Fashion Apparel Designer
Gingham and Heels is an online fashion retail business offering a wide range of on-trend apparel to fashion-forward individuals. As a Fashion Apparel Designer, you will play a key role in creating captivating and innovative designs that resonate with our target audience and contribute to our brand's success.
Job Overview:
We are seeking a talented and creative Fashion Designer to join our design team. The ideal candidate is passionate about fashion, possesses a keen eye for detail, and has a strong understanding of current fashion trends. You will be responsible for conceptualising, designing, and developing apparel collections that align with our brand identity and meet the needs and desires of our customers.
Key Responsibilities:
- Design Conceptualisation:
- Research and analyse fashion trends, consumer preferences, and market demands to develop design concepts for apparel collections.
- Create mood boards, sketches, and visual presentations to communicate design ideas and inspirations effectively.
- Collaborate with the design team and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with brand guidelines and target market preferences.
- Apparel Design and Development:
- Utilise design software and traditional techniques to translate concepts into detailed technical drawings and specifications.
- Develop colour palettes, fabric selections, and embellishment options that align with the collection's aesthetic and target market.
- Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturers, and pattern makers to ensure accurate and efficient execution of designs.
- Trend Forecasting and Research:
- Stay updated on fashion trends, runway shows, and industry innovations to anticipate future trends and incorporate them into designs.
- Conduct market research, competitor analysis, and customer surveys to gather insights and identify opportunities for differentiation.
- Review sell-through reports to inform design decisions and ensure collections and categories meet customer demand.
- Regularly present trend reports, design concepts, and competitive analyses to inform decision-making and strategy development.
- Sample Creation and Fitting:
- Oversee the creation of sample garments, working closely with offshore pattern makers and sample room teams.
- Conduct fitting sessions to assess the fit, drape, and overall aesthetics of sample garments, making necessary adjustments and modifications.
- Collaborate with offshore production team to ensure smooth transition from design to manufacturing, adhering to quality standards and timelines.
- Collaboration and Communication:
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, marketing, and logistics, to ensure cohesive and successful product releases.
- Communicate effectively with suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors to ensure the accurate interpretation and execution of designs.
- Provide clear and comprehensive design briefs, technical specifications, and sample instructions to external partners.
- Quality Control and Assurance:
- Conduct regular quality checks on finished products, ensuring they meet design specifications, fit standards, and quality expectations.
- Work closely with the offshore quality control team to address any product or manufacturing issues, providing necessary guidance and solutions.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement measures to enhance overall product quality and efficiency.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field.
- Proven experience (3 years) as an Apparel Designer, preferably in the fashion retail industry.
- Strong portfolio showcasing a range of apparel designs, including sketches, technical drawings, and completed collections.
- Proficient in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
- Excellent knowledge of garment construction, fabric properties, and production processes.
- Up-to-date with current fashion trends, industry innovations, and global fashion movements.
- Strong creative and conceptual thinking abilities.
- Attention to detail, precision, and a keen eye for aesthetics.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.
Join our creative team and contribute to our brand's success by designing captivating and on-trend exclusive collections. As a Fashion Apparel Designer, you will have the opportunity to showcase your creativity, stay ahead of fashion trends, and shape the fashion narrative in the online retail space.
If this sounds like the perfect job for you, please hit Apply Now below and submit your application!
This is a full time role on an initial 12 month contract, with the option to renew.
