Senior Handbag Designer

*Resume and Portfolio Submission Required*

About DiFerdinando

DiFerdinando is a rapidly growing handbag and accessories brand founded by Danielle Nicole DiFerdinando. Known for whimsical storytelling, feminine details, collectible designs, and fashion-forward silhouettes, the brand creates handbags that combine trendy silhouettes with eye-catching graphics that feel special, emotional, and highly giftable.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who understands both fashion and storytelling, someone who can create commercially successful products while bringing fresh ideas, personality, and innovation to every collection.

The ideal candidate has experience designing fashion-forward handbags with custom prints and embroidery. understands the licensed business, and is excited to create unique products for both the DiFerdinando brand and major entertainment properties.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly creative and experienced Senior Handbag Designer to join our team full-time.

This role will be responsible for driving the design process from concept through production, helping shape future collections while maintaining the unique DiFerdinando aesthetic. The ideal candidate has a strong fashion point of view, understands handbag construction, and is passionate about creating products that tell a story.

This is a full-time or freelance hybrid position, with 3 days per week in our NYC office.

Responsibilities

• Design handbags and small accessories from concept through final production
• Manage development calendar
• Create seasonal collections aligned with the DiFerdinando brand vision
• Research fashion, color, material, and consumer trends
• Develop detailed tech packs and factory-ready specifications
• Experience in graphics for hangtags and packaging
• Work directly with factories
• Partner with sales to assort line and develop product appropriate for each channel’s business needs.
• Review samples and provide comments through multiple rounds of development
• Source materials, trims, hardware, and innovative construction techniques
• Partner directly with overseas factories and product development teams
• Build collection presentations, mood boards, and storytelling concepts
• Collaborate closely with the Founder on product strategy and creative direction
• Work across both DiFerdinando mainline and licensed collections
• Create and develop graphics, prints, embellishments, and artwork concepts for licensed and non-licensed products

Required Qualifications

• 6+ years of handbag design experience
• Strong portfolio showcasing fashion-forward handbag and accessories design
• Strong graphic design skills, including print development, artwork layouts, embroidery and embellishment concepts
• Experience designing non-leather handbags and accessories
• Strong understanding of pop culture properties and designing licensed products for Disney, Universal, Warner Bros., or similar entertainment brands
• Strong understanding of licensed product development, approval processes, and brand guidelines
• Experience creating tech packs and working with overseas factories
• Deep understanding of handbag construction, materials, sourcing, and costing
• Strong Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Excel skills
• Excellent organization and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

Pay: From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person