Tapestry Hardware Designer (Outlet)

About Tapestry

Kate Spade New York is a global lifestyle brand within the Tapestry portfolio, known for its colorful, optimistic aesthetic across handbags, ready-to-wear, jewelry, footwear and home. As part of Tapestry — a family of consumer luxury brands that includes Coach and Stuart Weitzman — Kate Spade operates within a multi-brand environment that values creativity, commercial design excellence and inclusive workplace practices.

Role & Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and produce hardware design sketches, technical drawings and detailed sample comments for outlet handbags, small leather goods (SLGs) and shoes.
• Act as primary liaison to cross-functional design teams to translate seasonal direction and ensure hardware aligns with brand standards and product intent.
• Maintain and develop hardware design libraries, specifications and reference tools for leather goods and footwear design teams.
• Manage departmental project timelines, drive adherence to milestones and shepherd hardware projects from initiation through final approval.
• Research seasonal trends and competitive market activity to inform hardware direction and material/finish choices.
• Prepare and lead design meeting materials and independently conduct follow-up to ensure action items are completed.
• Initiate and coordinate cross-collaboration with in-house hardware teams (handbags, RTW, jewelry, shoes) to share design assets and seasonal direction.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of experience in the fashion industry with demonstrable work on accessory hardware for handbags and footwear.
• Deep understanding of luxury materials, finishes and hardware construction; strong construction knowledge across design categories.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, seasonally driven environment.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, cross-functional working style.
• High proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop; working knowledge of 3D/CAD tools such as AutoCAD and Rhino is highly desirable.
• Experience or background in industrial or product design, metalsmithing or related disciplines is preferred.

Skills

Experience

Minimum 5–7+ years of professional experience in the fashion/accessories sector with specific exposure to hardware design and construction for handbags, small leather goods and/or footwear; industrial or product design experience preferred.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Metals/Jewelry, Fashion Design or related field preferred; or equivalent professional experience.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 85,000 to USD 108,000 per annum.

Benefits

Medical insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance, 401(k), Paid paternity and maternity leave, Commuter benefits, Disability insurance, Tuition assistance.

Culture

Kate Spade New York emphasizes creativity, optimism and a distinctive brand voice within the collaborative, multi-brand environment of Tapestry. The workplace prioritizes inclusive practices, cross-disciplinary collaboration and a results-oriented, design-driven approach.

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.