Product Development & Studio Intern — Footwear & Accessories
Location: Milan, Italy
Working arrangement: Part-time / Hybrid, with regular onsite presence required
Start date: Immediately
Initial term: 3-month internship, with the possibility of a 6-month extension and future full-time opportunity.
About IDAS
IDAS is an independent Milan-based footwear label focused on the intersection of innovative pattern making, refinement in Italian craftsmanship and a considered approach to materials and construction.
As the studio expands its footwear, leather goods and object categories, we are looking for a Product Development & Studio Intern to work closely with the founder and help build the internal systems that support our product development process.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is interested not only in design, but in understanding how products are actually developed, documented and made.
The Role
You will work directly alongside the founder across footwear, leather goods and selected accessory development.
A central part of the role will be helping us build and maintain a clear internal overview of the studio’s products, materials, components, samples, suppliers and physical assets.
Responsibilities will include
- Maintaining seasonal product-development trackers and calendars
- Recording sample iterations, fittings, corrections and technical developments
- Building and maintaining the studio’s material and component library
- Cataloguing leathers, hardware, soles, heels, trims and other production materials
- Maintaining records of patterns, lasts, moulds, prototypes and production assets
- Organising and documenting incoming and outgoing samples
- Assisting with sample shipments and production logistics
- Maintaining supplier and manufacturer information
- Supporting quotation requests, costing sheets and COGS tracking
- Preparing information and documentation for supplier and factory meetings
- Following up on agreed development deadlines
- Supporting footwear, leather-goods and accessory development from prototype through production
- Occasionally accompanying the founder on production and supplier visits within Italy
The role will gradually provide exposure to footwear construction, pattern development, lasts, materials, manufacturing processes and the broader mechanics of running a product-led luxury studio. Who We Are Looking For
- Highly organised and attentive to detail
- Curious about footwear, leather goods, materials and manufacturing
- Interested in craftsmanship and technical product development
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets and digital organisation tools
- Able to work independently while communicating clearly
- Hands-on and comfortable working with physical samples and materials
- Fluent or highly proficient in English
- Italian proficiency is strongly preferred due to our production network
Previous footwear experience is welcome but not essential. More important is a genuine desire to understand how products are constructed and developed.
Students or recent graduates from footwear, accessories, product design, fashion design, industrial design or related disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Working Structure
Because the role involves physical samples, materials and studio archives, regular onsite work in Milan is essential. A hybrid structure is possible for administrative and documentation-based work.
The initial internship will last three months on a tempo parziale basis.
For the right person, our intention is to develop the role into a six-month paid part-time position, with the possibility of subsequently joining IDAS full-time as the studio grows.
We are particularly interested in finding someone who would like to grow with the company over the longer term.
📌 Product Developer/Studio Intern (Milano)
🏢 IDAS
📍 Milano