Associate Designer - Handbags

Our Story

At Madewell, we believe that great style starts with great design. Since 2006, we’ve been creating premium denim and foundational wardrobe pieces for men and women that balance quality, authenticity, and versatility. From iconic jeans perfected by denim experts to the essential tee, the most versatile shoe, and the timeless leather bag—if it’s Madewell, it’s made well.

Our dedication to Diversity, Equity, Belonging & Sustainability has been celebrated with industry recognition, reflecting our commitment to fostering an inclusive and sustainable workplace.

The Handbags Associate Designer will support the Sr. Designer in developing seasonal handbag collections from concept through production. This role requires strong creative sensibility, organizational skills, and the ability to translate design vision into compelling, commercially viable products while meeting key development milestones.

• Partner closely with Sr. Designer to develop concepts, silhouette direction, materials, and color stories for seasonal handbag assortments.

• Create and maintain professional presentation boards including sketches, inspiration imagery, materials, hardware, and construction details.

• Research and interpret seasonal trends, themes, and detail direction relevant to handbags and accessories.

• Organize and manage material, color, and hardware libraries; prepare samples and standards for milestone meetings.

• Execute and maintain seasonal line lists, ensuring alignment with the product development calendar and key deadlines.

• Collaborate with Technical Design to ensure accuracy of specifications from initial concept through technical design packages.

• Participate in fittings, reviews, and product walkthroughs with the Designer or Design Director.

• Work cross-functionally with Production to maintain design intent throughout the development and production process.

• Track development progress and proactively follow up on outstanding items to ensure timely execution.

• 2–4 years of design experience, preferably in handbags or accessories

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field

• Strong aesthetic sensibility with a high level of creativity and attention to detail

• Excellent presentation and visual communication skills

• Strong illustration and sketching abilities (hand and digital)

• Knowledge of handbag construction, materials, hardware, and trims

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Collaborative team player with strong follow-through

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

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Salary Range: $64,200.00 - $79,600.00

At J.Crew Group (JCG) we aim to pay competitively for our company’s size and industry. The base salary offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’sgeographic region of work premises, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. The base salary is just one component of J.Crew Group’s competitive total rewards strategy that also includes the opportunity for bonus, competitive benefits and perks.

One of our core focuses here at JCGis creating a community and culture that builds belonging. We are deeply committed to our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts, and we warmly welcome job applicants of all backgrounds.

JCG is proud to affirmatively provide equal opportunity to all associates and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizenship, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, legally protected physical or mental disability, veteran status,…