Associate Designer

Description:

Michael Kors is seeking a passionate and detail-oriented Associate Designer for Women’s Handbags (Mainline) to join its dynamic design team. This role is ideal for a creative professional with strong knowledge and focused experience in women’s handbag design, coupled with excellent technical, organizational, and trend analysis skills.

As an Associate Designer, you will work closely with the Senior Designer of MMK Accessories, contributing to the design and development of the Women’s Mainline Handbag collection. You will play a key role in trend research, design conceptualization, technical specification development, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the creation of brand-relevant and innovative handbag designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the design and development of the Women’s Mainline Handbag collection through trend analysis, market research, sketching designs, coloring CADs, and preparing technical specs.

• Collaborate with the Senior Designer to execute creative concepts and oversee day-to-day design tasks.

• Conduct competitor research and luxury brand analysis, participate in inspiration shopping trips, and gather market insights to ensure alignment with industry trends.

• Develop full-scale technical drawings and detailed specification sheets for production.

• Maintain ongoing communication with overseas factories regarding tech packs, style updates, and new developments.

• Partner with cross-functional teams such as Production, Merchandising, and Materials to communicate updates and ensure smooth workflows.

• Track and monitor project milestones to ensure deadlines are met.

Qualifications & Skills Required

• 3–5 years of design experience within accessories (handbags preferred).

• Strong conceptual and design skills specific to handbag design.

• Ability to create full-scale technical specifications using CAD.

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Experience in communicating with overseas factories during the development process.

• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills.

• Strong knowledge of handbag construction, including both leather and alternative materials.

• Ability to hand sketch designs as well as create digital sketches in Illustrator.

• Design school training in accessories, industrial, or product design is highly desirable.

Employee Benefits (MK Perks)

• Competitive Paid Time Off & Holiday Schedule.

• Summer Fridays for work-life balance.

• Internal career mobility across Capri brands: Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors.

• Cross-brand employee discount and exclusive employee sales.

• Fav 5 Cards – extend discounts to friends and family.

• 401k retirement plan with employer match.

• Paid Parental Leave.

• Thrive Wellness Program and Gym Discounts.

• Commuter benefits for ease of travel.

About Capri Holdings Limited

Michael Kors is part of Capri Holdings Limited, a global fashion luxury group that includes Versace, Jimmy Choo, and Michael Kors. Capri is deeply committed to diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility, fostering a workplace culture that celebrates individuality and encourages professional growth. The company ensures equal employment opportunities and provides reasonable accommodations to support candidates during the hiring process.