Footwear and Accessories Designer

Footwear and Accessories Designer | New York, NY

The Rachel Comey design team is seeking an Accessories Designer to join our small team and manage the creation and technical design development of our seasonal collections. A strong understanding and passion for the RC brand and our customers is essential, as well as a passion for materials, proportion, and craft. This role requires a highly detail-oriented designer with strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a positive, solutions-focused mindset.

You will collaborate closely with Design, Product Development, and international factory partners to bring concepts from early inspiration through final production readiness.

Conceptualization thru techpacks/ Design into footwear, bags, jewelry, belts, scarves, socks, hats, glasses etc. —from early inspiration through final TOP fittings—ensuring cohesion with seasonal narratives and brand identity.

Propose new footwear last developments and evaluate fit prior to grading into extended sizes.

Produce sketch proposals based on direction from the Creative Director, adapting quickly as the collection evolves.

Create detailed prototype launch drawings with soft specs, material callouts, and functional considerations.

Generate Jewelry CADs with hardware components resolved for development.

Generate CAD color-ups for line sheets and tech packages to provide clear visual communication for internal teams and factory partners.

Conduct ongoing research on market trends, color, materials (leather, outsole components, hardware, jewelry, soft accessories), silhouettes, and competitive landscape.

Evaluate seasonal hard and soft accessories trends with a strong understanding of the Rachel Comey core customer and brand DNA.

Research materials, artisanal makers, and potential suppliers.

Participate in Proto, SMS, and PPS sample fit reviews; analyze construction, proportions, comfort, and functionality.

Compile and communicate all fit comments in clear, actionable detail for Product Development and factory partners.

Review seasonal skins and material offerings from international teams; collaborate with Product Development on SMS BOM color allocations.

Assist in accurate entry and review of color allocations, specs, and technical package updates.

Work closely with Product Development, Merchandising, and Production to troubleshoot construction issues and propose alternative solutions.

Ensure all deliverables meet deadlines outlined in the T&A calendar.

Maintain strong communication with global manufacturing partners to ensure accurate execution and timely sample turnover.

Provide digital files, sketches, revisions, and final assets in an organized and timely manner for cross-team clarity.

Bachelor’s degree in Accessory Design, Footwear and Handbag and Jewelry is preferred, or related field, with strong technical understanding of footwear construction and fit.

3–5 years of industry experience, ideally in contemporary, comfort-driven, or fashion-forward footwear - working with a brand, but also with factories and suppliers.

Experience working with Comfort-driven silhouettes to more refined, dressy styles.

Experience with jewelry design and technical limitations with metal.

Strong ability to understand and design for the Rachel Comey client and aesthetic.

Proficiency in Google Suite.

Proficiency in Procreate and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Strong ability to sketch both technical drawings and freeform creative renderings, with a clear understanding of construction techniques.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple deliverables and shifting priorities.
• Positive attitude with the ability to collaborate with multiple cross-functional partners.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills.

Next year marks our 25th year as an independent design and manufacturing company based in Lower Manhattan. Since 2001, we’ve grown steadily thanks to our loyal customers and wholesale partners. We remain outside the center…