Senior Footwear Designer - Men's

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Maison Margiela is a Paris-based fashion house founded in 1988 by Belgian designer Martin Margiela. Celebrating unconventional aesthetics and embracing the philosophy that fashion is an art of expression rather than a cult of personality, Maison Margiela offers haute couture, ready-to-wear for women and men, contemporary line MM6, footwear, interior design, and accessories, including leather goods, fine jewelry and fragrance.
In 2002, the French house became part of OTB. Along with sister brands of the group, Maison Margiela continues pushing the boundaries of modern fashion while preserving its distinctive identity and heritage.

We are looking for a highly creative and experienced Senior Footwear Designer to join our Menswear Design team. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the design and development of innovative and trend-setting men's footwear collections that reflect the Margiela’s DNA and vision. You will collaborate closely with the Product Development team based in Italy end Merchandising team to ensure the successful translation of creative concepts into market-ready products.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop seasonal men's footwear collections from concept to final prototype.
• Research global trends, materials, constructions, and innovations to inspire and support the design process.
• Lead the creative ideation process and moodboard creation for the category.
• Translate market needs, brand positioning, and consumer insights into original design proposals.
• Work closely with the Product Development team to ensure design feasibility, cost-efficiency, and quality.
• Present concepts and final designs to internal stakeholders, ensuring clarity and alignment with the overall brand direction.
• Manage junior designers or interns when required, supporting their growth and output.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the competitive landscape and contribute proactively to innovation in the category.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Footwear Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in men's footwear design, preferably within a luxury or high-end fashion environment.
• Strong design sensibility with a deep understanding of men’s footwear trends, materials, and constructions.
• Excellent hand sketching skills and proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, 3D tools a plus).
• Strong understanding of product development and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in English and Italian mandatory; other languages are a plus.