Michael Kors Assistant Designer, Small Leather Goods

Michael Kors is a globally recognised luxury fashion house known for its accessible, design-led ready-to-wear, accessories and lifestyle collections. The brand operates within Capri Holdings, offering a fast-paced, commercially driven creative environment with opportunities for cross-brand mobility and international collaboration.

1. Translate the Michael Kors aesthetic into Small Leather Goods (SLG) product concepts for Mainline and Outlet channels.
2. Lead seasonal conceptualisation and creation of SLG collections, including market research, mood boards, sketching, and spec development.
3. Manage the product lifecycle from concept through production, communicating changes to cross-functional partners and factories.
4. Ensure channel-appropriate product design, cost and function while preventing internal product competition between channels.
5. Maintain and update SLG seasonal libraries, master specs and design standards.
6. Collaborate closely with HB Design, Merchandising and Technical Design to finalise seasonal lines and ensure alignment with overall direction.
7. Research global markets to identify emerging trends, materials and novelty techniques to inform product direction.

1. 1–2 years of design experience in Small Leather Goods or handbags.
2. Authorization and ability to work in the New York City office.
3. Strong technical proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for sketching and spec work.
4. Proven ability to manage competing calendar deadlines and multitask across concurrent projects.
5. Experience communicating product development requirements with factories and production partners.
6. Strong sense of style, colour, organisation, presentation and communication skills.

1. Adobe Illustrator
2. Adobe Photoshop

1–2 years of hands-on design experience within Small Leather Goods or handbag categories, including end-to-end involvement from concept through production and direct liaison with factories.

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Design, Industrial Design, or a related field preferred.

Generous Paid Time Off & Holiday Calendar; Summer Fridays; Internal Mobility Across Brands; Cross-brand Discount; Exclusive Employee Sales; Fav 5 Cards (friends & family discount); 401(k) Match; Paid Parental Leave; Thrive Wellness Program; Commuter Benefits; Gym Discounts

Michael Kors fosters a high-energy, creative and commercially minded workplace where design and product execution are tightly integrated. The culture emphasises collaboration across design, merchandising and technical teams, with strong opportunities for internal mobility within the Capri Holdings group.