Principal Fashion Designer – Soft goodsWe prefer to begin as a contract to hire.Who we areWe are a fashion-forward multi-brand company seeking the best and brightest talent to join our skilled team in Milan, Italy—a city renowned for its art and fashion. We aim to offer the finest products on the market, create an outstanding workplace, and continuously improve in all aspects.We specialize in creating premium lifestyle products that emphasize simplicity, performance, and sustainability. Our premium travel essentials, fashion accessories, and wellness products are meticulously crafted to elevate daily experiences and promote well-being. We seek passionate and talented candidates to join our design team and help us refine our processes.We are still a startup, striving to learn how to climb. Who you areYou are a creative, detail-oriented person who is passionate about customer experience and how to bring creative elements into the design. You are looking for a fast-paced environment that will keep you motivated and on your toes! You love to see your ideas become reality and think outside the box to bring the best to the market. You can assess the market trends and work with our suppliers to get the job done. Most importantly, you want to grow in your career and one day wish to lead this design function.Attention to detail and curiosity are key to being successful in this role.Category Responsibilities:Primary: Outerwear, Jackets, and Accessories with a focus on HeadgearSecondary (Optional): ShoesThe DetailsConceptualization and Design: Develop innovative concepts and designs for soft goods such as Jackets, accessories, and shoes. Translate design ideas into sketches, renderings, and technical specifications for high-end premium market segment. Understand the costing and market segmentation.Material Selection: Research and select appropriate materials, fabrics, and trims for each product, considering factors such as quality, performance, cost, and sustainability. Knowledge of high-end fabric manufacturers is essential.Technical Development: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, engineering, and manufacturing, to ensure that designs are technically feasible and optimized for production. Design and develop tech packs for men's and women's collections, trims, prints, and patterns. Align with fit technicians to identify product specs and with the production team for sourcing needs and BOM management. Experience in developing patterns, grading and fit is essential.Prototyping and Sampling: I oversee the creation of prototypes and samples, collaborating with suppliers and manufacturers to refine designs and address any issues during the sampling process.Industry Network: Proven connector with a deep network of allies across the ecosystem – warm and friendly contacts within your network of agents, vendors, and factories. You know the landscape and the players. Trend Forecasting & Analysis: Stay informed about current fashion trends, consumer preferences, and market developments related to softgoods, and integrate insights into the design process to create products that resonate with our target audience. Performs monthly analysis with forecasting services and trend sharing with cross-functional teams. Ability to draft compelling Trend Guides and Artwork, design ideation, and launch strategy. Quality Assurance: Conduct thorough quality inspections of prototypes and samples to ensure that finished products meet design specifications and quality standards.Documentation and Communication: Maintain detailed design documentation, including specifications, measurements, and technical drawings. Communicate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and vendors throughout the design and development process.Launch planning and execution:Assist with launch strategies, including marketing materials and sales training, to successfully introduce the product. Analyze the market to identify gaps and opportunities to establish brand positioning and consumer insights, market comp shops to maintain up-to-date market knowledge of Cost points, key trends. Identify opportunities for line extension and manufacturing trends and innovations. Communicate via presentations and meetings with our extended operations teams to ensure they have all the necessary tools to optimize the supply chain in our markets.Requirements:Minimum bachelor’s degree in Product design/Fashion with relevant experience. Preferred with master's degree.5+ years of experience in product design, especially high-end fashion apparel. Minimum Special Certifications or Technical Skills:Strong working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Clo3d/Style3D, InDesignProficiency in Microsoft Office softwareAbility to create concepts or piece-type renderings through hand/digital sketchingAbility to create technical spec packs for product designMinimum Type of Experience the Job Requires: Experience with a major retailer, manufacturer, brand, or design firm is a plusAt least two product launches with the entire product life cycle. Other:Clear and effective verbal and written communication, along with strong interpersonal skillsProactive, professional, and motivated attitudeExcellent organizational, attention to detail, and time management skillsTravel internationally to visit factories, fashion, and trade shows.