The Company
Our client is a dynamic, multi‑product design studio based in London, led by trend, fabrication and silhouette. The studio partners with fashion brands to deliver commercially driven collections across womenswear categories.
Role Overview
A versatile, trend‑led Designer with strong commercial awareness to own design across eveningwear, outerwear and casual categories. You will translate catwalk, street style and market insight into cohesive, brand‑right ranges that hit price points, margin and delivery targets. You’ll work closely with Head of Design, Merchandising, Buying and Production from concept through to handover.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and interpret seasonal trends, fabrics, trims, washes and competitor activity to build clear design direction per category.
- Create concept boards, colour stories and silhouette plans aligned to brand DNA and customer.
- Design original eveningwear, outerwear and casual pieces: sketching, CADs, technical flats and detailed tech packs (BOMs, construction callouts, measurements).
- Lead fabric and trim selection; partner with Fabric/Technical on quality, performance, cost and sustainability.
- Oversee sampling and fittings; evaluate fit, balance, construction and functionality; iterate samples to achieve commercial and aesthetic goals.
- Build and manage visual line plans and SKU counts per category; design within cost targets while maintaining elevated product integrity.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with Merchandising, Buying, Production and suppliers to deliver on time and to brief.
- Support handoffs to production: review lab dips, strike‑offs, print/embroidery artwork, label/branding placements and PLM uploads.
- Travel as needed for trend research, fabric fairs, trade shows and supplier/sample facility visits.
Skills & Experience
- 3–5+ years’ design experience across womenswear, with proven work in eveningwear and outerwear (woven, jersey, PU/leather, knit, tailoring a plus).
- Strong understanding of fashion design principles: silhouette, proportion, colour, fabric drape and construction.
- Excellent technical skills: expert in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; confident creating production‑ready tech packs and BOMs.
- Solid fabric knowledge and ability to select appropriate materials for evening, outerwear and casual, including performance/finish considerations where relevant.
- Commercial mindset: able to translate trends into sellable ranges, using best/worst seller insights and competitor analysis.
- Strong communication, presentation and negotiation skills; able to liaise with sales, buying and production teams.
- Highly organised, deadline‑driven, with excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced studio.
- Pattern making/3D design (CLO/Marvelous) and PLM experience are advantageous.
Personal Attributes
- Creative, artistic and flexible—able to adapt designs to different brand identities and client needs.
- Proactive problem‑solver with a collaborative, energetic personality.
- Passion for fashion, new trends and the UK high‑street/contemporary market.