Design Director, Men's Denim

rag & bone; New York (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Clothing Allowance

Generous Employee Discount

Paid Parental Leave

Membership to Calm and access to other

wellness benefits

Medical, dental, vision and ancillary

401k

Job summary

rag & bone is seeking a Design Director to lead Men’s Denim and White Label initiatives, translating a broad creative vision into a cohesive, commercially viable product offering. Reporting to the Head of Men’s Design, you will own the development of a denim-centered wardrobe while expanding into a broader modern uniform.

You will mentor a growing design team, drive fabric and wash innovation, and collaborate closely with product development, sourcing, and merchandising to ensure execution

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of men’s design experience with a strong focus on denim and casual lifestyle.
• Proven experience owning a category or leading a business segment within a contemporary or premium brand.
• Deep knowledge of denim fabrication, wash development, and garment construction.
• Strong ability to translate creative direction into commercially successful product.
• Experience leading a design team and working within a larger creative structure while owning execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead Denim Execution, driving seasonal design direction for Men’s Denim and White Label in alignment with the Head of Men’s Design.
• Translate overarching brand vision into a clear and differentiated product assortment.
• Oversee design process from concept through final development; partner with product development, sourcing and merchandising to ensure design integrity.
• Elevate fabrication, construction, and finishing techniques across categories.
• Support brand expression with a distinct visual language for White Label and ensure consistency across product and storytelling.
• Lead and develop a growing design team; provide direction, feedback and mentorship.
• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing and creative teams to align on category growth and go-to-market storytelling.

Skills

Denim design

Leadership

Team management

Fabrication knowledge

Garment construction

Product development

Communication

Job description

Overview

rag & bone is seeking a Design Director to lead Men’s Denim and some of the White Label driving the evolution of our smart casual, denim-led lifestyle and defining a clear, modern point of view for the collection. Reporting to the Head of Men’s Design, this role is responsible for translating the broader creative vision into a focused, commercially viable product offering. The Design Director will own the development of a cohesive wardrobe anchored in denim, while expanding into a broader expression of the modern uniform. The ideal candidate brings a strong design perspective, deep expertise in denim and fabrication, and the ability to execute with clarity, discipline, and consistency.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Denim Execution
  • Drive seasonal design direction for Men’s Denim and some White Label in alignment with the Head of Men’s Design
  • Translate overarching brand vision into a clear and differentiated product assortment
• Own Denim & Lifestyle Expansion
  • Lead design across denim, including fit, fabric, and wash innovation
  • Expand the denim lifestyle into shirting, knitwear, outerwear, accessories, and third pieces
  • Build a cohesive wardrobe system rooted in American sportswear, workwear, and denim-first styling
• Product Creation & Development
  • Oversee the design process from concept through final development
  • Partner closely with product development, sourcing, and merchandising to ensure design integrity and execution
  • Elevate fabrication, construction, and finishing techniques across categories
• Support Brand Expression
  • Execute a distinct visual and product language for White Label within the broader men’s strategy
  • Ensure consistency across product, styling, and seasonal storytelling
• Team Leadership
  • Lead and develop a growing design team
  • Provide clear direction, feedback, and mentorship to drive creative and technical excellence
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with merchandising to align on category growth and business objectives
  • Collaborate with marketing and creative teams to support go-to-market storytelling

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of men’s design experience, with a strong focus on denim and casual lifestyle
• Proven experience owning a category or leading a business segment within a contemporary or premium brand
• Deep knowledge of denim fabrication, wash development, and garment construction
• Strong ability to translate creative direction into commercially successful product
• Experience working within a larger creative structure while owning execution
• Excellent leadership and communication skills

What We’re Looking For

• A designer with a clear, confident point of view, grounded in product
• Someone who understands how to build a denim-led wardrobe system, not just individual pieces
• A leader who can bring focus, discipline, and consistency to a growing category
• A strong executor who thrives within a collaborative, top-down creative structure

Why rag & bone

At rag & bone, we are grounded in the belief that great design comes from authenticity, craftsmanship, and a clear point of view. This role is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within the men’s design team, bringing the White Label vision to life and shaping the future of a modern, New York-based wardrobe.

Rules We Live By I Rules You Live By

• Be a Good Human - Be original, be authentic. Stand for diversity, equitability & inclusivity
• Have No Fear - Innovate, solve problems
• Own Every Decision - Work together, get results
• Quality Matters – Not only with product but we see it in our people
• Make S**t Happen - Be disciplined, be competitive

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• Clothing Allowance
• Generous Employee Discount
• Paid Parental Leave
• Membership to Calm and access to other wellness benefits
• Medical, dental, vision and ancillary benefits
• 401k

rag & bone is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. No employee or applicant is discriminated against because of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.