Fashion Designer

As a Fashion Designer you will be integral to both local and offshore design and production processes. This role requires strong technical proficiency in garment design, pattern-making, clothing construction, and fitting, with a particular emphasis on local sample development. You will work closely with local makers, developing samples in-house and overseeing fittings in our studio to correct patterns, toiles, and designs. In addition, you will liaise with offshore production teams to ensure consistency and quality throughout the development and manufacturing stages. Success in this role will come from your ability to balance creativity with technical precision, ensuring high-quality results from concept to final production.

Prospective applicants need to be prepared to provide evidence of skills and proficiency through samples of work product.

Benefits

• Creative Environment: Immerse yourself in a creative, dynamic, and fast-paced design environment where your contributions will make an impact.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for skill development and career progression within a leading fashion label.
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate professionals in an inclusive and collaborative team environment that values diversity.
• Competitive Salary: A competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

Task & Responsibilities

• Trend Research & Moodboards: Conduct research and analysis on current and emerging trends. Create moodboards and concept boards that align with our brand’s aesthetic for upcoming seasons.
• Design Development: Collaborate with the design team to brainstorm and develop new season concepts, ensuring they align with our brand identity, customer profile, and commercial objectives.
• Sketches & CADs: Prepare detailed sketches, CAD drawings, and technical flats using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) to effectively communicate design concepts to offshore and local manufacturers.
• Pattern Making & Fitting (Local Focus): Utilize strong technical skills to create patterns, drape, toile, and conduct garment fittings in our local studio. Work closely with local makers to design models, correct patterns, alter designs, and ensure samples meet the required standards.
• Local Sample Making & Sewing: Engage in hands-on sample development within the studio. This involves intermediate to advanced sewing skills, alterations, and working with toiles to perfect designs before production.
• Liaison with Local Makers: Build and maintain relationships with local sample rooms and manufacturers. Work closely with them during fittings, sample adjustments, and pattern corrections to ensure samples meet our high standards of quality and fit.
• Tech Packs & Production: Prepare comprehensive and accurate tech packs, manage production sketches, and track samples through ERP systems like Zedonk and Shopify.
• Offshore Liaison: Coordinate with offshore sample rooms to develop and refine designs, ensuring clear communication and adherence to design specifications and timelines.
• Production Management: Manage both local and offshore sampling and production timelines in alignment with the critical path. Ensure timely delivery and troubleshoot production challenges as they arise.
• Junior Team Supervision: Provide guidance and manage the workflow of junior team members, ensuring their tasks align with project deadlines and quality standards.
• Fabric & Trim Sourcing: Identify and recommend fabrics, trims, and notions that align with the design vision and production requirements.
• Quality Control (Local Focus): Implement rigorous quality control checks on local samples, ensuring consistency and high standards across designs and production.
• Document Management: Maintain accurate design documents, including pattern files, tech packs, and production notes. Create and update range books in InDesign.
• Communication & Reporting: Effectively communicate with local and offshore makers, providing feedback on samples and addressing any issues during production. Report back to the lead designer on progress, concerns, and opportunities.
• Range Development & Sample Management: Support the lead designer in range development, managing sample workflows, and tracking progress within ERP systems.

Qualification & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Fashion Design or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role within the fashion industry, with proven experience in local sample development and fittings within a studio environment, as well as managing offshore production.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong technical skills in pattern making, clothing construction, and garment fitting, with hands-on experience in correcting patterns, toiles, and designs locally.
• Liaising with Makers: Proven experience in working directly with local makers, handling fittings, and resolving design or construction issues in real-time.
• Graphic Design: Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for CAD drawings and graphic design tasks.
• Sample Making & Sewing: Intermediate to advanced sewing and sample-making skills required for local development.
• Design Software: Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite. Familiarity with Zedonk, Shopify, and Excel is an advantage.
• Organizational Skills: Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and production timelines.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for liaising with internal teams and external production partners.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to troubleshoot design or production issues, propose solutions, and maintain the quality of work under tight deadlines.

Personal Attributes

• Creativity & Innovation: A passion for fashion and design with a strong sense of creativity to contribute to a forward-thinking design team.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail, especially in areas such as garment construction, fitting, and quality control.
• Collaboration: A team player with excellent interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively with various departments.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where priorities can shift quickly.
• Self-Motivation: A proactive and enthusiastic approach, capable of working independently when needed and taking initiative.