Designer, Kids Accessories

Steve Madden Ltd.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401K plan

Paid holidays

Generous paid time-off

Career opportunities

Job summary

Steve Madden in NYC is seeking a Designer, Kids Accessories to create seasonal accessories for boys and girls from concept through production. This on-site role supports rapid development within a fast-paced fashion environment.

You will research trends, design across bags, duffels, handbags, hats, belts, and ensure design intent through CADs, tech packs, and regular communication with overseas factories. Close collaboration with production and sourcing is essential to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 4–6 years’ experience in kids’ accessories.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly.
• Experience working directly with overseas factories, including daily communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct seasonal trend, color, and material research tailored to the children’s customer.
• Design and develop on-trend accessories across bags, duffels, handbags, hats, bag c, and belts from concept through production.
• Create detailed sketches, CADs, and tech packs/spec sheets for development.
• Communicate daily with overseas factories to support development, troubleshoot issues, and ensure design intent is executed accurately.
• Collaborate closely with production and cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate execution.
• Partner with sourcing on materials, trims, hardware, yarns, and fabrications aligned with design vision and cost targets.
• Develop prints, graphics, and surface embellishments where applicable.
• Manage multiple categories and seasonal timelines simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Stay informed on competitor activity, market trends, and consumer insights relevant to the junior market.
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

Digital sketching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion/Accessories Design

Job description

The Designer, Kids Accessories position is responsible for designing and developing all accessories for boys and girls seasonally.

The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct seasonal trend, color, and material research tailored to the children’s customer
• Design and develop on-trend accessories across bags, duffels, handbags, hats, bag c, and belts from concept through production
• Create detailed sketches, CADs, and tech packs/spec sheets for development
• Communicate daily with overseas factories to support development, troubleshoot issues, and ensure design intent is executed accurately
• Collaborate closely with production and cross-functional teams to ensure timely and accurate execution
• Partner with sourcing on materials, trims, hardware, yarns, and fabrications aligned with design vision and cost targets
• Develop prints, graphics, and surface embellishments where applicable
• Manage multiple categories and seasonal timelines simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines
• Stay informed on competitor activity, market trends, and consumer insights relevant to the junior market
• Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 4-6 years’ experience in kids’ accessories
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Ability to digitally sketch quickly and clearly
• Experience working directly with overseas factories, including daily communication
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Proactive, positive attitude with a collaborative mindset and eagerness to learn

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $80,000-$85,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.

Full-Time

Full-time

Pay Range: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 / year