Associate Designer

DL1961; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Life & Disability Insurance

401(k) plan

Office in Soho

Summer Fridays

Wellness initiatives

Job summary

DL1961 is seeking an Associate Designer with 3+ years of apparel design experience and a denim-focused background to join our team in New York. You will work closely with the CPO to develop seasonal collections for DL1961 and its ADM umbrella across multiple brands, blending trend insight with product development and sizing accuracy.

Responsibilities include creating mood and color boards, supporting print/fabric development, managing samples and tech packs, and keeping the sketch library

Qualifications

• 3+ years of apparel design experience.
• Strong background in denim.
• Strong eye for trends and product development.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CPO/Designer on concepts for Women’s, Men’s & Kids’ design.
• Create mood boards and color boards aligned with market trends.
• Support design with sizing, fit accuracy, and daily operations (samples, tech packs, mail).
• Monitor fashion trends and develop print/fabric concepts as needed.
• Keep sketch library updated and create seasonal inspiration copy.
• Own PPS/TOP samples and ensure timely production after fittings.
• Assist with fit, construction reviews, and communicate adjustments.

Skills

Apparel design

Denim

Trend analysis

Detail oriented

Tools

Tech packs

Job description

We're seeking a talented Associate Designer with 3+ years of apparel design experience and a strong background in denim to join our growing team. In this role, you'll work closely with the CPO to develop seasonal collections for DL1961 and its parent company, Artistic Denim Mills (ADM), across a portfolio of brands. We're looking for a creative, detail-oriented designer who is passionate about denim, has a strong eye for trends and product development, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Design

• Collaborate with the Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Designer to formulate concepts for Women's, Men's & Kids' design.
• Collaborate with the Design Team on the creation of mood and color boards for upcoming seasons, ensuring alignment with design direction and market trends.
• Support the Design Team in bringing design concepts to life, focusing on sizing and fit accuracy.
• Support the Design Team with daily operations, including managing samples, tech packs, providing comments, maintaining control sheets, assisting with sketching, and monitoring incoming and outgoing design-related mail packages.
• Continuously research and monitor current fashion trends, industry developments, and competitor products to incorporate trend insights into the design process and maintain the brand's relevance and competitiveness in the market.
• Collaborate with the CPO and Designer to create and develop print designs or develop new fabrics as needed.
• Keep sketch library up to date.
• Create seasonal inspiration copy.

Production/Technical Support

• Ownership of assigned division's pre-production samples (PPS) and top of production (TOP) to ensure timely and accurate production as well as development and fittings.
• After fittings, submit clear comments to the factory to ensure the next sample reflects necessary changes.
• Review garment specifications and construction, offering technical comments and suggestions for improvements.
• Collaborate with the production team to promptly address and resolve fit or construction issues, documenting fitting notes and communicating necessary adjustments to both the Design and Production teams.
• Address production and quality issues and communicate these to the Sales & Creative teams.
• Gather and analyze production issue data from Sales to proactively identify and troubleshoot potential problems.
• Ensure final specifications are accurate and updated for new fit blocks and fabrics.
• Evaluate and approve ghost mannequin photography, ensuring the images accurately represent the fit, drape, and design details of the garments, in partnership with the Design Team.

General

• Foster teamwork within the company and build positive relationships with vendors.
• Maintain design room organization on a weekly basis to ensure space is free of clutter at all times.
• Provide updated fit and wash standards for the Product Knowledge and Showroom Teams upon request.
• Communicate any design changes/drops to the factory and Sales.
• Design Team support on an as needed basis per business needs.

The salary range for this position is $65K to $70K. 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!