with a mastery of handbag construction, leathercraft, and a strong commercial instinct. You hold an exceptional taste level, a high bar for quality and have a strong passion for product and the environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Design or related field preferred
• 3-5 years’ experience in design within luxury or contemporary women’s handbag industry (internships or entry level roles welcome)
• Excellent eye for color, materials and a keen attention to detail.
• Strong sketching skills and CAD skills
• Highly proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
• Highly organized with strong time management skills and an ability to multitask

Nice To Haves

• Experience with leather a plus
• Experience with hardware and/or jewelry design a plus but not required

Responsibilities

• Conduct ongoing trend research to evaluate marketplace trends and synthesize into concepts relevant for the Reformation brand/customer; translating these ideas into products
• Contribute to the development of overarching seasonal concepts, themes, and collections under the guidance of the Design Director
• Harbour a deep understanding of the Reformation aesthetic and translate it into brand relevant product
• Present quarterly and monthly sketches and assortments, driving the creation and presentation of design pitch decks
• Research and identity key materials, trims, hardware and trends to add the the core and novelty material libraries
• Work with PD to build comprehensive Tech Packs and liaise with the PD and the factories to bring the visions to life Create pass offs / ownership over design pass offs
• Provide mockups or salpas as needed
• Spec, render and design decorative and functional hardware
• Lead Design correction meetings, working with PD to turnaround comments in a timely manner
• Work with merchandising to fulfill the lineplan with a balanced, trend right and compelling assortment
• Stay abreast of current business trends and suggest reactive chase designs in a timely manner
• Work closely with Merchandising and the Design Director to create CADs and build monthly colors assortments
• Update and manage design decks with the most up to date information

Benefits

• Employer-sponsored private medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Competitive paid time off policies including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
• Retirement planning support with the option to invest in Environmental Social Governance-aligned funds
• Access to fertility care support through Carrot
• Up to a $5,000 USD reimbursement for related fertility expenses after 1 year of employment
• Donations to community efforts on a yearly basis
• Clothing discount
• Culture events (like our annual Ref Values week and Volunteer Time Off)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level