Apparel Designer, Richer Poorer
Brooklyn, NY (Hybrid workplace)
Role Description
Richer Poorer is seeking a versatile, highly skilled Apparel Designer to lead the design and development of our apparel collections across Women’s and Men’s categories. This role owns the full design process—from seasonal concept and line architecture through technical development and production—ensuring each collection strengthens the Richer Poorer brand.
This is a strategic and hands-on role: you will shape the creative direction of the line while executing the details that bring the product to life. You’ll partner closely with leadership, merchandising, and production to build collections rooted in elevated essentials, thoughtful materials, and effortless wearability.
This role is based in New York City and follows a hybrid schedule with two in-office days per week.
Responsibilities
Creative Direction & Concepting
- Lead seasonal concept development, including color stories, fabric direction, and overall line vision aligned with brand strategy.
- Conduct trend, fabric, and market research to inform product direction and identify opportunities for the brand.
- Present seasonal concepts, product direction, and design rationale to leadership.
Apparel Design & Development
- Design pieces across all categories (tops, bottoms, fleece, knits, dresses, sweaters, etc.)
- Own the product lifecycle from initial concept through production.
- Develop detailed tech packs, construction notes, and BOMs.
- Partner with patternmakers and factories to ensure fit, quality, and design integrity.
- Review prototypes and samples, provide feedback, and drive the iteration process.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Collaborate with Production to ensure designs align with cost targets, materials, and timelines.
- Partner with Merchandising and Planning to shape line architecture and drive SKU efficiency.
- Collaborate with Creative and Marketing to translate products into compelling storytelling.
Process Ownership
- Own seasonal design calendars, deliverables, and product documentation.
- Maintain fabric libraries, color standards, CADs, and design archives.
- Continuously refine design workflows and processes as the brand grows.
Ideal Qualities
- 7+ years of apparel design experience, ideally within contemporary or lifestyle brands.
- Proven ability to own the design process end-to-end, from concept through production.
- Strong expertise in garment construction, fabric development (especially knits), and fit.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and PLM systems.
- Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to articulate product vision.
- A refined, thoughtful aesthetic aligned with Richer Poorer’s brand point of view.
