Senior Footwear Designer

Los Angeles

Reports To: Founder
Salary: $130-160k
Company: Luxury Fashion Brand
Location: Los Angeles
Commitment: Full-time
Workplace: WFH Flexibility
Starting Date: Immediate
Benefits: Yes

Company Overview

A well-known luxury fashion brand based in Los Angeles and known for their beautiful heirloom pieces that last forever. 

Description

The Senior Footwear Designer/ Technical Designer will report to and work directly with the Director of Accessories Design and will be responsible for the ideation, creation and development of beautiful shoes that will help evolve and drive the business.

Responsibilities

    Partner with Director of Accessories Design in designing an original and innovative complete footwear line from concept to creation for each season
    Work with the Director of Accessories Design to research and identify trend directions; trend/vintage shop, pull inspirational photos and review design concept
    Create and present design boards for each season showcasing footwear inspiration, silhouettes, materials, colors, and sketches; ensure accuracy of boards and line sheets throughout the development process
    Work with the PD team to ensure accuracy of development WIPS
    Maintain thorough knowledge of the line (silhouettes, materials, and design details) and is responsible for tracking changes/additions
    Design according to brand aesthetic, original and innovative concepts, emerging trends, seasonal story, sku plan and sales needs; ensure timely execution of product development calendar
    Design into and evolve best sellers
    Select and review raw materials and trims; work with PD team to maintain and organize materials library
    Approve lab dips with the PD team and ensure consistency with color standards
    Partner with Director of Accessories Design to translate design intent into product technical specifications
    Provide fit and technical insight into new silhouette development
    Communicate technical information regarding achieving design aesthetic intent and clarity of tech pack information with factories
    Create full-scale technical specs using the latest Adobe Illustrator and CAD tools Illustrator plugin version to clarify proportions and shape; ensure accuracy of tech packs in OneDrive throughout the development process
    Maintain established standards, details (including hardware), and integrity of the product
    Review development samples for corrections, including fit, aesthetics, dimensions, hand feel, functionality, and workmanship
    Provide technical callouts while reviewing lines in its entirety to ensure consistency
    Identify, clearly define, and resolve technical issues and partner with the PD team to ensure comments are communicated
    Identify opportunities for cost engineering improvement and raw material optimization (seaming, material placement, etc.)
    Keep all Ai and PDF files organized and labeled properly in OneDrive
    Help keep sample closet, archive closet, hardware, and material libraries clean and organized

Qualifications

    7+ years’ work experience in design/technical design focused on footwear
    Strong portfolio showcasing footwear design/technical work
    Bachelor’s degree in Footwear, Accessories, Product, Industrial or Fashion Design
    Advanced proficiency in hand and computer sketching, advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; ability to CAD in a fast-paced environment
    Thorough understanding of the design, technical design, and development process from inception through production; experience working with and in global factories
    Shoe construction and engineering experience required 
    Advanced knowledge of industry construction standards and manufacturing, including materials (hardware, leather, fabric, acrylic, resin, bamboo, straw, and rattan)
    Strong experience in concept creation and knowledge of fashion and market trends with an understanding of brand’s product aesthetic, image, and quality
    Keen attention to detail, initiative, and organizational skillsAbility to multi-task in a fast-paced, fashion environment with minimal supervision
    Excellent problem-solving skills and resourcefulness
    Strong verbal and written communication skills
    Strong leadership experience
    Ability to attend trade shows and travel to factories domestically and internationally when necessary
    Positive, constructive, solution focused, hardworking team player; none of us are successful without the help and collaboration of our team members
    Must be available to work full time onsite at our Los Angeles office