Assistant Designer

Assistant Designer – Denim

Position Summary

The Assistant Designer – Denim COE supports the design and development of seasonal denim collections from concept through production for Nautica Women’s. This role works closely with the Denim Design team and cross-functional partners to execute brand-right, trend-driven products that align with customer needs and business objectives.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about denim and fashion trends. They possess a strong understanding of apparel design fundamentals, are eager to learn technical aspects of denim product development, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This role provides an opportunity to contribute creatively while supporting the day-to-day design process across multiple stages of development.

Key Responsibilities

Design Support & Creative Development

• Support the design team in the creation and development of seasonal denim collections across assigned categories.
• Research fashion, denim, cultural, and social media trends to identify opportunities relevant to the Nautica customer.
• Assist in the preparation of inspiration boards, seasonal concepts, trend presentations, and color direction.
• Create and update sketches, CADs, technical flats, and presentation materials under the guidance of senior design leadership.
• Help develop washes, fabrications, trims, and design details that support seasonal product initiatives.
• Conduct competitive shopping and market research across retail channels and online platforms.

Product Development & Technical Support

• Assist in the creation and maintenance of tech packs, ensuring design details, construction information, trims, and wash instructions are accurately documented.
• Organize and track sample development throughout the product lifecycle.
• Support wash development by reviewing strike-offs, wash submissions, and samples with manager for design consistency.
• Prepare samples, reference materials, and comments for fittings and review meetings.
• Partner with Technical Design and Product Development teams to communicate updates and maintain accurate records.
• Help ensure design specifications are updated and entered into PLM systems in a timely manner.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Product Development, Production, and Sourcing teams throughout the development process.
• Participate in sample reviews, fittings, seasonal meetings, and line reviews.
• Communicate sample status, design updates, and development needs to internal and external partners.
• Assist in preparing seasonal presentations and leadership review materials.

Trend & Market Research

• Monitor denim and fashion trends through retail research, social media, runway coverage, and competitive analysis.
• Maintain trend, wash, fabric, and inspiration archives for the design team.
• Track industry developments in denim fabrics, silhouettes, washes, sustainability, and consumer preferences.

Administrative & Organizational Support

• Maintain organized sample libraries, wash standards, fabric swatches, trims, and seasonal design records.
• Assist with seasonal calendar management and ensure key milestones are met.
• Organize design files, line sheets, presentation decks, and seasonal documentation.
• Support special projects and additional design initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of design experience, internships, or relevant experience within the apparel industry preferred.
• Strong interest in denim design, fashion trends, and product development.
• Basic knowledge of apparel construction, fit, fabrics, washes, and garment development processes.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with PLM systems is a plus.
• Strong sketching, CAD, and technical flat skills.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative mindset with a strong willingness to learn and grow within a design team.
• Familiarity with AI design and visualization tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom, or comparable platforms is a plus.

Core Competencies

• Trend Research & Consumer Awareness
• Denim & Apparel Design Fundamentals
• Technical Flats & CAD Development
• Product Development Support
• Organization & Attention to Detail
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Time Management
• Creative Problem Solving
• Communication Skills
• Adaptability & Learning Agility
• Microsoft Office & Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency
• AI-Assisted Design Tools Awareness and Application