Associate Designer - Accessories

Founded in 2000, FAM Brands designs, manufactures, and sells men’s and women’s sportswear and active wear apparel to major retailers, big box stores, and specialty boutiques across the country and throughout the world. Our portfolio of proprietary brands features Marika, Wildfox, Three Dots, and Balance Collection, while a partial list of licensing partners includes Orvis, Jessica Simpson, Eddie Bauer, and Woolrich. 

With the capacity to produce over 75 million units per year, our mission continues to be making top-quality apparel accessible to everyone at an impressive value and an irresistible price.

That's the FAM Brands difference.

We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Associate Designer to join our team, focusing on the design and development of accessories, including but not limited to bags, wallets, belts, and other related products. The Associate Designer will work closely with the Senior Designer and cross-functional teams to create innovative designs that align with the brand's vision, market trends, and customer demands.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the design and development of accessories from concept through production, focusing on bags and related products.
• Collaborate with the Senior Designer to research market trends, materials, color palettes, and silhouettes.
• Create detailed sketches, technical drawings, and CAD designs to support the development process.
• Work closely with the product development, sourcing, and production teams to ensure designs are executed accurately and meet quality standards.
• Assist in the selection of materials, hardware, and trims that align with the brand’s aesthetic and cost targets.
• Contribute to the creation of mood boards, trend presentations, and design packages for seasonal collections.
• Attend fittings and design review meetings, providing input on construction, fit, and overall product integrity.
• Ensure that all designs are aligned with market trends, customer needs, and brand guidelines.
• Assist with developing tech packs and BOMs (Bill of Materials) to communicate design details to vendors.
• Participate in vendor communications and attend sample reviews to provide feedback and ensure alignment with the design vision.
• Keep up to date with industry trends, including new materials, techniques, and design innovations, and apply this knowledge to the design process.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Accessories Design, or a related field.
• Experience: 2-3 years of experience in accessories design, with a focus on bags, wallets, or similar products.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and CAD programs; experience with PLM software, such as Centric, is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of materials, hardware, and construction techniques for accessories.
• Creativity: Ability to translate fashion trends and customer insights into innovative and marketable designs.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate with cross-functional teams.
• Detail-Oriented: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, ensuring designs meet quality and aesthetic standards.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Key Competencies:

• Strong sense of fashion and accessories trends.
• Ability to think both creatively and commercially.
• Excellent sketching and CAD skills.
• Team player with a collaborative mindset.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Highly organized with a strong sense of urgency and attention to deadlines.