Fashion Designer

Job Details: Job Title: Associate Designer, Sweaters Location: New York, NY (Hybrid – 3 days/week in office) Duration: 3 months Type: Full-Time, Contract Note: Portfolio required (including knitwear/sweater work strongly preferred). Job Description: An apparel retailer is looking for an Associate Designer to support the design and development of knitwear collections from concept through production. In this role, you will assist in developing seasonal sweater concepts including yarns, stitches, patterns, and silhouettes aligned with brand direction. You will create design sketches, stitch callouts, and technical flats using Adobe Illustrator, and support stripe layouts, jacquards, textures, and novelty stitches. You will collaborate on yarn selection, color development, and trim details with cross-functional teams and vendors, and help build mood boards, concept decks, and sweater-specific presentations. You will also assist in creating and updating detailed tech packs, participate in fit sessions, review knit-downs and samples, and track development timelines. Top 5-7 Skills: • Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop proficiency • Understanding of knitwear construction, stitches, gauges, and yarns • Creating detailed tech packs with stitch specifications and measurements • Trend and market research focused on knitwear (TikTok, Instagram, Miro, WGSN) • Experience with knit-downs and sweater sampling processes • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills • Managing multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously Requirements for the role: • 1–3 years of apparel design experience, preferably in sweaters/knitwear (internships included) • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop • Understanding of knitwear construction, stitches, gauges, and yarns • Experience working with or exposure to knit-downs and sweater sampling processes • Familiarity with Miro or similar tools for collaboration • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills • Ability to manage multiple styles and deadlines simultaneously • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Portfolio required (including knitwear/sweater work strongly preferred) Education and Experience: • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Knitwear Design, or a related field (preferred) • 1–3 years of apparel design experience (internships included) • Or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have): • Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume environment • PLM familiarity • Exposure to AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for ideation • Passion for knitwear design and strong interest in menswear trends Physical Requirements: • Ability to lift and transport garment samples, yarn cones, and sample boxes • Ability to attend fit sessions, line reviews, and market meetings Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.