Assistant Designer, Women’s Outlet Handbags

About the role

Michael Kors is always interested in hearing from talented, globally-minded individuals with a passion for fashion.

If you enjoy working in a creative, fast-paced environment, then we would love to hear from you!

• Who You Are

You are an Assistant Designer with foundational knowledge of handbag construction and a strong passion for accessories design. You are highly detail-oriented, trend-aware, and thrive in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. You bring curiosity, energy, and a collaborative mindset, along with a sharp eye for fashion and a strong understanding of the industry

What You’ll Do

• Support the design and development of the Women’s Outlet Handbag collection through market research, trend analysis, sketching, CAD coloring, and building detailed specifications.
• Assist the Design Director in executing seasonal concepts and managing daily design tasks.
• Interpret the Michael Kors aesthetic and translate it into relevant, brand-right products.
• Conduct competitive research and participate in market shopping and inspiration trips.
• Communicate regularly with overseas factories regarding tech packs, design updates, and new developments.
• Create technical drawings and assist in building comprehensive specification sheets under senior guidance.
• Track project timelines and proactively provide updates to ensure smooth workflow.
• Provide day-to-day support to the design team as needed.

What You’ll Need

• 0–2 years of experience in accessories or related design fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in Design or a related discipline.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong design sensibility and conceptual skills, specifically in handbags.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Experience communicating with factories or participating in product development processes.
• Availability to work in the NYC office 3–5 days per week.

We’d Love to See

• Ability to hand sketch and create digital sketches in Illustrator.
• Strong sense of style and color with a trend-driven, youthful design perspective that brings fresh energy to the team.
• Knowledge of handbag construction across leather and non-leather materials.
• Design training in accessories, industrial, or product design.
• A highly organized and collaborative approach to work.

MK Perks

• Generous Paid Time Off & Holiday Calendar
• Summer Fridays
• Internal Mobility Across Brands
• Cross-brand Discount
• Exclusive Employee Sales
• Fav 5 Cards (MK Discount for friends and family)
• 401k Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Thrive Wellness Program
• Commuter Benefits
• Gym Discounts
• The Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. The Company’s policy is not to unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, military status, disability, genetic information or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants and employees based on any of these protected categories.

• In compliance with certain Pay Transparency laws, employers are required to disclose a compensation range.
• The range for this position will vary based on role requirements, skill set, and years of experience.
• Please note that for salaried roles, the figures reflect full-time equivalency, while for hourly roles, the figures represent the applicable hourly rate.

Compensation Range

45,000.00 - 69,000.00 USD