Associate Designer

About R13

Founded by fashion industry veteran Chris Leba, R13 is a New York City-based brand initially renowned for artisanal denim. It has grown into a sophisticated line featuring ready-to-wear and leather goods crafted with premium Italian and Japanese fabrics. The brand captures American fashion classics like denim, plaid, and leather with a rebellious, countercultural edge inspired by rock and roll and grunge influences.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

• Assist senior design team members in developing seasonal apparel designs by sourcing inspiration, creating references, and producing mock-ups, muslins, digital CADs, and diagrams.
• Help maintain the seasonal development calendar by executing assigned design and development tasks punctually.
• Update and maintain design development documentation, including style numbering and image updates.
• Prepare initial development packages such as tech packs, sew-by instructions, references, and trim details, coordinating communications with factories and vendors.
• Manage the transfer of artwork and graphic files to manufacturing facilities.
• Coordinate material collection and communication with the pattern-making team to ensure timely and accurate midtown development delivery.
• Convey design, construction, and fit specifications to midtown factories and relay factory feedback back to design and pattern teams for adjustments.
• Monitor style lists and local corrections, verifying them against factory invoices.
• Continuously update tech packs and inform relevant departments of changes throughout development.
• Collect and submit development receipts promptly to help maintain seasonal budgets.
• Organize and dispatch all development packages timely.
• Participate in fittings throughout development and production phases, updating all departments with modifications made during fittings.
• Communicate print and wash quality feedback to factories to ensure standards for production.
• Contribute to lookbook shoot preparations by assisting with setup, final alterations, and organizing styling materials, as well as supporting on-set activities.
• Draft style descriptions after each season to share with the marketing team.
• Maintain order in the design reference library by managing sample check-outs/returns and assisting in seasonal cleanups.

Skills and Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience working as a cut and sew apparel designer.
• Preferred degree in Fashion Design or Product Development.
• Highly proficient with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Knowledge of, or strong enthusiasm for, denim design and wash techniques is advantageous.
• Ability to independently and proactively complete tasks while knowing when to seek support.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with strong attention to detail, multitasking, and organizational abilities.
• Creative mindset combined with excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities.

Additional Information

R13 will not undertake immigration sponsorship, including H-1B or similar employment-based visa cases for this role. This position does not offer relocation assistance. R13 is committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. The anticipated starting salary range for this role is between 66000 and 70000 USD annually, subject to variation by market and individual qualifications.