Missy Department Dresses Designer

Location: New York City – Garment DistrictSalary: $80,000–$130,000 annually, based on experienceNew York Apparel Design is seeking an experienced Senior Fashion Designer specializing in Missy Dresses to join our team in Manhattan’s Garment District.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in women’s dresses and a proven ability to create fashionable, commercial product for the missy market.This position requires a creative and commercially minded designer who understands current fashion trends, fit, fabrication, color, print, construction, and the needs of major retailers and today’s missy customer. The successful candidate will work closely with merchandising, sales, production, sourcing, and overseas factories to develop compelling dress collections from initial concept through production.Key Responsibilities

• Design seasonal collections of missy dresses that are trend-right, commercially viable, and appropriate for our customer base.
• Research and interpret current fashion trends, colors, prints, fabrics, silhouettes, and market direction.
• Create original concepts, sketches, CADs, colorways, prints, and detailed design specifications.
• Develop balanced seasonal assortments across key dress categories, silhouettes, fabrics, and price points.
• Shop the market regularly to identify emerging trends, competitive products, new fabrics, styling details, and opportunities.
• Partner closely with merchandising and sales teams to understand customer needs, account opportunities, and best-selling styles.
• Work with overseas factories and vendors on fabric selection, sample development, construction, fit, detailing, and execution.
• Review and comment on samples throughout the development process to ensure the design vision, fit, quality, and costing objectives are achieved.
• Participate in fittings and collaborate with technical design and production teams on garment construction and fit.
• Develop and maintain seasonal color palettes, print direction, fabric boards, inspiration boards, and presentations.
• Present seasonal collections and new concepts during internal line reviews, sales meetings, and customer presentations.
• Respond quickly to sales feedback and market trends by developing new styles and updating successful programs.
• Maintain an organized design calendar and ensure all development deadlines are met.
• Help guide and mentor junior designers and design assistants as needed.Qualifications
• Extensive experience designing women’s apparel, with a strong emphasis on Missy Dresses.
• Strong understanding of the missy customer, dress market, competitive landscape, and major retail accounts.
• Proven ability to design commercially successful collections that balance fashion trends with customer needs.
• Strong knowledge of fabrics, prints, garment construction, fit, color, and production techniques.
• Experience working with overseas factories, mills, and vendors.
• Ability to translate fashion trends into wearable, saleable product at appropriate price points.
• Excellent sketching, CAD, presentation, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with apparel design and product development systems is highly valued.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple seasons and projects simultaneously, and meet demanding deadlines.
• Strong collaborative skills and the ability to work effectively with merchandising, sales, sourcing, technical design, and production teams.
• Established industry relationships and knowledge of the New York apparel market are highly valued.Compensation and Benefits
• Salary range of $80,000–$130,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications.
• Up to three weeks of paid vacation.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid sick days.
• Paid federal holidays.
• Company-sponsored events and team activities.About New York Apparel DesignNew York Apparel Design is an established apparel company located in Manhattan’s Garment District. We specialize in developing fashion-forward merchandise for today’s retail market. Our team works across design, merchandising, sourcing, production, and sales to create compelling products that combine current fashion trends with strong commercial appeal.Qualified candidates should submit a résumé and portfolio demonstrating relevant experience in women’s dress design, particularly within the missy market.New York Apparel Design is an equal opportunity employer.