Hermès Footwear Designer

About Hermès

This prestigious fashion house, renowned for its timeless elegance and innovative designs, is a part of a leading global luxury conglomerate. The brand is committed to excellence and offers a dynamic environment where creativity and business acumen are equally valued.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead creative research, trend forecasting, and material sourcing at professional exhibitions (Première Vision, Lineapelle) and supplier visits to inform future collection direction
• Develop visual narratives through mood boards and iconographic research aligned with Hermès brand values and contemporary cultural dynamics
• Execute full-scale technical drawings (1:1 scale) in Adobe Illustrator using traditional pen methods and create comprehensive technical specification sheets with detailed measurements
• Collaborate with the Prêt-à-Porter Art Director (Nadège Vanhee) and Shoe Creative Director to ensure aesthetic and qualitative consistency across seasonal deliverables
• Conceptualize and render colour and material simulations, embellishments, and pattern designs using Adobe Creative Suite and Procreate to enhance existing models within collection cohesion
• Integrate sustainability and eco-responsibility principles into product conception and design iterations
• Facilitate close coordination between Studio, Collection, and Development teams; participate actively in collection planning sessions with the Creative Director and prototype launch meetings with technical teams
• Accompany Development teams to partner manufacturers to monitor prototype compliance, advance production alignment, and identify innovative techniques and finishes
• Organize and delegate tasks within the Studio's women's category; mentor and support junior team members in their professional development
• Maintain and update collection overviews throughout the development cycle, ensuring smooth communication and aesthetic, technical, and qualitative alignment across all stakeholders

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of demonstrated experience in a footwear design studio environment
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and familiarity with Romans CAD (RCS) software
• Technical mastery of footwear construction, materials, and production processes
• Strong aesthetic sensibility and awareness of fashion trends and cultural zeitgeist, particularly within luxury footwear
• Proven ability to adapt creative vision to brand codes and house values
• Team-oriented mindset with collaborative spirit and sensitivity to Hermès artisanal philosophy
• Management aptitude or demonstrated interest in coordinating and mentoring junior design staff
• Fluency in English and Italian is preferred; foundational knowledge of both is an advantage

Skills

Experience

Minimum 8–10 years of progressive footwear design experience within a luxury or contemporary design studio. Candidate should demonstrate a portfolio of completed seasons and a proven track record of leading design initiatives from concept through production in a fast-paced, multi-collection-per-annum environment.

Education

Formal training in footwear design, product design, or fine arts is strongly preferred. Equivalent practical experience in a recognized footwear studio may substitute for formal qualification.

Workplace

Culture

The company fosters a collaborative and innovative culture, encouraging employees to push the boundaries of creativity while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.