Director, Cut and Sew Innovation

POSITION SUMMARY
The Sr. Cut and Sew Innovation Designer is responsible for creating original garments from concept through development, with a strong focus on fabric, silhouette, fit, construction, finishing details, and innovative production methods. This role works with Design and partners closely with our automation/robotics partners to develop unique products, ensuring each garment reflects the brand’s aesthetic, quality standards, technical requirements, and commercial needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Design original cut and sew garments from concept through sample development, ensuring alignment with seasonal direction and brand identity.
•    Collaborate with robotics, automation, and technology partners to explore, develop, and produce cut and sew garments using innovative manufacturing processes.
•    Evaluate robotic or automated garment-making outputs for quality, consistency, fit, construction, and alignment with approved design intent.
•    Research market trends, fabrications, silhouettes, construction techniques, trims, and finishing details to support new product development.
•    Create sketches, flats, fashion cards, and design presentations using hand sketching and digital tools as needed.
•    Develop and communicate design intent through tech packs, construction details, measurements, trim direction, and fabric specifications.
•    Partner with patternmakers, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and vendors to execute garments from initial concept through final sample approval.
•    Attend fittings and product reviews; provide feedback on fit, proportion, construction, fabric performance, and overall design execution.
•    Monitor garment development against seasonal calendars and follow up on pending issues to keep deliverables on track.
•    Maintain accurate line sheets, sample tracking, design updates, and style information throughout the development process.
•    Ensure each style reflects the intended quality, fit, craftsmanship, and brand aesthetic across all details.
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with cross-functional partners, vendors, and factories to support timely and high-quality product execution.

REQUIREMENTS
The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of apparel design, garment construction, fit, fabrication, and the full development process for cut and sew product.
•    Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field.
•    10+ years of apparel design experience, preferably within contemporary women’s t-shirts, streetwear, activewear, or specialty apparel.
•    Interest in or experience with robotics, automation, digital manufacturing, or emerging apparel production technology required.
•    Strong knowledge of cut and sew garment construction, fabric hand feel, drape, fit, stitching, finishing, trims, and production considerations.
•    Experience creating sketches, flats, tech packs, construction callouts, and design presentations.
•    Understanding of patternmaking, grading, garment measurements, and fit corrections.
•    Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; Microsoft Office experience required.
•    Ability to manage multiple styles, deadlines, seasons, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
•    Ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors, and factories.

$150,000 - $170,000 base salary (This range represents the anticipated base salary for this NYC-based position and will vary based on experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity. This is a non-exempt position and may require overtime, which will be compensated in accordance with applicable law.)