Many renowned fashion houses and luxury brands have dedicated accessory design teams. Accessory designers may work on designing and developing items such as handbags, footwear, scarves, and jewelry.
Some companies specialize in accessory design and production. Accessory designers may work for these firms, which often produce accessories for various clients, including fashion brands and retailers.
Fashion and accessory retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online, often have in-house design teams. Accessory designers may be involved in creating private-label accessory collections for these retailers.
Entrepreneurial accessory designers may choose to start their own accessory design businesses. They may create and sell their own designs or collaborate with manufacturers and artisans.
E-commerce companies that sell accessories and fashion items frequently require accessory designers to develop their private-label products.
Accessory designers with a focus on jewelry may find placement in jewelry design and manufacturing companies, crafting pieces such as rings, necklaces, and earrings.
Accessory designers with an interest in eyewear design may work for companies that specialize in creating and manufacturing eyeglasses and sunglasses.
Footwear companies, ranging from athletic shoe manufacturers to high-end luxury shoe brands, often hire accessory designers to create new shoe designs.
Some designers choose to work for consulting firms specializing in fashion and accessory design. These firms offer design services to multiple clients.
Accessory designers with a passion for the arts may work in museums or galleries, creating or curating exhibitions of historical or contemporary accessories.
Some experienced accessory designers choose to pursue careers in academia. They may become professors or instructors at design schools or universities.
Many accessory designers choose to work as freelancers or establish their own businesses. They can design and sell their creations or collaborate with clients on custom designs.
