Head of Accessories and Bags Design

Working at Stella McCartney is a truly rewarding experience. As a luxury fashion company with a strong ethical standpoint we are leaders and innovators in our industry.

Overview The Head of Bags and Accessories Design leads the Bags and Accessories design team, driving the creative vision and strategy for all accessories lines. This role demands a highly experienced and proactive leader with a strong understanding of luxury fashion, design principles, and market trends, who can thrive in a fast-paced environment. Contributing to and managing all stages of the design process while maintaining composure under pressure and demonstrating a strong understanding of design principles and materials, the role will strategically translate creative concepts into innovative designs aligned with brand aesthetics and market needs.

The Head of Bag and Accessories will be responsible for execution within 2 pre-collections (circa 160 samples per collection) and 2 runway collections for Paris (circa 130 samples per collection), plus capsule collections as well as all other special exclusive collaborations.

The Head of Bags and Accessories will be responsible for translating the Creative Director's vision into innovative and commercially successful designs, while upholding the brand's aesthetic and ethical values.

Location:

London, HQ OR Milan/Novara, HQsYour Mission:

Lead and inspire the Bags and Accessories design team, providing clear direction, mentorship, and support.

Collaborate closely with the Creative Director and RTW Design Director, managing their creative vision and translate into qualitative product.

Create and develop Mood boards and original inspiration themes to present to Creative Director for the seasonal collection and colour card proposals then highlighting key combinations for each collection to provide to developer with clear information’sLead design and research efforts to identify emerging trends, innovative materials, and new technologies, ensuring the brand remains at the forefront of the industry.

Oversee the fabric and prototype archive, ensuring organisation and accessibility for the design team.

Develop and execute the seasonal design strategy for all bags and accessories categories, creating 10-15 new styles per event.

Weaving new fabrication on key carry over groups (Falabella, Logo, Ryder, Dartmoor) whilst maintaining the identity and brand of the product with the sustainable priority as the identity of the brand.

Respond to the BU Director for development helping the process with the timeline of the collection.

Collaborate with Merchandiser, understand the structure of the collection and in a meantime be able to share with them the trend of the season. Ability to translate the market needs to beautiful design to get the approval from the Creative Director Oversee the entire design process, from concept development and sketching to correcting protos, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to quality standards.

Prepare and distribute design scans and specifications to the Product Manager.

Good and clear communication with the product development team in Italy following each fitting and design meeting.

Oversee fabric-to-sketch allocation following the product and merchandiser plan as the responsibility of managing budget and production is under them, ensuring effectively management of the design team  able to the accurate material assignments with the product manager.

Create high-quality renderings of accessories and bags for presentations and internal reviews.

Develop quick mock-ups of accessories and bags to help the Creative Director to visualise designs and construction.

Record detailed notes during fittings and follow-up presentations, ensuring accurate documentation.

Prepare materials and presentations for design meetings and concept reviews.

Ensure adherence to collection deadlines, managing the accessories and bag design team resources effectively.

Ability to work well under pressure, multitask and meet critical deadlines that impact the overall business

Ability to work cross-functionality, building strong relationships with other departments

Maintain the organisation of the accessories and bags fitting room, ensuring a productive workspace.

Your Talent:

Trend awareness, keeping up with the latest fashion trends, materials and styles

Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Extensive experience in a leadership role within a luxury fashion house, with a focus on accessories and bags, specifically within handbags, small leather goods, keychains, belts and accessories.

Proven ability to lead and inspire a design team, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.

Strong understanding of the Stella McCartney heritage, ethical values, and brand DNA.Excellent design and technical skills, with a deep understanding of materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes.

Ability to create and facilitate…