Associate Apparel Designer - A&F Co. - job 1 of 3

Job Description

A&F Apparel Designers create high quality, aspirational product for each of our unique lifestyle brands. The designer's role at A&F is to take the product from initial concept through the production of the garment.  Designers stay on top of emerging trends through shopping the market, researching vintage, and staying in tune with our customers.  This creative research fuels the big picture trend and mood direction at the beginning of each season. Designers focus on every aspect of product development, from fabric and trim selection to editing how the garment fits on live models. 

What Will You Be Doing?

• Driving comprehensive design processes by creating concept boards, sketches, and illustrations for each product season 
• Taking a deep dive into the global customer mindset through market, field, and relevant social research  
• Exploring and researching emerging trends in the global market to deliver product that is aligned with the customer and market landscape 
• Supporting the product development process from initial sketch to finished product 
•  Influencing aesthetic and fit direction for your product category 
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams with an action-oriented, positive, and proactive mindset 
• Presenting designs to senior leadership as relevant to customer needs and market trends 
• Managing design workflow and deadlines within a fast-paced and collaborative environment 

What Do You Need To Bring?

• A bachelor’s degree in fashion/apparel design or relevant field 
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA 
• A portfolio is required with application  
• Strong computer skills in Illustrator/PLM preferred 
• Passion for the A&F brands, the role, and an interest in specialty retail 
• Solid technical skills with an impeccable taste level and eye for trend  
• Ability to identify and interpret relevant fashion trends into the brand handwriting  
• A strong curiosity and confidence to push boundaries and bring new ideas to the table 
• Detail-oriented with the ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced, structured environment 
• Career-driven, strong work ethic, and proven resiliency  
• A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand 
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to communicate confidently 
• Desire to learn & hunger for more! 

Our Company 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.

The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, YPB, abercrombie kids, Hollister and Gilly Hicks, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates over 750 stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com, and hollisterco.com.

At Abercrombie & Fitch Co., we lead with purpose and always put our people first. We’re proud to offer equitable compensation and benefits, including flexibility and competitive Paid Time Off, as well as education and engagement events, including various Associate Resource Groups, volunteer opportunities and additional time off to give back to our global communities. 

Benefits & Perks

As an Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) associate, you’ll be eligible to participate in a variety of benefit programs designed to fit you and your lifestyle. A&F is committed to providing simple, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that align with our Company’s culture and values, but most importantly – with you! We also provide competitive incentives to reward the commitment our associates have for moving our global business forward:  

• Incentive bonus program
• 401(K) savings plan with company match
• Annual companywide review process
• Flexible spending accounts
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Associate assistance program
• Paid parental and adoption leave
• Access to fertility and adoption benefits through Carrot
• Access to mental health and wellness app, Headspace
• Paid Caregiver Leave
• Mobile Stipend
• Paid time off & one paid volunteer day per year, allowing you to give back to your community
• Work from anywhere (Mondays and Fridays are “work from anywhere” days for most roles & six work from anywhere weeks per year)
• Seven associate wellness half days per year
• Onsite fitness center
• Merchandise discount on all of our brands
• Opportunities for career advancement, we believe in promoting from within
• Access to multiple Associate Resource Groups
• Global team of people who will celebrate you for being YOU! 

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER