Vice President Design (Temporary/Interim)

Clare V. is seeking an interim VP of Design to lead its design organisation and ensure execution of the Creative Director's seasonal vision across handbags, small leather goods, apparel, and accessories. The role runs from mid-October 2026 to mid-March 2027 and includes a structured handover period at both ends of the term. The successful candidate will translate creative direction into commercially viable assortments while balancing innovation, operational efficiency, and business objectives.

Working closely with Merchandising, Product Development, Production, and Planning, the VP of Design will oversee the full product development lifecycle, including sketches, CADs, tech packs, fittings, sample reviews, and market presentations. The role also carries responsibility for managing internal and freelance design resources, optimising development ratios and sample counts, and maintaining design integrity against cost and margin targets. Candidates with prior familiarity with the Clare V. brand are strongly preferred.

• Implement seasonal design direction for handbags, small leather goods, apparel, and accessories in partnership with the Founder and Creative Director
• Oversee the full product development lifecycle, including sketches, CADs, tech packs, fittings, sample reviews, and market presentations
• Partner with Merchandising, Product Development, Production, and Planning to establish seasonal calendars, milestones, and development priorities
• Lead, coach, and mentor the design team, managing internal and freelance resources across categories
• Drive operational efficiency through optimisation of development ratios, sample counts, budgets, and timelines
• Lead collection reviews, milestone meetings, and market presentations with strategic clarity and organisation

• Minimum 15 years of relevant experience designing and developing handbags and accessories
• Expert knowledge of handbag construction, leather, materials, sourcing, and manufacturing processes
• Proven ability to lead high-performing creative teams, including freelance and internal resources
• Strong understanding of the full product lifecycle from concept through commercialisation
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Excel, and PLM systems (WFX PLM or equivalent)
• Experience with assortment planning, merchandising strategy, SKU optimisation, and cross-functional leadership

Clare V. is an accessible-luxury brand founded by Clare Vivier and based in Los Angeles, California. The brand produces handbags, small leather goods, apparel, and accessories, with a commitment to local production and conscious practices. Headquartered in the Silver Lake/Frogtown area, Clare V. is actively led by its founder.