Assistant Designer in Hermosa Beach, California at Hammitt Inc

Headquartered in Los Angeles, Hammitt designs luxury handbags and accessories crafted from premium materials, finished with jewelry-grade hardware and rooted in thoughtful, functional design. We are dedicated to delivering a seamless customer experience across a curated mix of eCommerce, retail, and wholesale channels. As we continue to grow, we’re seeking passionate, driven individuals to join our team and be part of our story.

Reporting to the Design Director, the Assistant Designer will help bring Hammitt’s seasonal product vision to life across handbags and small leather goods. From trend research and concept development to CADs, tech packs, and sample reviews, this role supports each stage of the design process while partnering with internal teams and external vendors to deliver products that feel distinctive, functional, and unmistakably Hammitt.

Job Summary

• Support the design and development of handbags and small leather goods from concept through production handoff.
• Create sketches, CADs, renderings, tech packs, bills of materials, and construction specifications.
• Develop seasonal mood boards, concept presentations, line review materials, and product storytelling assets.
• Conduct trend, market, and competitive research through forecasting resources, digital platforms, and retail visits.
• Contribute innovative product ideas that reflect the brand aesthetic, customer needs, and commercial objectives.
• Maintain accurate PLM records, line sheets, material details, and development information.
• Review prototypes and sales samples for construction, functionality, measurements, quality, and design intent.
• Document sample feedback and track revisions with factories and cross-functional teams.
• Research materials, treatments, hardware, packaging, and product innovations.
• Maintain organized sample libraries, development archives, and material references.
• Coordinate sample check-in, check-out, shipping, and distribution as needed.
• Support internal photoshoots and other Design team projects.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Industrial Design, Accessories Design, or a related discipline preferred; or equivalent professional experience.
• 2+ years of experience in women’s handbag, accessories, or leather goods design within the contemporary, premium, or luxury market preferred.
• 2+ years’ experience working directly with foreign factories and vendors on product development and sourcing preferred.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, including CAD, sketching, rendering, and tech pack development.
• Portfolio demonstrating original design, technical skill, illustration, or product ideation from concept through sample.
• Understanding of handbag construction, patternmaking, leather goods development, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with PLM systems, WGSN, and trend forecasting resources is a plus.
• Strong eye for proportion, detail, color, material, quality, and craftsmanship.
• Highly organized with the ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Resourceful and proactive, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Self-starter with curiosity and a drive to learn, improve processes, and contribute fresh ideas.
• Collaborative team player who takes initiative, prioritizes, and thrives in a dynamic, quickly-changing environment.

Reporting to the Design Director, the Assistant Designer will contribute fresh ideas, strong technical skills, and a sharp eye for detail to Hammitt’s growing handbag and small leather goods assortment. This role is ideal for a collaborative, curious designer who is eager to build experience across concept development, trend research, technical design, sample review, and production handoff. We offer a salary range of $65,000–$75,000, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) matching, and unlimited discretionary paid time off. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Hammitt’s Hermosa Beach design office. - Join the Mission: Help Bring Hammitt’s Next Collection to Life!