Job Description
TITLE: Associate Designer - Polo Ralph Lauren Women's Accessories POSITION OVERVIEW: Work on one of the most recognizable global brands in fashion. Echo Design is seeking an Associate Designer to support the Polo Ralph Lauren Women’s Accessories business, working across printed scarves, cold weather scarves, gloves, and hats. This role offers hands‑on involvement from concept through production, with direct exposure to a premier global brand. The Associate Designer will assist with trend and material research, CAD development, coloring, and presentations to Ralph Lauren, while initiating new designs and supporting all aspects of the design process. This is an opportunity to contribute creatively while building end‑to‑end product development experience in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. They will initiate new designs, be responsible for tech pack development, spec’ing samples, sending comments and regular communication with mills. Experience working with print and color is a plus. 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. REPORTS TO: Design Director PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS: The Associate Designer will work closely with Design Manager, Production and Sales teams. Will also collaborate with Creative Services on capturing of product images as needed and follow up with RL partners for details related to design. TRAVEL The Associate Designer –will travel locally on an as-needed basis for research and/or customer appointments. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: In office attendance is expected at least 3 times per week. EXAMPLE DAILY TASKS: -Work with Managing Director to execute product direction and create designs to support merchandising plan for each product line and customer. -Assist in creating design decks and presentations to Ralph Lauren as well as internal work charts to support the design process. -Create and manage updates for sketches, CADs, design decks and line sheets. -Create and manage updates for tech packs including specs, technical information and sample comments – keeps abreast of all design changes and comments from Ralph Lauren. -Communicate with overseas mills from initial proto request through to production approval. -Communicate regularly with partners at Ralph Lauren to acquire needed design information. -Collaborate with Design manager on developments and pricing. -Maintain yarn, fabric, material/ trim and image libraries; develop new trims as they relate to your product categories. -Responsible for showroom set-up and line sheet preparations. SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS: -Bachelor's Degree in Textiles or Fashion Design with focus on knitwear, cold weather accessories, print design, and/or weaving. -Min of 2 yrs. experience working on printed product/ women’s soft accessories. -Knowledge of textile design and construction: fully-fashioned knitwear, print design and weave design knowledge. Leather and performance/tech experience a plus. -Ability to generate detailed technical packages: specs, sketches, and technical direction. -Must be proficient in Photoshop and Illustrator. InDesign, Kaledo or Ned Graphics experience a plus. -Excited by product and eagerness to learn. -Passionate about design and have exceptional taste and eye for color. -Must be comfortable working both as part of a small team and independently. -A self-starter that has 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. -Identify opportunities to improve our process and work flow. -Develop cross-functional relationships and trust within the team and our partners. -Assume responsibility for maintenance and o