Assistant Designer – Handbag Design (Trend-Driven, NYC)

Michael Kors; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Paid Time Off

Summer Fridays

Internal Mobility Across Brands

Cross-brand Discount

Exclusive Employee Sales

Fav 5 Cards (MK Discount for friends &

family

Job summary

Michael Kors in New York is seeking an Assistant Designer with foundational knowledge of handbag construction and a passion for accessories design. You are detail-oriented, trend-aware, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, bringing energy and curiosity to the team.

You will support the Women’s Outlet Handbag collection through market research, sketching, CAD coloring, and detailed specs, while assisting the Design Director and coordinating with overseas factories to keep

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of experience in accessories or related design fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in Design or related discipline.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong design sensibility for handbags.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Availability to work in the NYC office 3–5 days per week.
• Ability to hand sketch and create digital sketches in Illustrator.
• Knowledge of handbag construction across leather and non‑leather materials.

Responsibilities

• Support the Women’s Outlet Handbag collection through market research, trend analysis, sketching, CAD coloring, and building detailed specifications.
• Assist the Design Director in executing seasonal concepts and managing daily design tasks.
• Translate the Michael Kors aesthetic into brand-right products.
• Conduct competitive research and participate in market shopping and inspiration trips.
• Communicate regularly with overseas factories regarding tech packs, design updates, and new developments.
• Create technical drawings and assist in building comprehensive specification sheets under senior guidance.
• Track project timelines and proactively provide updates to ensure smooth workflow.
• Provide day-to-day support to the design team as needed.

Skills

Handbag construction knowledge

Detail-oriented

Trend awareness

Collaborative mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

Michael Kors in New York is seeking an Assistant Designer with foundational knowledge of handbag construction and a passion for accessories design. You are detail-oriented, trend-aware, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, bringing energy and curiosity to the team.

You will support the Women’s Outlet Handbag collection through market research, sketching, CAD coloring, and detailed specs, while assisting the Design Director and coordinating with overseas factories to keep