Designer - Missy/Contemporary

Who We Are:

Steve Madden is a global fashion company known for its innovative, trend-driven footwear, accessories, and apparel. Founded in 1990 in Queens, New York, the company has grown from a footwear startup into a globally recognized fashion organization with a portfolio of leading brands, including Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, Dolce Vita, Betsey Johnson, Carvela, Blondo, and ATM.

With a presence in more than 80 countries, Steve Madden operates across wholesale, retail, e-commerce, licensing, and private label businesses. The company is driven by creativity, individuality, and a fast-paced entrepreneurial spirit, bringing fashion-forward products to consumers around the world.

Position Summary

We are seeking a creative and trend-driven Designer to join our Missy/Contemporary Sportswear team and help shape compelling, commercially relevant collections for our Wholesale Apparel business. This role is ideal for a designer who understands the contemporary customer, has a strong eye for trend, color, print, fabrication, and styling, and knows how to translate market insights into cohesive collections. The Designer will be responsible for developing monthly comprehensive collections across tops, knits, wovens, dresses, skirts, and pants, from initial concept through final sample presentation. The successful candidate is both creatively driven and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple collections and deadlines in a fast-paced fashion environment.

This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site four days per week/one day from home.

Key Responsibilities

• Research current and emerging fashion, color, print, and silhouette trends through market research, retail shopping, trade shows, runway, street style, and consumer insights.
• Develop monthly, head-to-toe apparel collections for the Missy/Contemporary customer, including tops, knits, wovens, dresses, skirts, and pants.
• Translate trend and market insights into fresh, commercial, and brand-right design concepts.
• Build cohesive collections with a strong understanding of assortment, color, fabrication, silhouette, and styling.
• Source and select appropriate fabrics, materials, trims, embellishments, and other design details for samples and collections.
• Create and present designs and samples with a clear vision for the final product.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners throughout the design and development process to ensure product is executed to the intended vision.
• Attend trade shows, market appointments, and industry events to identify new trends, materials, and inspiration.
• Stay closely connected to the competitive landscape and evolving needs of the contemporary customer.
• Manage multiple design projects, collections, and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members and help drive the overall creative direction of the business.
• Take on additional projects and responsibilities as needed.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.
• 5+ years of apparel design experience, preferably within contemporary, missy, or wholesale sportswear.
• Strong understanding of women’s apparel design, construction, fabrication, and product development.
• Proven experience developing cohesive collections across knits, wovens, tops, dresses, skirts, and pants.
• Strong understanding of current fashion trends, consumer behavior, and the contemporary market.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as Microsoft Office.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to clearly communicate and execute a creative vision.
• Experience mentoring or managing others is preferred.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• A collaborative, proactive mindset with a strong passion for fashion and product.

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $90,000-$100,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.