Design Director, Men's Denim

rag & bone, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Clothing Allowance

Generous Employee Discount

Paid Parental Leave

Wellness benefits

Medical, dental, vision

401k

Job summary

rag & bone in New York seeks a Design Director to lead Men's Denim and the White Label, translating a bold creative vision into a cohesive, commercially viable collection.

Reporting to the Head of Men's Design, you will own denim development, guide fabric and wash innovation, and mentor a growing design team. This role requires a clear point of view and the ability to collaborate across disciplines to shape a modern denim-led wardrobe.

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years of men's design experience with a denim and casual lifestyle focus.
• Proven track record owning a category or leading a business segment within a premium brand.
• Deep knowledge of denim fabrication, wash development, and garment construction.
• Ability to translate creative direction into commercially successful product.
• Experience leading teams within a larger creative structure.

Responsibilities

• Lead seasonal design direction for Men's Denim and White Label aligned with the Head of Men's Design.
• Translate brand vision into a differentiated product assortment.
• Oversee design from concept through final development; partner with product dev, sourcing, and merchandising.
• Elevate fabrication, construction and finishing techniques across categories.
• Build a cohesive denim-led wardrobe system and expand into related categories.
• Lead and develop a growing design team and mentor designers.

Skills

Denim expertise

Men's fashion design

Leadership

Fabrication knowledge

Merchandising collaboration

Strong 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 consistencyto 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.