Design Assistant
Tilly's Inc., Irvine, CA, United States
At Tillys , we’re a leading specialty retailer offering casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men, women, boys, and girls. Our extensive collection features iconic global brands, emerging labels, and proprietary lines, all rooted in an active and social lifestyle.
Based in sunny Southern California, our Retail Support Center (RSC) is the heart of our corporate operations, dedicated to supporting both our retail and online stores. The RSC is where strategy meets execution. From trend forecasting to tech innovation, our teams work together to bring the Tillys experience to life — both in-store and online.
Position Summary
We’re looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Design Assistant to support our Trend and Design Team. This position is a temporary role, with a possibility of temp to hire after six months based on company needs.
Key Responsibilities
Assist in compiling the color / print direction for seasonal trend packages by researching & forecasting current fashion trends / colors.
Collaborate with the design team to identify and build seasonal collections across categories/ classifications
Supports the team on manipulating and recoloring in-house textile designs/graphics/ prints and embroidery when needed
Assist in fittings and support with the Technical Design team to achieve consistent brand right, trend-right fits
Obtains approvals for fabric, lab dip, and trims
Communicates with related business partners regarding product development progress to the assigned categories; alerts the partners of any unexpected issues and negotiates resolutions with factories
Maintain Time and Action Calendars tracking based on Vendor WIPs and submits
Daily email communication with vendors
Enter and update fit log with incoming samples details and sample status upon review
Perform other duties as assigned and apparent.
Qualifications
Your experience brings:
Excellent judgement at gauging trend curve for pre-peak, peak and post peak items and how it relates to Tillys customer.
Ability to drive business through significant item identification & development
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and the ability to create, meet and maintain schedules
Look at challenges with a positive attitude
Ability to be productive in an open, ever changing, fast paced environment
Demonstrates initiative, is conscientious and provides complete follow-through on areas of responsibility
Excellent verbal, written and visual communication/presentation skills
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop
Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Exceptionally organized with strong time management and multi-tasking ability
Must be self-managing
Strong creative, conceptual and merchandising skills
Excellent color sense
Education & Experience
1-2 years’ experience in Fashion/Retail/Wholesale industry preferred
High School Diploma required.
Bachelor’s degree, minimum 2-year AA degree or equivalent required (preferably in Fashion Design)
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Professional office setting with low to moderate noise
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
Occasionally lift/move up to 20 lbs. and navigate stairs
Frequent walking and movement between floors/departments
Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities
Leadership & Team Development
While this is not a leadership role, we value team players who embody proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset. Opportunities to grow and develop within the company are strongly supported.
Compensation
Hourly Range: $24 – $28/hr.
Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
What to Expect
Schedule: Full-time role with weekday office hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak retail seasons.
Work Location: Irvine, CA — minimum of 4 days per week in-office.
Why Join Tillys?
At Tillys, we thrive in a creative, collaborative, and high-energy environment where individuality is not just accepted — it’s celebrated. Whether you're brainstorming bold new campaigns or fine-tuning behind-the-scenes processes, your work makes a real impact. We foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and recognition, where professional growth is supported, wins are celebrated, and having fun is part of the process. Join a team that values authenticity, teamwork, and always strives for excellence.
401(k) Retirement Plan – Save for your future with our company-sponsored plan
Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, life, and additional voluntary benefits
Employee Discount – In-store and online
Discount Programs – Save on travel, events, and more
Employee Sample Sales – Major deals on favorite brands
Wellness & Social Events – Fitness programs, parties, and team outings
Weekly Office Snacks – Stay fueled with stocked treats
Equal Opportunity Employer & Fair Chance Hiring
Tillys is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Fair Chance Hiring: In compliance with California law, Tillys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.
Other Considerations
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.
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Based in sunny Southern California, our Retail Support Center (RSC) is the heart of our corporate operations, dedicated to supporting both our retail and online stores. The RSC is where strategy meets execution. From trend forecasting to tech innovation, our teams work together to bring the Tillys experience to life — both in-store and online.
Position Summary
We’re looking for a detail-oriented and proactive Design Assistant to support our Trend and Design Team. This position is a temporary role, with a possibility of temp to hire after six months based on company needs.
Key Responsibilities
Assist in compiling the color / print direction for seasonal trend packages by researching & forecasting current fashion trends / colors.
Collaborate with the design team to identify and build seasonal collections across categories/ classifications
Supports the team on manipulating and recoloring in-house textile designs/graphics/ prints and embroidery when needed
Assist in fittings and support with the Technical Design team to achieve consistent brand right, trend-right fits
Obtains approvals for fabric, lab dip, and trims
Communicates with related business partners regarding product development progress to the assigned categories; alerts the partners of any unexpected issues and negotiates resolutions with factories
Maintain Time and Action Calendars tracking based on Vendor WIPs and submits
Daily email communication with vendors
Enter and update fit log with incoming samples details and sample status upon review
Perform other duties as assigned and apparent.
Qualifications
Your experience brings:
Excellent judgement at gauging trend curve for pre-peak, peak and post peak items and how it relates to Tillys customer.
Ability to drive business through significant item identification & development
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and the ability to create, meet and maintain schedules
Look at challenges with a positive attitude
Ability to be productive in an open, ever changing, fast paced environment
Demonstrates initiative, is conscientious and provides complete follow-through on areas of responsibility
Excellent verbal, written and visual communication/presentation skills
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop
Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Exceptionally organized with strong time management and multi-tasking ability
Must be self-managing
Strong creative, conceptual and merchandising skills
Excellent color sense
Education & Experience
1-2 years’ experience in Fashion/Retail/Wholesale industry preferred
High School Diploma required.
Bachelor’s degree, minimum 2-year AA degree or equivalent required (preferably in Fashion Design)
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Professional office setting with low to moderate noise
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
Occasionally lift/move up to 20 lbs. and navigate stairs
Frequent walking and movement between floors/departments
Reasonable accommodation is available to support individuals with disabilities
Leadership & Team Development
While this is not a leadership role, we value team players who embody proactive collaboration, curiosity, accountability, and a growth mindset. Opportunities to grow and develop within the company are strongly supported.
Compensation
Hourly Range: $24 – $28/hr.
Final offer will be based on experience, skills, and qualifications.
What to Expect
Schedule: Full-time role with weekday office hours; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak retail seasons.
Work Location: Irvine, CA — minimum of 4 days per week in-office.
Why Join Tillys?
At Tillys, we thrive in a creative, collaborative, and high-energy environment where individuality is not just accepted — it’s celebrated. Whether you're brainstorming bold new campaigns or fine-tuning behind-the-scenes processes, your work makes a real impact. We foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, and recognition, where professional growth is supported, wins are celebrated, and having fun is part of the process. Join a team that values authenticity, teamwork, and always strives for excellence.
401(k) Retirement Plan – Save for your future with our company-sponsored plan
Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, life, and additional voluntary benefits
Employee Discount – In-store and online
Discount Programs – Save on travel, events, and more
Employee Sample Sales – Major deals on favorite brands
Wellness & Social Events – Fitness programs, parties, and team outings
Weekly Office Snacks – Stay fueled with stocked treats
Equal Opportunity Employer & Fair Chance Hiring
Tillys is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Fair Chance Hiring: In compliance with California law, Tillys will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the California Fair Chance Act.
Other Considerations
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time, with or without notice. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform essential job functions.
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