Associate Designer

Job Title:
Associate Designer, Aéropostale Girls’ Wovens

The Associate Designer, Aéropostale supports the development and execution of seasonal apparel collections with a primary focus on Girls’ Wovens
. Working closely with the Design team and cross-functional partners, this role helps bring seasonal concepts to life through trend research, product design, technical development, and sample execution.

The Associate Designer plays a key role in creating fashion-forward, commercially relevant products that aligns with brand strategy, customer preferences, and market trends. This position requires strong design skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining the highest standards of quality and product execution.

• Research and analyze seasonal fashion trends, color, print, fabric, silhouette, cultural influences, and competitive brands to support collection development.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the brand aesthetic and target customer while contributing fresh and innovative design ideas.
• Assist in developing seasonal concepts, mood boards, color palettes, and product strategies aligned with overall brand direction.
• Create detailed CADs, technical sketches, colorways, and design presentations using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Develop original design concepts, garment details, graphics, washes, and trims that support seasonal storytelling and assortment needs.
• Support inspiration gathering through market research, competitive shopping, social media, trend platforms, and vintage resources.

• Create and maintain accurate tech packs, including design details, construction specifications, artwork placement, trims, measurements, and BOM information.
• Partner with Technical Design to review fit samples, communicate comments, and help ensure design intent is maintained throughout development.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Production, and Sourcing teams on fabric, trim, wash, color, and garment construction development.
• Review and provide feedback on lab dips, strike-offs, print submissions, trims, washes, and development samples.
• Track revisions throughout the sample process and maintain organized records to support on-time product development.
• Ensure all design deliverables are completed accurately and according to seasonal calendars.

• Partner closely with Merchandising to support assortment strategies, line plans, customer needs, and business objectives.
• Participate in seasonal milestone meetings, fittings, line reviews, and cross-functional presentations.
• Communicate design direction and development feedback to internal teams and external vendors.
• Support collaboration across Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and Sourcing teams.

• Manage multiple categories, styles, and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Maintain organized design files, artwork libraries, seasonal documentation, and development tracking tools.
• Update PLM systems and internal databases with accurate product information.
• Support market preparation, seasonal reviews, and key leadership presentations.
• Provide day-to-day guidance and support to help mentor Assistant Designers and Design Interns as needed.

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred.

• 3-4 years of apparel design experience, preferably within a teen, young adult, or contemporary fashion brand.
• Experience working within a fast-paced, high-volume retail or wholesale environment preferred.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating…