Design Director, Women's & Men's Apparel

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director, Women's & Men's Apparel

Company: Everlane

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Apparel Design & Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-05-15T18:26:32

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and inspire a design team to create commercially successful, relevant, and timeless apparel for both Women's and Men's categories.

• Drive product ideation and fabric development aligned with the company's sustainability pipeline and long-term business objectives.

• Strategically develop and grow the Women's and Men's apparel businesses in accordance with company targets and strategic plans.

• Oversee the end-to-end design process, from initial sketches to final pre-production prototypes, ensuring high standards of quality and execution.

• Foster a culture of innovation, attention to detail, and entrepreneurial spirit within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical in shaping Everlane's core apparel offerings, requiring a blend of creative vision, strategic business acumen, and strong leadership. The emphasis on "clean luxury," sustainability, and ethical manufacturing indicates a need for a candidate who can integrate these values into the product design lifecycle, impacting brand perception and market positioning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead seasonal product ideation sessions, collaborating with the SVP of Design and Merchandising partners to brainstorm innovative concepts.

• Initiate and guide product and fabric development initiatives, prioritizing sustainable materials and long-term business needs.

• Travel internationally and domestically to engage with vendors, gain inspiration, and attend fabric shows to stay ahead of industry trends.

• Strategically develop and expand the Women's and Men's apparel business, ensuring alignment with company targets and the long-range plan.

• Design and develop core knitwear, sweaters, wovens, and accessories quarterly, with a strategic focus on platformed fabrications and efficiency.

• Prepare and present compelling quarterly sketch reviews and progress updates to the SVP of Design, ensuring alignment across seasonal pipelines.

• Direct the team to achieve an elevated fit direction and ensure high-quality Italian workmanship standards are met.

• Mentor, manage, and develop direct reports, fostering their professional growth and team cohesion.

• Collaborate closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, and Production teams to manage the product calendar, budget, and team activities effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design leadership role with significant strategic input. The requirement to manage multiple categories (knits, sweaters, wovens, accessories) and seasonal pipelines concurrently demands exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively. The international travel component suggests a need for adaptability and strong vendor relationship management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, or a related field is typically expected for a Director-level position in this industry.

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in designing Sweaters, Knits, and Woven Apparel.

• 4+ years of proven experience in managing and mentoring design teams.

• 4+ years of experience with private label accessories, including footwear, handbags, and soft items, as well as collaborations.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in apparel design, with a strong understanding of knitwear, sweaters, and woven construction.

• Deep technical knowledge of knitted fabrics, sweater yarns, and woven fabrics.

• Expertise in Italian tailoring techniques and an understanding of Italian vendors.

• High competency in fitting sessions, with the ability to provide concise and directive communication to cross-functional teams.

• Strong Point of View (P.O.V.) on current and emerging fashion trends relevant to the apparel market.

• Experience with co-creation processes and testing off-shore and near-shore development processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in sustainable material sourcing and integrating sustainability into product development.

• Familiarity with fashion forecasting tools and methodologies.

• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Experience managing budgets and calendars for design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Italian tailoring knowledge" and "Italian workmanship" is a key differentiator, suggesting a need for a candidate with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and potentially direct experience working with Italian manufacturers or design houses. The requirement for "simple draping" indicates a hands-on approach is valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong design aesthetic across Women's and Men's apparel, with a focus on knitwear, sweaters, and wovens.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating successful product development from concept to final sample, highlighting commercial success and strategic impact.

• Examples of private label accessories design, showcasing versatility and understanding of different product categories.

• Evidence of ability to integrate sustainability principles into the design process and product lifecycle.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have managed seasonal product ideation and development calendars, including milestone tracking.

• Documentation of fabric and yarn development processes, including sourcing strategies and sustainability considerations.

• Case studies illustrating the strategic development and growth of apparel businesses, including market analysis and target setting.

• Evidence of team leadership, mentorship, and talent development processes implemented.

• Examples of collaboration with cross-functional partners (Merchandising, Technical Design, Production) to manage product development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also strategic thinking, process management, and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the business impact of their design decisions and demonstrate a structured approach to product development and team management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $128,000 - $171,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.

• Employee discount on Everlane products.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning.

• Access to a 401(k) retirement savings plan.

Working Hours: Full-time role, with a hybrid schedule requiring a minimum of three days in the office per week (Tuesdays through Thursdays). Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often expected for creative roles during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to the Los Angeles geographic area. The specific compensation will be determined by factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and precise location. The hybrid work model with designated in-office days indicates a structured approach to in-person collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Apparel Retail, Fashion Design, E-commerce. Everlane operates within the competitive fashion industry, emphasizing a commitment to "clean luxury," which implies a focus on premium quality, ethical production, and sustainable sourcing.

Company Size: Everlane is a well-established company with a significant employee base, indicating a structured organization with established processes but also opportunities for impact.

Founded: Everlane was founded in 2010, positioning it as a modern brand that disrupted traditional retail models by focusing on transparency and ethical manufacturing from its inception.

Team Structure:

• The Design Director will report into the SVP of Design & Brand Creative, indicating a clear hierarchical structure within the creative department.

• The role involves leading a team of designers and collaborating closely with cross-functional partners in Merchandising, Technical Design, Raw Materials, Sourcing, Production, and peer design directors.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the role emphasizes commercial success and company targets, suggesting an approach that balances artistic vision with market analysis and sales performance.

• Process Optimization: The mention of managing calendars, budgets, and team activities points towards a structured approach to product development and workflow efficiency.

• Sustainability Integration: A core company value, sustainability is expected to be woven into fabric development and product ideation, reflecting a conscious approach to design.

Company Website: https://www.everlane.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Everlane's brand ethos of "clean luxury" and transparency is likely to permeate its company culture. Candidates should expect an environment that values ethical practices, quality craftsmanship, and a forward-thinking approach to fashion. The emphasis on sustainability is a key cultural pillar.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role (Director level) within the design function, responsible for a significant portion of the company's apparel offerings. It requires strategic oversight, team management, and direct contribution to business growth.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director reports directly to the SVP of Design & Brand Creative. This provides a clear line of communication and mentorship from a senior executive. The role also involves managing direct reports, signifying leadership responsibilities.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's work directly influences Everlane's product assortment, brand perception, and ultimately, revenue. By creating commercially successful and timeless apparel, the role contributes significantly to sales targets, customer loyalty, and market competitiveness. Strategic decisions made in this role can shape the future direction of the Women's and Men's apparel categories.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to advance to Senior Director or VP-level roles within the design organization, overseeing larger teams or broader product categories.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape company-wide design strategy, sustainability initiatives, and brand creative direction.

• Skill Development: Deepen expertise in specific apparel categories (knitwear, wovens), Italian craftsmanship, and sustainable design practices.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Expand influence by collaborating on broader business initiatives beyond the core design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for seasoned design leaders to make a substantial impact on a well-regarded brand. The combination of creative leadership, strategic responsibility, and team management provides a strong foundation for continued career growth within the fashion industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Everlane's Los Angeles headquarters, located in the Arts District. This suggests a modern, potentially collaborative office space designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA (Arts District). This location offers access to a vibrant creative community and is a hub for the fashion industry in Southern California.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Schedule: A minimum of three days per week in the office (Tuesdays-Thursdays) is required, facilitating in-person collaboration, team meetings, and spontaneous creative exchanges.

• Collaborative Environment: The Arts District location and company culture likely foster an environment where designers, merchandisers, and technical teams work closely together.

• Tools & Resources: Access to design studios, fabric libraries, and potentially advanced design technology will be available to support the design process.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the hybrid model emphasizing structured in-office collaboration. While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the creative nature of the role may require flexibility during peak design periods or before key milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Arts District in Los Angeles is known for its creative energy, which aligns well with a design-focused role. The hybrid model is designed to balance the benefits of remote work with the necessity of in-person collaboration essential for design-led product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A detailed presentation of your design work, focusing on key projects, your design process, strategic thinking, and leadership experience. Expect to discuss your contributions to commercial success, sustainability initiatives, and team management.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, and potentially Marketing to assess collaboration style and strategic alignment.

• Leadership & Culture Fit: Interviews with senior leadership (including the SVP of Design) to evaluate leadership potential, cultural fit, and alignment with Everlane's values.

• Potential Practical Exercise: You might be asked to present a design concept or solve a hypothetical design challenge relevant to Everlane's business.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select a range of projects that best showcase your expertise in Women's and Men's apparel, knitwear, sweaters, wovens, and accessories. Include examples of your leadership impact and strategic contributions.

• Highlight Commercial Success: For each project, clearly articulate the business objectives, your role, the design decisions made, and the resulting commercial impact (sales, growth, customer engagement).

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, from initial concept and research to final execution. Include mood boards, sketches, technical flats, fabric selections, and fit commentary.

• Emphasize Leadership: Include examples of how you have mentored, managed, and developed design teams. Demonstrate your ability to foster collaboration and drive results through others.

• Sustainability Focus: Integrate examples of how you have incorporated sustainable materials or ethical practices into your designs.

• Tailor to Everlane: Research Everlane's current collections and brand aesthetic to ensure your portfolio presentation resonates with their market position and values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Everlane's Brand: Be familiar with Everlane's aesthetic, target customer, sustainability commitments, and recent product launches.

• Prepare for Trend Discussions: Be ready to discuss current and upcoming fashion trends relevant to Everlane's categories and how you would interpret them.

• Articulate Strategic Vision: Think about how you would approach growing the Women's and Men's apparel businesses, considering factors like market trends, material innovation, and sustainability.

