Assistant Designer - Denim

Position Overview

The Assistant Designer – Denim Center of Excellence is responsible for aiding in the design and execution of seasonal denim collections for Lucky Brand and Nautica Women’s value channels, covering the process from concept initiation to production. Collaborating closely with the Denim Design team and cross-functional partners, this role ensures the delivery of trend-aligned, brand-appropriate apparel that meets customer expectations and business goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide design assistance in developing seasonal denim collections within assigned product categories.
• Investigate fashion, denim market trends, cultural influences, and social media to find relevant opportunities for the brand’s clientele.
• Support the creation of inspiration boards, concept presentations, and trend reports with appropriate color directions.
• Produce and revise sketches, computer-aided designs (CADs), technical flats, and presentation materials under direction from senior designers.
• Contribute to the development of washes, fabrics, trims, and garment details to align with product initiatives.
• Perform competitive research and shopping analysis across retail and online channels.
• Assist in compiling and maintaining technical documentation (tech packs) ensuring precise depiction of design specifications, construction methods, trims, and washing instructions.
• Track sample development processes during the product lifecycle for timely progression.
• Support wash development by reviewing test samples alongside management to maintain design consistency.
• Prepare materials including samples and comments for fit sessions and design reviews.
• Coordinate with Technical Design and Product Development teams for effective communication and up-to-date records.
• Ensure timely updates and entry of design specifications into PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems.
• Engage with cross-functional teams across Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and Sourcing throughout development phases.
• Participate in sample reviews, fitting meetings, seasonal planning, and line evaluations.
• Communicate sample statuses and development progress to internal and external stakeholders.
• Help prepare presentation decks and leadership materials for seasonal reviews.
• Monitor industry trends via retail research, social media, runway shows, and competitive analysis focused on denim.
• Maintain archives for trends, washes, fabrics, and inspirations for design team reference.
• Keep current on innovations in denim fabrics, silhouettes, washes, sustainability, and consumer preferences.
• Organize and manage sample archives, wash standards, fabric swatches, trims, and seasonal documentation.
• Manage seasonal calendars and assist in meeting critical deadlines.
• Support documentation organization such as line sheets and design files.
• Contribute to special projects and additional design initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related discipline.
• Up to two years’ experience or internships in apparel design preferred.
• Strong enthusiasm for denim design, fashion trends, and product development processes.
• Basic understanding of apparel construction, fit, fabric types, washes, and garment development stages.
• Proficiency using Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with PLM systems is advantageous.
• Ability to sketch, create CADs, and develop technical flats effectively.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Capability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines within a dynamic work environment.
• Collaborative approach with eagerness to learn and grow within a design team setting.
• Knowledge or experience with AI design and visualization tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom, or similar platforms is a bonus.

Core Competencies

• Trend and consumer research expertise
• Apparel and denim design fundamentals
• Technical flats and CAD development skills
• Product development knowledge
• Strong organizational and attention to detail capabilities
• Experience with cross-functional collaboration
• Efficient time management
• Creative problem-solving ability
• Effective communication skills
• Adaptability and fast learning aptitude
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite
• Understanding and application of AI-assisted design tools

Compensation

The salary range for this position is from $57,200 to $104,000 annually.