Men's Creative Director - Citizens of Humanity

ABOUT US

Citizens of Humanity is an established yet evolving men’s denim and premium casual brand with a loyal customer base and a clear vision for the next chapter of growth. Rooted in authentic craftsmanship and elevated everyday style, the brand sits at the intersection of heritage and modernity — creating product that wears beautifully, travels easily, and becomes part of a lived-in wardrobe.

As we continue to expand our reach and refine the design identity of the men’s collection, we are seeking a Creative Director to lead the creative direction and help shape the future of Citizens of Humanity Men’s.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Men's Creative Director – Citizens of Humanity will serve as the senior creative lead for the men’s division, overseeing the design process from seasonal concept through final product.

This role requires both strategic vision and hands-on design leadership. The Design Director will establish the creative direction of the collection while working closely with the Design team, Product Development, and Merchandising to bring ideas to life. In partnership with Brand Marketing and Creative teams, this role will help ensure the product story is consistently expressed across the brand.

The ideal candidate brings a strong point of view in premium denim and modern menswear, with the ability to balance creative vision with a deep understanding of product and the market.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Creative Direction & Seasonal Strategy

• Define and lead the seasonal design vision for Citizens of Humanity Men’s, establishing mood, aesthetic direction, and product narratives

• Develop seasonal concept presentations including inspiration, color palette, fabric direction, wash stories, and lifestyle references

• Ensure a consistent and differentiated design point of view that reflects the brand’s DNA while evolving the collection

• Partner with senior leadership on the long-term creative direction of the men’s business

Product Design & Development

• Lead the design and development of men’s denim (core and seasonal) and complementary categories including wovens, knits, outerwear, and accessories

• Guide silhouette development, fit direction, wash treatments, trims, and finishing details

• Review and approve samples throughout development to ensure design integrity through final production

• Identify opportunities for innovation in fabric development, wash techniques, and responsible materials

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and mentor the men’s design team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and accountability

• Partner closely with Merchandising to ensure collections align with category strategy and business goals

• Work alongside Product Development and Sourcing on fabric development, costing, and production timelines

• Collaborate with Brand Marketing and Creative teams to translate design stories across campaigns and brand communications

Market & Consumer Awareness

• Maintain a strong understanding of the premium denim and modern menswear landscape

• Conduct competitive analysis and market research across wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels

• Travel to key markets, mills, and suppliers to stay connected to innovation and industry developments

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 10+ years of progressive apparel design experience, including leadership within men’s design

• Deep expertise in men’s denim design, including fit development, construction, wash development, and fabric sourcing

• Experience designing across premium casual categories including wovens, knits, and outerwear

• Proven ability to lead and develop a design team in a fast-paced environment

• Strong creative point of view with a refined understanding of proportion, fabric, and detail

• Excellent communication and presentation skills

Preferred

• Experience working across both wholesale and direct-to-consumer businesses

• Familiarity with responsible sourcing and sustainable design practices

• Experience working with global mills and sourcing partners, particularly in premium denim

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited design institution (FIT, Parsons, SCAD, or equivalent)

LOCATION

• This role is based in Los Angeles and requires full-time, in-office presence at our headquarters.

FEATURED BENEFITS

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Generous product allowance and employee discount
• Paid time off, company holidays
• Collaborative, creative-first culture with a leadership team that values design