Design Director

Location: On-site, Upper East Side, New York
Reports To: Founder

Job Type: Freelance or Full-time 

About the Role

KULE is seeking an energetic and detail-oriented Design Director who is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing seasonal collections that align with the brand’s aesthetic and commercial goals. This role balances creative vision with technical accuracy, partnering closely with Technical Design, Product Development, Production, Merchandising, and vendors to ensure flawless execution of each collection. The ideal candidate has experience across wovens and knits, thrives in a fast-paced self-led environment, and brings a keen eye for fit, detail, and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Creative Design & Concept Development

• Conceptualize and develop creative, innovative womenswear designs—from refining essential wardrobe staples to building trend-driven seasonal collections.
• Stay current on trends in silhouettes, color, fabric, trim, and innovation relevant to womenswear (knits, wovens, and cut & sew).
• Collaborate with the Founder/Creative Director to build cohesive seasonal stories and assortments.
• Create and present design concepts, sketches, and storyboards to internal stakeholders, including merchandising.
• Ensure all designs reflect and maintain the brand’s aesthetic, design language, and point of view.

Seasonal Collections & Brand Alignment

• Develop seasonal womenswear collections that align with brand vision, margin targets, and market needs.
• Partner with brand/marketing teams to ensure consistent storytelling and branding across collections.
• Conduct market and competitor research to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation within womenswear.
• Explore and propose new fabrics, washes, finishes, branding details, and design techniques to elevate the product.

Product Development & Technical Support

• Create and manage proto and SMS tech packs, ensuring accurate sketches, construction details, specs, materials, trims, and finishing.
• Work closely with technical design and production to translate design intent into well-fitting, production-ready garments.
• Conduct fittings (proto, SMS, and production).
• Partner with patternmakers, factories, and mills to troubleshoot fit and construction challenges and maintain quality standards.
• QC all development samples (proto and SMS) and monitor quality throughout the development process.

Process & Calendar Management

• Set up and maintain new styles in WIP and seasonal charts, including style numbers, sketches, descriptions, and BOMs.
• Track and receive all seasonal development packages from overseas, informing the team on delivery status.
• Monitor development and production calendars to ensure all milestones are met—from concept through final production.
• Oversee shipment and tracking of PPS, ECOM, PR, and TOP samples as needed.
• Ensure daily maintenance of seasonal trackers so teams remain aligned on development and production timelines.

Cross-Functional & Vendor Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Founder/Creative Director, Tech, Production, and Merchandising to ensure seamless execution of design concepts.
• Attend design fittings (pre- and post-fitting) and facilitate clear, timely communication of style updates and changes.
• Communicate daily with vendors and factories to confirm sample timing, troubleshoot development issues, and continuously improve processes.
• Assist with sending out materials for development (fabrics, trims, reference samples) and prepare corresponding packing slips.

Team Support & Collaboration

• Contribute to a collaborative, supportive studio environment that encourages creativity and problem-solving.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members when needed, helping to nurture their growth and uphold brand standards.

• 7-10 years of relevant experience in womenswear design - wovens, cut & sew and knits.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Google Suite, and PLM/WIP systems; strong sketching and CAD rendering skills required.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, grading, and fit across multiple categories.
• Experience managing the full product lifecycle—concept, sketching, development, fittings, revisions, and production handoff.
• Strong ability to design into a brand’s aesthetic while balancing creativity, commercial viability, and seasonal trend relevance.
• Clear communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Extremely organized, detail-oriented, and thrives in a fast-paced, self-directed environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Depending on Employment status, Kule offers:

• Paid vacation, personal, and holiday PTO.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Clothing allowance.

Compensation - Dependent on Full time or Contract status