Womenswear Designer

AFENDS; Byron Bay; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Byron Bay location

Sustainability focus

Growth opportunities

Collaborative team

Job summary

Afends Pty Ltd. in Byron Bay is seeking a Womenswear Designer to concept on-trend products across Apparel, Denim, Accessories, Knitwear, and Swim, driving commercial success with sustainable outcomes.

The role encompasses seasonal research, collaboration with artists, fabric development coordination, and the creation of tech packs to meet critical-path deadlines while supporting growth within a purpose-led brand.

Qualifications

• 3+ years fashion design experience
• Advanced skills in Illustrator and Photoshop
• Solid knowledge of pattern making, sewing and textiles
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Seasonal research, forecasting and interpreting market trends to guide brand direction
• Bi-annual design trips for inspiration
• Collaborate with artists/brands on capsule collections
• Coordinate fabric development with Product Development
• Manage deadlines according to Critical Path
• Create commercially viable and sustainable ranges across Apparel, Denim, Accessories, Knitwear, Swim
• Prepare tech packs and handover to Product Developer
• Review submissions and provide feedback to Production Team
• Oversee fittings and communicate visual changes
• Present seasonal ranges at reviews and range releases
• Prepare range notes for Sales Managers
• Assist in styling for photoshoots

Skills

Fashion design

Trend forecasting

Sustainable design

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification in fashion design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Microsoft Excel

Job description

At AFENDS, we envision a world where creativity fuels change and sustainability is at the forefront of every choice. Our mission, “Create NOT Destroy,” drives us to inspire and empower individuals to express themselves while protecting the planet. We believe in crafting innovative, eco-conscious designs that challenge the norm, leaving a positive impact on both people and the environment.

The Role

The Womenswear Designer is responsible for conceiving on-trend products driven by commercial success, innovation and sustainable outcomes. Using sales data, trend forecasting and intuition, four seasonal collections are to be designed with the intent to achieve high sell-through and meet factory MOQS. This is an exciting opportunity for a junior level designer to elevate their skillset into a mid-level design role.

You will be responsible for designing across all categories within our women's offering including but not limited to Apparel, Denim, Accessories, Knitwear, and Swim. In conjunction with the four season collection year, four direct-to-consumer edits will be designed per year - these will be season specific mini-capsules including collaborations.

In addition, your responsibilities will include:

• Seasonal research, identifying, forecasting and interpreting market trends to determine the overall brand direction resulting in design intent
• Bi-annual research trips for design, colour, block, trim, fabric and print inspiration
• Brief and collaborate with artists/brands on seasonal capsule collections
• Timely management of fabric development with product development team
• Achieve key deadlines based on critical path
• Design innovative, commercially viable and sustainable ranges in line with the category comparison/forecasted units/Critical Path across; Apparel, Accessories, Denim, and Swim.
• Create and maintain clear and concise tech packs and handover to the Product Developer in accordance to the Critical Path
• Review and critically analyse all submissions and samples sent for approval, clearly communicating any changes with the Product Developer
• Oversees all fitting of all womenswear garments, providing feedback on the fit and any visual comments that must be actioned by the Production Team
• Review and present seasonal ranges at reviews and range releases
• Collate range notes for Sales Managers regarding the collection. This will include information like inspiration, artists, fabrics, story outlines and noting any changes at a style level that will be made at production
• Style ranges in time for seasonal photoshoots
• Liaise with CEO/CD and Sales Manager to create SMU options for major customers
• Branding reviews and design as required by the business
• Provide styling guidance and assistance for all photoshoots (catalogue and seasonal campaigns)

About you

You have a well-rounded background in design and have excellent attention to detail with the ability to juggle multiple projects with conflicting deadlines. In addition, you will have:

• 3+ years Fashion Design Experience (Tertiary qualification preferred)
• Advanced computer skills in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, intermediate Microsoft Excel
• Sound knowledge of pattern making, sewing and textiles
• Self-motivated with excellent organisational and time management skills
• Accuracy and high attention to detail is essential
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with all internal and external stakeholders
• Above all, you must be a multi-skilled, team player that can assist in any tasks within the Design and Production Department where required

You’ll love working with us

• Work with a creative and passionate team in Byron Bay
• Be part of a purpose-led brand focused on sustainability and innovation
• Opportunities for growth and development within the business
• Collaborative and inspiring work environment