Ralph Lauren Designer, RRL

Company Description
Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

Position Overview
The Designer will play a pivotal role in supporting the RRL men's design team throughout the entire product lifecycle— from initial concept approval through production. This position focuses primarily on product design and development within the knit category, requiring a strong command of both creative vision and technical execution. The ideal candidate will bring genuine passion for the RRL brand and its heritage, demonstrating initiative and adaptability in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment. Success in this role requires embracing change, quickly learning new concepts and procedures, and collaborating effectively across cross‑functional teams. Exceptional attention to detail, strong technical skills, and a comprehensive understanding of garment construction are essential.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Develop innovative product concepts by curating vintage prototypes, tear sheets, sketches, fabric swatches, and trim inspiration

Research and identify emerging market trends, runway shows, and new techniques in fabric, silhouettes, embroidery, color, pattern, trim, wash, and finishing to inform design direction

Explore new silhouettes and develop distinctive details that align with seasonal concepts, customer aesthetic, and RRL heritage

Create compelling inspirational design boards and sketches that effectively communicate design concepts aligned with seasonal themes

Produce all technical sketches in Adobe Illustrator, including detailed multi‑view layouts that capture the nuances and intricacies of each style

Execute accurate color rendering of all sketches to properly represent the aesthetic, colorways, materials, and trims for each style

Create and maintain comprehensive style stats for line adoptions, ensuring all documentation is updated throughout the seasonal process as changes occur

Responsible for executing detailed style handoff packages for Product Development, Technical Design, and Fabric teams, including precise material specifications, trim details, fit direction, and wash processing requirements

Drive alignment across cross‑functional teams to ensure design integrity and product standards are met

Serve as a key liaison to ensure seamless information flow and timely communication throughout the development process

Ensure all submit comments are detailed, clear and executed in a timely manner

Support preparation and execution of all design meetings, board reviews, handoffs, line reviews, and showroom openings

Attend all fittings and clearly articulate required fit/construction changes to ensure design integrity and fit consistency

Maintain and organize all electronic and physical design materials for easy access and reference

Prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet critical team deadlines

Support ad hoc projects and collaborate with the creative team on special initiatives as needed

Travel domestically and internationally as necessary for design inspiration, development shopping, and factory visits

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Hands‑on experience in apparel design, with a proven track record in knits

Deep understanding of RRL's iconic heritage, craftsmanship standards, and brand DNA

Genuine passion for authentic vintage clothing with extensive knowledge of historical sportswear, military, western, and workwear references

Expert eye for washing techniques, patinas, and artisanal details that define timeless, authentic style

Strong vintage aesthetic sensibility with ability to translate historical references into modern, commercially viable designs

Expert‑level proficiency in flat sketching and color rendering with strong illustration capabilities

Advanced knowledge of garment construction, knit fabrications, and finishing techniques

Strong understanding of pattern making and garment fit principles

Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD)

Proficient in Web PLM and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Portfolio showcasing independently driven design work

Confident presenter capable of articulating design vision to senior leadership

Proven leadership skills with the ability to influence and guide development direction

Exceptional attention to detail with a meticulous approach to design specifications and technical documentation

Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and on calendar

Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across departments

Proactive problem‑solver who takes initiative, adapts quickly to changing priorities, and embraces continuous learning

Flexible and willing to travel for design research and factory visits as business needs require

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