Handbag Designer – Outlet Collection

About the role

We are looking for a creative Designer to lead the Outlet Handbag collection at Kate Spade New York. You will translate the brand’s bold aesthetic into seasonal handbag designs, working closely with senior designers and cross‑functional teams.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct seasonal trend, market and material research to inform design concepts.
• Assist the Senior Designer in managing the design process from concept through production.
• Create and maintain detailed CAD files and technical specification packages for factories and product development partners.
• Ensure product quality and alignment with market trends and business strategy.
• Collaborate with technical design, product development, merchandising, hardware, tech and print design teams.
• Prepare design presentations, mood boards and visual tools for milestone meetings.

Required profile

• College degree in fashion design or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 4+ years of handbag or leather‑goods design experience.
• Strong sense of trends, style, colour and knowledge of raw materials and construction techniques.
• Excellent hand‑sketching ability and strong communication and organizational skills.
• Understanding of merchandising as it relates to sales and store environments.

Required skills

• Adobe Illustrator
• CAD for handbag design
• Graphic design tools (plus experience with prints is a plus)