Handbag Designer

Who We Are:

Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're #2.

Since 2009, we've been on a mission to bring sustainable fashion to everyone. Named one of Fast Company’s Brands That Matter and winning a Best Carbon Footprint award, we have big goals like being Climate Positive by 2025, Circular by 2030, and pushing the whole industry forward along the way. Our work has gotten love in Drapers and Sourcing Journal, and TIME wrote about how great our CEO, Hali Borenstein, is. Basically, we're saving the Earth and looking damn good doing it.

We're a global brand with 50+ stores (and counting) around the world, and our own sustainable factory in LA. We innovate across categories like accessories, swimwear, and sleepwear, and we reach millions of people with campaigns like this, this and this. 

None of this work is possible without the incredible people behind it. We're a mission-based company that invests in an inclusive culture, so we can innovate together and ensure everyone has the space to grow, thrive, and belong.

And starting right now, we want to do all that with you.

Work Location/ Schedule: 

Hybrid 4 days in our NYC office 

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join Reformation as Handbag Designer working with the Product Innovation Design team to shape the vision and future of the accessories business. 

This individual will build the design language and support the growth of one of our most exciting and new categories, driving the creative vision from initial concept, to material sourcing, development, through to final execution in partnership with the Design Director. In this role, you will be responsible for translating directional global trends into must-have, customer-right bags that feel distinctly Reformation. The ideal candidate is both highly creative and deeply technical, with a mastery of handbag construction, leathercraft, and a strong commercial instinct. You hold an exceptional taste level, a high bar for quality and have a strong passion for product and the environment. 

What you’ll do:

Research

• Conduct ongoing trend research to evaluate marketplace trends and synthesize into concepts relevant for the Reformation brand/customer; translating these ideas into products
• Contribute to the development of overarching seasonal concepts, themes, and collections under the guidance of the Design Director
• Harbour a deep understanding of the Reformation aesthetic and translate it into brand relevant product
• Present quarterly and monthly sketches and assortments, driving the creation and presentation of design pitch decks
• Research and identity key materials, trims, hardware and trends to add the the core and novelty material libraries
• Work with PD to build comprehensive Tech Packs and liaise with the PD and the factories to bring the visions to life Create pass offs / ownership over design pass offs
• Provide mockups or salpas as needed
• Spec, render and design decorative and functional hardware 
• Lead Design correction meetings, working with PD to turnaround comments in a timely manner
• Work with merchandising to fulfill the lineplan with a balanced, trend right and compelling assortment
• Stay abreast of current business trends and suggest reactive chase designs in a timely manner
• Work closely with Merchandising and the Design Director to create CADs and build monthly colors assortments 
• Update and manage design decks with the most up to date information

What you’ll need:

• Bachelor’s degree in Design or related field preferred 
• 3-5 years’ experience in design within  luxury or contemporary women’s handbag industry (internships or entry level roles welcome)
• Experience with leather a plus
• Excellent eye for color, materials and a keen attention to detail.
• Experience with hardware and/or jewelry design a plus but not required
• Strong sketching skills and CAD skills 
• Highly proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
• Highly organized with strong time management skills and an ability to multitask

Who You are:

• Creative, curious, and eager to learn
• Meticulous, and detail-oriented with  strong visual presentation skills
• A proactive self starter who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment 
• Passionate about design and sustainability, with a deep understanding of the Reformation aesthetic

Compensation:

At Reformation, we believe in transparency and equity when it comes to compensation. For this role, the anticipated base salary range is $80,000 - $108,000 base salary plus bonus eligibility, depending on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and internal compensation equity.

This role may also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on a range of factors, including company performance, department goals, and individual contributions. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and are determined at the company’s discretion.

Please note that compensation decisions are made thoughtfully and may vary from the listed range to reflect individual circumstances and evolving business needs. Our total rewards package also includes benefits, perks, and opportunities for growth that contribute to overall compensation.

Benefits & Perks:

• Eligible employees get employer-sponsored private medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as commuter benefits to help support your travel to and from work.
• We offer competitive paid time off policies including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays for eligible employees. 
• We offer retirement planning support for eligible employees, including the option to invest in Environmental Social Governance-aligned (fancy way to say sustainable) funds. 
• We’re a mission-based company with offices in LA, NYC and London, as well as a global retail team, which means you’ll get to collaborate with people all around the world.
• You’ll get access to fertility care support through Carrot, and up to a $5,000 USD reimbursement for related fertility expenses after 1 year of employment.
• We care about the causes our employees care about so we donate to community efforts on a yearly basis. 
• We offer a clothing discount, culture events (like our annual Ref Values week and Volunteer Time Off), you know, all the meaningful and fun stuff!

Reformation is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the world we want to live in. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status—in accordance with applicable international, federal, state, and local laws.

If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. We’re here to ensure you have what you need to show up as your best self.

Still don’t know if you should apply? We get it—studies show that many women and individuals from historically underrepresented communities hold back from applying unless they meet every single requirement. At Reformation, we’re all about growth, not gatekeeping. If you’re passionate about the role and excited about making fashion more sustainable, we’d love to hear from you. If this role doesn’t totally excite you, consider applying to our general application.

Want some more?! - Sustainability, Forbes, Fast Company

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