Assistant Designer

DL1961, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life & Disability Insurance

401(k) plan

FSA plans

Associate discount

Job summary

DL1961, Inc. is seeking a Design Assistant to support designers with samples, tech packs, and control sheets. You will help coordinate private label development and liaise with factories to ensure timely production.

The role requires proficiency in Adobe Suite, basic flat sketching, and knowledge of denim fabrication. A fashion design degree and showroom/merchandising awareness are preferred. Great team fit and ongoing learning are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in fashion design or related field required.
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite.
• Knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, construction techniques, and trim.
• Denim experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the designer(s) with samples, merchandising tech packs and control sheets.
• Track and manage private label samples and specs; liaise with factories.
• Prepare tech packs and communicate with production on product refinements.
• Research street style, runway trends and competitors to stay current in premium denim.

Skills

Adobe Suite proficiency

Fashion trend research

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor’s degree in fashion design or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Tech packs

Flat sketches

Job description

DL1961 is a premium essentials brand with roots in vertical integration. Offering elevated denim, knits, and ready-to-wear, for women, men, kids, and pets. They believe in meticulously crafted pieces designed to carry you through all of life’s stages.

In addition to their own low-impact factory, DL1961 strategically partners with sustainable manufacturers around the world to produce high quality essentials perfect for everyday wear. Named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023, this press-loved brand is a perennial favorite of editors and celebrities alike.

Learn more about DL1961 and shop the full styles and looks on dl1961.com.

As Design Assistant, you will be responsible for assisting the designer(s) in daily organizational tasks such as samples, merchandising tech packs and control sheets, supporting developments to all third‑party vendors, monitoring all outgoing and incoming design related mail packages, preparing design boards, tracking samples in development, assessing sample specs and thoroughly researching street style/ runway trends and competitors.

You are proficient with Adobe Suite as well as have knowledge of the pre‑production cycle, flat sketches, silhouettes, fabrication, construction techniques and trim. You are flexible and adaptable to everchanging environments and have a passion for fashion. Denim and Showroom Experience is a plus.

Job responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Design Assistance

• Thoroughly research street style, runway trends and competitors to remain up to date on trends within the premium denim space.
• Assist the designer(s) in daily organizational tasks such as samples, merchandising tech packs, commenting, control sheets and sketching.
• Implement strategy for tracking samples in development, such as setting calendar reminders.
• Track and inventory on private label samples and specs, assessing on an as needed basis.
• Assist in all private label sales prospect meetings and liaise with factory for meetings.
• Visit buyer locations to present collections if needed.
• Prepare tech packs and assist in communication with production team on fine tuning products for bulk.
• Monitor, manage & handle all incoming and outgoing design related mail packages.
• Wear test samples and assist with tech packs and comments as needed.
• Spec garments in preparation of fittings and schedule fit models when needed.
• Proficiently prepare design boards.
• After fittings, submit clear & concise comments to factory to ensure next sample has the updated changes.
• Keep the WIP line sheet up to date.
• Spearhead developments sent to all third‑party vendors.
• Develop a full and precise knowledge of fabric codes, including fabric quality and construction.
• Learn full understanding of denim wash techniques, in order to clearly communicate with factories.
• Supporting showroom merchandising and organization.
• Manage and track all pre‑production samples (PPS) & top of production (TOP).
• Ensure samples are produced accurately and are delivered on time.
• Organize pre‑production sample fittings with models.
• Communicate comments on pre‑production sample fittings and follow up on revisions.
• Alert the Sales and Creative Teams on bulk issues from top of production.
• Collect data on production issues from sales to proactively troubleshoot.
• Ensure final specs are accurate to date towards new fit blocks and fabrics.
• Receive and analyze post‑production feedback for presentation at hindsight meetings.
• Maintain accurate reporting procedures utilizing available resources.
• Round out a process workflow for Pre‑Production cycle.
• Write product wash copy for all divisions per season.
• Approve + review ghost mannequin photos for accuracy for all divisions per season.
• Provide fresh and updated fit + wash standards for PK and showroom use upon request

Desired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in fashion design or related field required.
• 1-2 year(s) related design experience across multiple brands.
• Preferred Denim Experience.
• Preferred knowledge of showroom maintenance and organization.
• Proficiency in Adobe Suite.
• Ability to perform basic flat sketches– Hand and Illustrator.
• Knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, construction techniques, and trim.
• Hourly, Non‑Exempt Position

The salary range for this position is $50,000-$60,000. Additionally, we offer the opportunity to take part in our comprehensive benefits program which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurances, 401(k) plan, FSA plans, and more. The total compensation amount for a candidate is based on factors including educational background, professional experience, and industry knowledge.

Join us in our pursuit of better.

We have higher standards. We believe you should feel good about the jeans you put on your body. That’s why our innovative facilities are fully compliant with International Social, Environmental & Quality Standards. Plus, we’re committed to ethical practices, fair wages, reasonable hours, positive working conditions & career advancement opportunities for all our people. We’re doing right by the planet, and the people on it too.

Sustainability is the foundation of which we pride ourselves on. We are the future of fashion!

DL1961 offers a competitive & comprehensive benefits package inclusive of:

• Company sponsored Life & Disability benefits | Voluntary Benefits
• Associate Discount, Clothing Allowance & Sample Sales
• Paid holidays by the Company
• 401(K) – an investment for your future!
• Our Office Space is located in Soho!
• Summer Fridays
• Companywide events, outings, recognition programs, birthday celebrations & wellness initiatives

DL1961 is an Equal Opportunity Employer that considers applicants without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

In compliance with certain Pay Transparency Laws, employers are required to disclose a salary range. The salary for this position will vary based on role requirements, skill set, and years of experience.

Thank you for your interest in DL1961. We look forward to reviewing your application!