Head of Accessories Design

FashionUnited; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 257,000 - 343,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Well-being

Associate Discount

Summer Fridays

Community Impact

Winter Break

Job summary

Madewell, part of J.Crew Group, seeks an accomplished VP of Accessories Design to shape the end-to-end creative vision for footwear, handbags, jewelry, and more. You will build and lead a multi-category team, ensuring accessories harmonize with apparel and drive seasonal business results.

You will translate market trends into a forward-thinking design strategy, mentor designers, and collaborate with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Marketing to deliver flawless product execution from concept through

Qualifications

• 15+ years of accessories design experience in a senior leadership role.
• Proven ability to lead multi-category accessories portfolios.
• Strong vision aligned with brand identity and business goals.

Responsibilities

• Define seasonal design strategy and execution for footwear, handbags, jewelry, and soft accessories.
• Maintain a cohesive collection with unified material, color, and design language.
• Lead and mentor a multi-category design team and foster collaboration across functions.
• Translate trends and business objectives into a forward-thinking design vision.
• Collaborate with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Marketing to ensure flawless product execution.

Skills

Senior design leadership

Illustration & storytelling

Portfolio launches

Illustrator

Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Madewell, we believe that great style starts with great design. Since 2006, we’ve been creating premium denim and foundational wardrobe pieces for men and women that balance quality, authenticity, and versatility. From iconic jeans perfected by denim experts to the essential tee, the most versatile shoe, and the timeless leather bag—if it’s Madewell, it’s made well.

Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace.

The Role + Purpose:

As the VP of Accessories Design at Madewell, you will own the end-to-end creative vision and design strategy for the full accessories collection: footwear, handbags, jewelry, small leather goods and soft accessories- in its totality. Reporting to the Creative Director of Madewell and partnering closely with the Madewell Design leadership team, you will ensure accessories function as a defining pillar of the brand: cohesive with the apparel line, distinctly Madewell, and a meaningful driver of the business each season. This is an opportunity to lead with purpose, build and inspire a multi-category design organization, and shape an accessories portfolio that resonates with today’s customer.

• Define and lead the seasonal design strategy and creative execution for all Madewell accessories categories: footwear, handbags, jewelry, small leather goods and soft accessories; developing collections that are innovative, brand-right, and commercially relevant.
• Own the creative point of view for accessories in totality, ensuring all categories work as one cohesive collection with a unified material, color, and design language.
• Partner closely with the Madewell Design leadership team to ensure accessories complement and complete the full breadth of the Madewell assortment each season.
• Drive innovation by identifying opportunities for new silhouettes, materials, craftsmanship techniques, and brand-defining hero products that establish Madewell’s authority in the accessories space.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a multi-category team of designers- building the organization’s structure, talent, and succession- while cultivating a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages creative risk-taking and professional development.
• Translate market trends, consumer insights, and business objectives into an elevated, forward-thinking design vision, serving as the executive voice for accessories in seasonal line reviews and brand planning.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Sourcing and Marketing- including vendor and development strategy across diverse supply chains- to ensure flawless product execution and the highest standards of design integrity from concept through delivery.

Qualifications:

Required:

• 15+ years of accessories design experience, with a demonstrated track record of success in a senior design leadership role within a fashion brand.
• Deep, hands-on expertise in at least two core accessories categories (footwear, handbags/leather goods, jewelry, or soft accessories), with a proven record of leading design across a full multi-category accessories portfolio.
• Proven ability to develop and articulate a compelling, forward-thinking creative vision that aligns with brand identity and drives meaningful business results.
• Advanced understanding of materials, construction methods, product development processes, and quality standards across accessories categories.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills at an executive level, with the ability to inspire teams and influence cross-functional partners.
• Strong illustration, presentation, and storytelling skills- proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office- with a portfolio showcasing successful collection launches that have positively impacted business outcomes.

Preferred:

• Deep appreciation for and understanding of the Madewell brand aesthetic and customer, with the ability to translate that understanding into a cohesive seasonal design vision.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a related field.

Benefits + Perks

• Health & Well-being -Eligible associates and family members receive medical, dental, prescription and vision insurance,family planning (fertility, adoption & surrogacy support), fitness discounts, medical travel and more.

• Associate Discount -We love our products just as much as you do! That’s why we offer a great associate discount across all of our brands (J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell).

• Summer Fridays -In addition to our hybrid work model, we also close our office at 1:00 PM every Friday during the Summer months.

• Community Impact -We support the communities where we live and work through our philanthropic efforts and the J.Crew Cares Program.

• Winter Break -In addition to our PTO package, J.Crew Group offers a winter break at the end of December to eligible full-time associates at the Home Office to provide time to refresh and recharge.

Note: Availability of these benefits and perks may be subject to work location & employment type and may have certain eligibility requirements.

Salary Range: $256,900.00 - $343,450.00

About J.Crew Group

At J.Crew Group (JCG) we aim to pay competitively for our company’s size and industry. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region of work premises, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The base salary is just one component of J.Crew Group’s competitive total rewards strategy that also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits and perks.

One of our core focuses here at JCG is creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.

JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected under applicable law.