We are seeking a Apparel Design Director to join our team. This person should be a dynamic creative who loves to collaborate and has a passion for vintage apparel. We are looking for a candidate who will continue to build on the strong foundation established over 15 years, someone who will propel us forward with inspiring ideas and a unique perspective. The candidate should have a deep understanding of denim, should have a keen eye for detail and a passion for translating concepts into compelling garments.
This person should develop an intrinsic understanding of the imogene and willie aesthetic and will provide creative leadership with regard to design perspective, aesthetic and quality on par with brand and industry standards. This person will lead design decisions across all apparel categories, inclusive of denim and accessories for both men’s and women’s products. This role reports to the Director of Design and Development and will work closely with our Founding Partner group as well as our development team, pattern maker, production team, and sewing facility in Los Angeles.
We are open to this role being based in Nashville, Los Angeles, or New York City. In addition to our Nashville headquarters, Imogene + Willie maintains a growing presence in Los Angeles and plans to establish a New York City presence in early 2027. While much of the brand’s creative and cultural heartbeat lives in Nashville, candidates based in Los Angeles or New York should expect frequent travel to Nashville and a strong commitment to maintaining close collaboration with the broader team and creative process.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for overarching seasonal design concepts as well as style-level garment direction
- Provide leadership and direction around fabric and trim selection and sourcing that resonates with the brand’s ethos and identity
- Work closely with the product development team to implement ideas and ensure concepts are translated throughout the sample process and into production
- Build and drive strategies for product with a focus on product storytelling
- Partner with patternmaker to develop fit blocks
- Participate in fit reviews to advance style-level concepts and to ensure fit intent is being achieved
- Identify and provide creative solutions for any issues that arise with product design
- Maintain knowledge of emerging fashion trends through regular market research, constantly seeking inspiration and product opportunities
Qualifications:
- Extensive experience designing in multiple categories, including denim, non-denim bottoms, wovens, knits and outerwear
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effortlessly convey design concept and specifications
- An intrinsic understanding of clothing anatomy and the relationship between design and the body
- Excellent knowledge of silhouettes, fabrication, garment construction and finishings
- Experience using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for flat sketching, print recoloring, and development
- Successful project manager with a knowledge of the product cycle and product design timelines
- Collaborative working style, with a willingness to discuss and adapt given feedback
- Highly detail oriented, with the ability to see the big picture
- An inspiring team player with a steadfast work ethic who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can juggle multiple projects concurrently
- Have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- At least 7 years of experience in product design
- Passion for working with denim is prioritized
imogene + willie was founded in 2009 with a dedication to high-quality, handcrafted denim. For over 15 years, the brand has remained committed to always producing in the USA, prioritizing community and authentic storytelling. Made with love, made to last. We offer:
- A fast-paced, energetic, creative environment with passionate people who care a great deal about what we make and how
- Competitive pay and benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, and Paid Parental Leave, just to name a few)
- Generous retirement contributions: employer matched 401k
- Generous product discounts
Please note: we are not accepting outreach from recruiters at this time, all candidates should apply directly.
Disclaimer: by applying for this position, you are consenting to background checks and employment verification.
Equal Opportunity Employer: imogene + willie is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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