• Practice Leadership Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you handle team challenges, conflicts, and performance management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component of the application. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just their design skills but also their strategic thinking, business acumen, and leadership capabilities. Demonstrating an understanding of Everlane's specific brand values and market position will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (for technical flats, sketches), Photoshop (for mood boards, rendering), and potentially InDesign (for presentations) is essential.

• CAD Software (Optional but beneficial): Experience with 3D design software for apparel can be advantageous for visualization and prototyping.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems:

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

• Familiarity with project management platforms (e.g., Asana, Monday.com, Trello) for tracking design milestones and team progress.

Data Analysis & Reporting (for strategic input):

• While not a primary analyst role, understanding how to interpret sales data, customer feedback, and market research reports (e.g., using Excel, basic BI tools) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements are not listed, a strong foundation in industry-standard design software like Adobe Creative Suite is a given. Experience with PLM systems and project management tools would streamline the candidate's ability to integrate into Everlane's product development processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Transparency: Aligned with Everlane's core brand value, expecting honesty and open communication within the team and with stakeholders.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A deep appreciation for high-quality materials, construction, and Italian workmanship, driving excellence in product design.

• Sustainability: Commitment to ethical sourcing, responsible manufacturing, and minimizing environmental impact throughout the product lifecycle.

• Customer-Centricity: Designing with the customer in mind, ensuring products are relevant, desirable, and meet their needs and expectations.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouraging innovation, proactive problem-solving, and a willingness to take initiative and drive change.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach, working closely with Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, and Sourcing teams to ensure seamless product development from concept to delivery.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is shared openly and constructively to elevate designs and processes.

• Shared Ownership: A culture that encourages shared responsibility for product success and team goals.

• Mentorship & Development: A focus on supporting and growing team members, fostering a positive and developmental work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of and alignment with Everlane's brand ethos. The ability to collaborate effectively across diverse functions and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices are crucial for success in this role and within the company culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Commercial Viability: Ensuring that innovative designs are also commercially successful and align with Everlane's brand identity and target market.

• Managing Multiple Categories and Seasons: Overseeing the design of Women's and Men's apparel across knits, sweaters, and wovens, while managing multiple seasonal pipelines concurrently.

• Sourcing and Sustainability Integration: Navigating the complexities of sourcing premium, sustainable materials and ensuring ethical manufacturing practices, particularly with international vendors.

• Elevating Brand Perception: Continuously pushing design boundaries to maintain Everlane's position as a "clean luxury" brand and differentiate from competitors.

• Team Development and Retention: Effectively leading, mentoring, and retaining a talented design team in a competitive industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Sustainability Practices: Deepening knowledge and application of cutting-edge sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.

• Global Sourcing & Vendor Relations: Enhancing expertise in managing international supply chains and building strong relationships with high-quality vendors, particularly in Italy.

• Strategic Business Planning: Gaining exposure to broader business strategy and long-range planning within the apparel industry.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to internal or external training focused on executive leadership, team management, and strategic decision-making.

• Trend Forecasting & Innovation: Staying at the forefront of fashion trends, material innovation, and design technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges in a dynamic industry. The emphasis on sustainability and craftsmanship offers a unique platform for professional growth in specialized areas of apparel design and sourcing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a new knitwear collection for Everlane that balances our sustainability goals with current market trends?"

• "Describe a time you successfully grew a specific apparel category (e.g., sweaters, wovens). What were your key strategies and outcomes?"

• "How do you ensure your design team stays innovative while adhering to brand guidelines and commercial targets?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Everlane's brand and its commitment to 'clean luxury' and sustainability?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and innovative environment within your design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?"

• "Describe your experience working with Italian tailoring and vendors. What are the advantages and challenges?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio into clear sections (e.g., by category, by season, by project type). For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, and the outcome (especially commercial success and impact).

• Showcase Leadership: Dedicate a section or integrate throughout your presentation examples of your team management, mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your understanding of fabrics, construction, Italian tailoring, and fitting. Include technical flats and detailed sketches where appropriate.

• Emphasize Strategic Thinking: Connect your design decisions to business goals, market trends, and Everlane's specific values (sustainability, transparency).

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, problem-solving approaches, and how you handle feedback and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss not only their creative output but also their strategic thinking, leadership style, and ability to drive commercial success. Demonstrating a deep understanding of Everlane's brand values and market position will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position at Everlane:

• Submit your application through the Everlane careers portal via the provided Greenhouse link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine your design portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant work in Women's and Men's apparel, knitwear, sweaters, and wovens. Ensure it highlights commercial success, strategic thinking, and leadership experience.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to emphasize your 10+ years of design experience, 4+ years of management experience, and specific expertise in Italian tailoring, fabric development, and private label accessories. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication of your design process, strategic contributions, and leadership impact. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with Everlane's brand values and business objectives.

• Research Everlane: Thoroughly understand Everlane's brand ethos, current collections, sustainability initiatives, and target customer to articulate your alignment during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Everlane before making application decisions.