Assistant Designer

Perry Ellis International; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading lifestyle apparel company in Miami is seeking an Assistant Designer to support the creative vision of the design team. You will manage the product design process, ensuring timely execution from initial concept to production. Responsibilities include designing technical sketches, managing the approval process, and participating in fittings. Ideal candidates will possess a college degree in Fashion Design and strong mastery of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, along with strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Required mastery of technical design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong design and conceptual skills with a thorough knowledge of silhouettes, colors, and sewing techniques.
• Excellent ability to think three-dimensionally and visualize the final garment from a sketch.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the creative process by providing recommendations regarding seasonal themes.
• Prepare and consistently update technical sketches and specifications in Adobe Illustrator.
• Lead technical design fittings and communicate directives clearly.

Skills

Technical design software mastery

Strong design and conceptual skills

Presentation and communication skills

Education

College degree in Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Perry Ellis International, Inc. represents a diverse portfolio of lifestyle apparel brands. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries owns and licenses nationally and with a brand portfolio of over 42 Brands domestically and internationally recognized brands including: Perry Ellis®, Original Penguin® by Munsingwear®, Laundry by Shelli Segal®, Rafaella®, Cubavera®, Ben Hogan®, Savane®, Grand Slam®, John Henry®, Manhattan®, Axist® and Farah®. The Company enhances its roster of brands by licensing trademarks from third parties, including: Nike® for swimwear, and Callaway®, PGA TOUR®, and Jack Nicklaus® for golf apparel.

Position Summary

As the Assistant Designer you will manage the administrative and follow-up aspects of the product design process, ensuring timely and accurate execution of the line from initial concept to final production handoff. You will actively support the design team's creative vision by preparing technical sketches, managing approvals, and attending technical fitting directives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design Development Support: Actively participate in the creative process by providing recommendations regarding seasonal themes, edits to the line, and new concepts.
• Technical Sketching & Specification: Responsible for the precise design details of products, including preparing and consistently updating technical sketches (in Adobe Illustrator) and specifications.
• Product Consistency: Assist in ensuring that the product design is cohesive, trend-relevant, and aligned with Perry Ellis's established business strategy and brand aesthetic.
• Fittings & Execution: Lead or actively participate in technical design fittings, clearly defining and communicating go-forward directives to ensure updates are executed accurately and on time.
• Design Package Completion: Ensure the product design package is complete, accurate, and handed off on time to the product development team, technical design department, and vendors for the creation of prototypes and salesmen samples.
• Approval Process Management: Monitor and manage the approval process for material and color components, including lab-dips, knit-downs, strike-offs, and handlooms.

Qualifications

• A college degree in Fashion Design is required.
• Required mastery of technical design software, including Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Familiarity with advanced design technology (e.g., Ned Graphics, PLM systems) is a plus and demonstrates an ability to learn.
• Strong design and conceptual skills with a thorough knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, color ways, sewing techniques, graphics, and trim.
• The ability to think three-dimensionally and visualize the final garment from a swatch or sketch to the body.
• Excellent ability to identify, combine, and approve colors effectively within the collection.
• Strong presentation and verbal/written communication skills to clearly convey design directives and influence others.

Personal Attributes

• Possesses a refined aesthetic and a keen eye for quality and style relevant to the Perry Ellis brand.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with strong time management abilities necessary to meet tight product development deadlines.
• A self-starter who takes responsibility for design details and actively ensures the completeness and accuracy of all handoffs.
• Proven ability to be an effective team player who collaborates seamlessly with cross-functional partners (e.g., Merchandising, Product Development, Tech Design) to achieve shared goals.

Perry Ellis International is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their individual background and characteristics. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, and termination. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree to the company's commitment to equal employment opportunities.

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