Designer - Toddler Boys

Kellwood Company; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Kellwood Company is seeking an experienced apparel designer to drive seasonal concept and design development for the Toddler Boys category. You'll work closely with various teams to create cohesive collections and ensure design intent is maintained throughout the development process.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience, strong technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite, and a deep understanding of toddler apparel. Join us in our mission to innovate kids' apparel design!

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in apparel design, focusing on children’s/toddler categories.
• Strong sketching and technical flat skills; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrication, and print development.

Responsibilities

• Drive seasonal concept and design development for the Toddler Boys category.
• Create and present cohesive seasonal collections including prints and color palettes.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure design intent is maintained.

Skills

Deep knowledge of the Toddler Boys market and customer

Passion for innovation in kids’ apparel design

Adaptability

Positive, solutions-oriented attitude

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator)

Job description

Responsibilities

• Work closely with Design Director to drive seasonal concept and design development for the Toddler Boys category from ideation through execution
• Create and present cohesive seasonal collections/capsules including prints, graphics, color palettes, and trim details
• Collaborate with the Art Room, Merchandising, and Product Development teams to ensure design intent is maintained throughout the development process
• Research and interpret trend forecasts, translating them into commercially viable products for the Toddler Boys customer
• Communicate with overseas vendors and mills to ensure accurate execution of design details, prints, and color standards across development
• Partner with senior leadership on brand strategy and special initiatives

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in apparel design, with a focus on children’s or toddler categories
• Strong sketching and technical flat skills; proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator). All designs are done in Illustrator.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, fabrication, and print development
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong color theory knowledge and trend awareness specific to the toddler/kid’s market
• Exceptional art direction skills with an elevated aesthetic eye for graphics, print, and color. Able to push creative quality and maintain a cohesive, on‑brand point of view across the line. Knowledge of specialty graphic/embroidery techniques, specific to boy’s category
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to give and receive creative feedback
• Knowledge of Toddler-specific safety & compliance is a plus
• Generative AI skills also a plus

Skills

• Deep knowledge of the Toddler Boys market and customer
• Passion for innovation in kids’ apparel design
• Adaptability and a positive, solutions‑oriented attitude

Kellwood is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.