Associate Designer

Aéropostale

. Research and analyze seasonal fashion trends, colors, prints, fabrics, silhouettes, cultural influences, and competitive brands .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $62,700 - $77,250 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Apparel Design, including strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, along with a solid understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and product development processes. Capable of conducting market research and trend analysis to inform design concepts and strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Apparel Design ExperienceAdobe Illustrator ProficiencyTechnical Drawing SkillsPLM Systems FamiliarityTrend Forecasting Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Apparel DesignTechnical SketchingCAD CreationGarment Construction KnowledgeProduct Development ProcessesColor Palette DevelopmentMarket ResearchTrend AnalysisPresentation SkillsArtwork Placement

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsProject ManagementTime ManagementCommunication AbilitiesCreative Thinking

Tools & Technologies

Adobe PhotoshopMicrosoft OfficePLM SystemsTrend Forecasting PlatformsAI Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design

Industry Keywords

Fashion TrendsYouth CultureContemporary FashionHigh-Volume RetailCompetitive Market Analysis

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Research and analyze seasonal fashion trends, colors, prints, fabrics, silhouettes, cultural influences, and competitive brands
Maintain understanding of brand aesthetic and target customer while contributing design ideas
Assist with seasonal concepts, mood boards, color palettes, and product strategies
Create CADs, technical sketches, colorways, and design presentations using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Develop original design concepts, garment details, graphics, washes, and trims
Gather inspiration through market research, competitive shopping, social media, trend platforms, and vintage resources
Create and maintain accurate tech packs with design details, construction specifications, artwork placement, trims, measurements, and BOM information
Partner with Technical Design to review fit samples and communicate comments
Collaborate with Product Development, Production, and Sourcing on fabric, trim, wash, color, and garment construction development
Review and provide feedback on lab dips, strike-offs, print submissions, trims, washes, and development samples
Track sample-process revisions and maintain organized records
Ensure design deliverables are completed accurately according to seasonal calendars
Partner with Merchandising on assortment strategies, line plans, customer needs, and business objectives
Participate in milestone meetings, fittings, line reviews, and cross-functional presentations
Communicate design direction and development feedback to internal teams and external vendors
Maintain organized design files, artwork libraries, seasonal documentation, and development tracking tools
Update PLM systems and internal databases with accurate product information
Support market preparation, seasonal reviews, and leadership presentations
Provide day-to-day guidance and support to Assistant Designers and Design Interns as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field preferred
3–4 years of apparel design experience, preferably within a teen, young adult, or contemporary fashion brand
Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume retail or wholesale environment preferred
Strong portfolio demonstrating creative design skills, technical proficiency, and trend awareness
Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Microsoft Office
Experience working with PLM systems preferred
Strong CAD, sketching, technical drawing, and presentation skills
Knowledge of apparel construction, fabrics, fit, washes, trims, and product development processes
Familiarity with trend forecasting platforms, social media trends, and competitive market analysis
Demonstrated ability to use AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Gemini, Vizcom) for research, concept development, and creative ideation
Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication abilities
Ability to prioritize multiple projects and adapt quickly to changing business needs
Passion for fashion, youth culture, and emerging trends
Creative thinker with strong aesthetic judgment and commercial awareness
Detail-oriented, organized, and highly motivated
Collaborative team player with a positive and proactive attitude
Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
Strong problem-solving skills and willingness to take initiative
Ability to lift and transport garment samples and sample boxes
Ability to participate in fittings, line reviews, market appointments, and cross-functional meetings

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Term life insurance
Paid vacation and holidays
Eight paid holidays during the calendar year for eligible associates
Additional compensation for store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday
401(k) with Company match
Associate discount on all Catalyst Brands merchandise