Assistant Designer - Polo Ralph Lauren Accessories

COMPANY: Echo Design, Inc.

Echo Design, a fourth-generation American company, is a New York City based industry leader in the design, marketing, and distribution of fashion and home accessories in North America and globally. The company was founded in 1923, on the wedding day of its founders. What began with just a scarf has grown to include multiple brands in multiple categories. Building upon core strengths in print, pattern and color, Echo continues to evolve, always focused on respect for the consumer, each other, and on our global trading and manufacturing partners. After a century, Echo remains a dynamic and innovative company.

TITLE: Assistant Designer – Polo Ralph Lauren Accessories

SALARY RANGE: $50,000 - $60,000

REPORTS TO: Senior Designer

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Assistant Designer – Polo Ralph Lauren Cold Weather, Neckwear, Gloves, & Hats, will assist with trend and material research, CAD developments, coloring and preparing presentations for Ralph Lauren, organization and maintenance of samples, and regular communication with mills regarding design changes – will assist in all aspects of the design process from concept through to production approval.

PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS:

The Assistant Designer will work closely with Design, Product Development, Production and Sales teams. Will also collaborate with Creative Services on capturing of product images as needed.

TRAVEL:

The Assistant Designer – Polo Ralph Lauren Cold Weather, Neckwear, Gloves, & Hats, will travel on an as-needed basis for research and/or customer appointments. In-office attendance is expected at least twice/week.

EXAMPLE DAILY TASKS:

-Work with Managing Director and Designers to establish product direction and create/select designs to support merchandising plan for each product line and customer.

-Assist in creating design boards and presentations to Ralph Lauren as well as internal working boards to support the design process.

-Assist in creating and manage updates for sketches, cads, design boards, and line sheets.

-Create and manage updates for tech packs including specs, technical information, and sample evaluation comments – keeps abreast of all design changes and comments from Ralph Lauren.

-Communicate with overseas mills from initial proto request through to production approval.

-Communicates regularly with partners at Ralph Lauren to acquire needed design information.

-Maintain yarn, fabric, material, sample and trim library; develop new items as they relate to your product categories.

-Assist Designer in showroom set-up and presenting sample line.

SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS:

-Bachelor's Degree in Textiles or Fashion Design with focus on knitwear, cold weather accessories, print design, and/or weaving.

-Knowledge of textiles design and construction: fully-fashioned knitwear, print design, and weaving design knowledge.

-Ability to generate detailed technical packages: specs, sketches, and technical direction.

-Excellent artistic/drawing skills with a high level of creativity.

-Must be proficient in Photoshop and Illustrator. InDesign, Kaledo or Ned Graphics experience a plus.

-Exceptional taste and eye for color.

-Must be detail oriented, organized, and have the ability to multi-task.

-Must be able to adapt quickly and proficiently to changing situations, be current on global events and trends, as well as responsible, friendly and thoughtful.

-Exceptional organization skills with attention to detail and follow through.

-Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate with team members at all levels of the organization.

SHORT-TERM (6-12 MONTH) GOALS:

-Understand brand identity of Ralph Lauren.

-Develop cross-functional relationships and trust within the team and our partners.

-Assume responsibility for maintenance and organization of samples in and out of the office, color standards and artwork needs.