Senior Bags & Accessories Designer - FTC

Overview

The Senior Bags and Accessories Designer role works creatively with the Design Directors, contributing to the collection by executing the Creative Director's vision across various accessories lines. This role demands a proactive and experienced designer who can thrive in a fast-paced environment, contributing to and managing all stages of the design process while maintaining composure under pressure and demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles and materials.

The role will strategically translate creative concepts into innovative designs aligned with brand aesthetics and market trends.

Location: London, Head Office

Type: 12 month fixed term contract

• Collaborate closely with the Collection Director to create and facilitate an achievable timeline for collection offerings in line with and managing budget for all bags and accessories collections.

• Oversee the fabric and prototype archive, ensuring organisation and accessibility.

• Manage all samples, prototypes, and corrections, ensuring timely delivery and clear communication to the product development team in Italy following each fitting and design meeting.

• Manage a small team of Bags & Accessories Designers, providing guidance and support as needed.

• Lead design and research efforts to develop innovative concepts and collections, staying ahead of market trends.

• Conduct in-depth fabric, accessories, and materials research, including the development of exclusive materials with comprehensive technical specifications.

• Create detailed technical sketches for design and metal components of bags and other accessories.

• Coordinate communication effectively with the product development team in Italy, ensuring seamless collaboration.

• Develop colour card proposals highlighting key combinations for each collection.

• Manage fabric-to-sketch allocation, ensuring accurate material assignments.

• Create high-quality renderings of accessories and bags for presentations and internal reviews.

• Develop mock-ups of accessories and bags to visualise designs and construction.

• Oversee prototype corrections, ensuring accuracy and adherence to design specifications.

• Prepare and distribute design scans and specifications to the Product Manager.

• Record detailed notes during fittings and follow-up presentations, ensuring accurate documentation.

• Prepare materials and presentations for design meetings and concept reviews.

• Develop product groupings with comprehensive materials and colour proposals.

• Ensure adherence to collection deadlines, managing time and resources effectively.

• Maintain the organisation of the accessories and bags fitting room, ensuring a productive workspace.

• At least 4 years’ demonstratable experience in a luxury fashion house working with accessories and/or bags with a sophisticated eye for research

• A strong motivation to contribute to a dynamic and collective creation.

• Understanding the Stella McCartney heritage, ethical values and brand DNA and therefore a confident interpreting the style of Stella McCartney and brand codes

• Ability to create and facilitate appropriate timelines for design, with the ability to effectively manage changing priorities at short notice.

• Affinity with the values of Stella McCartney, the brand identity and style of the accessories and bags collection

• At least 2 years people management experience

• Ability to work both independently and under direction

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively, despite conflicting priorities

• High level technical skills

• Excellent hand drawing skills

• Experience of CAD software, Adobe Suite and Photoshop

• Strong communications skills, including proven ability to present to a wide range of stakeholders, with the ability to share information effectively and able to work confidently with cross function teams

• Italian language skills are desirable

• Able to effectively work in a team, with a positive and constructive attitude.

• Knowledge of legal requirements for confidentiality and intellectual property

Our philosophy is to go beyond monetary return and consider ourselves responsible for your wellbeing, your family, your health, your time and the community.

• Up to 50% discount on Stella McCartney…