Lead Designer, Luxury Licensed Accessories

Michael Kors (USA) Inc; United States; On-site; USD 105,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Kors is seeking a senior design professional to lead licensed accessory product development from ideation to approval. You will interpret the brand’s aesthetic across watches, jewelry, eyewear, belts and kids’ accessories by season, aligning design priorities with licensing partners.

You will manage color, print, and market trends while collaborating with Global Licensing to ensure design viability and commercial impact across categories.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years design experience within aspirational luxury or luxury goods industry.
• Licensing experience preferred.
• Hardware, Accessories, Color, Print and Graphic Design experience.
• Experience in high fashion, including market trends, design, and luxe raw materials.
• Diverse set of experience across design categories, as well as strong construction knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Translate the Michael Kors aesthetic into licensed products; oversee the seasonal conceptualization and creation across licensed categories.
• Interpret seasonal color palettes and print assortments in line with the Creative Director’s direction; manage seasonal print, design, and product libraries by category.
• Research global markets for emerging trends, materials, and techniques to inform product innovation.
• Act as the in-house expert on category trends and competitive landscape; lead seasonal trend presentations and contribute to seasonal themes, line edits, and new product concepts.
• Manage the licensed product design process, including market research, mood board development, product reviews, and communication with licensees.
• Serve as the key liaison with licensed partner design teams.
• Provide seasonal brand direction, manage day-to-day design and development needs, and ensure alignment across all touchpoints.
• Coordinate with internal design teams (handbags, footwear, RTW) to align seasonal concepts and prototypes across categories.
• Manage and adhere to design/development calendars with both internal and external partners; prepare for and follow up on all design meetings.
• Ensure timely feedback and approvals on all licensee-submitted designs and product samples.
• Ensure all licensed products meet brand standards for quality, design integrity, and product identification (hardware, labels, logos, trims, etc.).
• Partner with the Global Licensing team on seasonal development calendars, line extensions, process improvements, and potential new business opportunities.
• Lead seasonal hindsight reviews with internal and external stakeholders to inform future strategy and product development.

Skills

Design experience

Licensing experience

Hardware design

Color design

Print design

Graphic design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Design, Art, or related field

Job description

Michael Kors is seeking a senior design professional to lead licensed accessory product development from ideation to approval. You will interpret the brand’s aesthetic across watches, jewelry, eyewear, belts and kids’ accessories by season, aligning design priorities with licensing partners.

You will manage color, print, and market trends while collaborating with Global Licensing to ensure design viability and commercial impact across categories.