NYC-Based Handbag Design Assistant — Elevate Seasonal Collections

Steve Madden Ltd.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401K

Paid holidays

Generous paid time-off policy

Career opportunities within a dynamic

Job summary

Steve Madden Ltd. is seeking an Assistant Handbag Designer to support the Design Director and Senior Designers in developing seasonal handbag collections from concept through production.

The role is based in NYC, with on-site work four days per week and one day from home, supporting wholesale handbags and off-price accounts. You will create CAD and renderings, maintain specs, track colors, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy and timely execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of design experience, preferably handbags or related categories.
• Strong illustration, sketching, and visual presentation skills.
• Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Understanding of handbag construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Support the Design Director and Senior Designers in developing seasonal handbag assortments.
• Assist the design team across all stages of the design process with calendar alignment.
• Create CAD drawings, technical sketches, and renderings for presentations and vendor communication.
• Maintain specification sheets with design details, construction info, and materials.
• Maintain color standards by tracking lab dips and updating color charts.
• Organize material, color, trim, and hardware libraries for access by teams.
• Prepare presentation boards and samples for market meetings and reviews.
• Collaborate with Production, Technical Design, and Merchandising teams across lifecycle.
• Track sample development and follow up with overseas factories to meet milestones.

Skills

Multitasking

Organizational skills

Handbag construction

Leather and materials knowledge

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design / Accessories Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Job description

Steve Madden Ltd. is seeking an Assistant Handbag Designer to support the Design Director and Senior Designers in developing seasonal handbag collections from concept through production.

The role is based in NYC, with on-site work four days per week and one day from home, supporting wholesale handbags and off-price accounts. You will create CAD and renderings, maintain specs, track colors, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accuracy and timely execution.