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Handbag Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Steve Madden

Associate Handbag Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

General Summary The Associate Handbag Designer is responsible for supporting the Design Director in developing seasonal handbag collections from concept through production. This position supports the ...

Reformation

Handbag Designer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$80K - $108K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to join Reformation as Handbag Designer working with the Product Innovation Design team to shape the vision and future of the accessories business. This individual ...

Steve Madden

Associate Handbag Designer

Manhattan, NY

$65K - $70K/yr

General Summary The Associate Handbag Designer is responsible for supporting the Design Director in developing seasonal handbag collections from concept through production. This position supports the ...

Solomon Page

Freelance Handbag Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$50/hr

We are hiring a Freelance Handbag Designer. This position requires 5+ years of experience in handbag design. This position operates 5 days onsite in NYC. * Hourly pay rate up to $50.00 based on ...

Reformation

Handbag Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$80K - $108K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to join Reformation as Handbag Designer working with the Product Innovation Design team to shape the vision and future of the accessories business. This individual ...

Reformation

Handbag Designer

New York, NY · Hybrid

$80K - $108K/yr

This is an exciting opportunity to join Reformation as Handbag Designer working with the Product Innovation Design team to shape the vision and future of the accessories business. This individual ...

Solomon Page

Senior Designer for Handbags

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100/hr

Create compelling and on-trend handbag designs from initial concept through to final production * Technical Documentation: Create detailed sketches, CADs, and comprehensive tech packs/spec sheets for ...

Steve Madden

Sr. Designer, Handbags

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Sr. Handbag Designer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the junior accessories space, with a strong understanding of ...

Steve Madden

Sr. Designer, Handbags

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

We are looking for a creative and detail-oriented Sr. Handbag Designer to join our team. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the junior accessories space, with a strong understanding of ...

Gina Group LLC

Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Designer / Product Development - Handbags, Backpacks & Small Leather Goods Position Summary The ... Develop seasonal handbag, backpack, and small leather goods collections from concept through ...

Gina Group LLC

Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Designer / Product Development - Handbags, Backpacks & Small Leather Goods Position Summary The ... Develop seasonal handbag, backpack, and small leather goods collections from concept through ...

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How much do handbag designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for handbag designer in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a handbag designer?

A Handbag Designer is a fashion professional who creates stylish, functional, and trend-conscious handbag designs. They develop sketches, select materials, and collaborate with manufacturers to produce bags that align with brand aesthetics and market demands. Designers must stay updated on trends, understand customer preferences, and balance creativity with practicality. Many work for fashion brands, accessory companies, or as independent designers. Strong design skills, knowledge of materials, and an eye for detail are essential for success in this role.

What are the typical daily tasks and responsibilities of a handbag designer?

As a Handbag Designer, your daily responsibilities often include researching fashion trends, sketching design concepts, selecting materials, and creating technical specifications. You'll work closely with product development teams, sample makers, and manufacturers to bring your designs from concept to final product. Regular collaboration with merchandisers and sales teams ensures your designs align with brand strategies and target customer preferences. This role also involves reviewing prototypes, making necessary adjustments, and staying updated on industry innovations to keep your designs competitive in the marketplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the handbag designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Handbag Designer, you need a solid understanding of fashion design principles, materials, and trend forecasting, often supported by a degree in fashion or accessory design. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator, CAD programs, and prototyping tools is essential for creating technical drawings and samples. Strong creativity, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set outstanding designers apart in collaborative environments. These abilities are crucial for translating innovative ideas into marketable, high-quality products that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.

How to get into handbag design?

To become a handbag designer, develop strong skills in fashion design, pattern making, and sewing, often through a degree in fashion design or related fields. Building a portfolio of your work and gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in fashion or accessories companies can help establish your career in handbag design.
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Handbag Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Handbag Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,320 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Associate Handbag Designer

Steve Madden

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Steve Madden rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

General Summary
The Associate Handbag Designer is responsible for supporting the Design Director in developing seasonal handbag collections from concept through production. This position supports the Wholesale Handbags business.
The responsibilities described below are considered essential functions of the role. This position is based in our NYC office and requires working on-site.
Key Responsibilities
  • Partner closely with Design Director to develop seasonal handbag assortments for our Off Price Accounts.
  • Create and maintain professional presentation boards including sketches, materials, hardware, and construction details.
  • Support the design team through all stages of the design process along with all Handbag Accounts, staying aligned with the seasonal design calendar across all categories from Gifting to Slg's.
  • Produce detailed CAD drawings and renderings in Illustrator and Photoshop for client presentations and vendor communication and sampling.
  • Create, manage, and maintain spec sheets, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all development stages through production.
  • Organize and manage material, color, and hardware libraries; prepare samples and standards for Market and internal meetings.
  • Execute and maintain seasonal line lists, ensuring alignment with the product development calendar and key deadlines.
  • Collaborate with Technical Design & Design team to ensure accuracy of specifications from initial concept through technical design packages.
  • Participate in design reviews, and product walkthroughs with the Design Director or Senior Vice President.
  • Work cross-functionally with Production and Sales to maintain design intent throughout the development and production process.
  • Track development progress and proactively follow up on outstanding items to ensure timely execution.
  • Build and establish rapport with factories overseas to ensure timely development of Market Samples.
  • Able to manage multiple projects and deadlines with support and resources as needed
  • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Specific Job Skills:
Essential duties include
  • Ability to Multitask and shift gears quickly to new projects, while maintaining and following through current designs and presentations.
  • Must have experience working with both Leather and PVC materials.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field
  • Minimum of 3-5 years of design experience, preferably in handbags or accessories
  • Strong aesthetic sensibility with a high level of creativity and attention to detail
  • Excellent presentation and visual communication skills
  • Strong illustration and sketching abilities (hand and digital)
  • Knowledge of handbag construction, materials, hardware, and trims
  • Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Proactive, detail-oriented, and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Collaborative team player with strong follow-through
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $65,000 - $70,000. Ranges are based on various factors such as relevant skillset, training, years of experience related to the current job description, education, and our organizational structure. In addition to the base salary, Steve Madden offers a competitive benefits package that includes health and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, 401K, paid holidays, a generous paid time-off policy, and career opportunities within a dynamic team.

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