Design Assistant

Debenhams Group; London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in luxurious fashion is seeking a Design Assistant to support Senior Designers in daily operations and trend research. The role involves gaining technical knowledge and collaborating creatively to develop high-quality collections. Candidates should have a strong eye for fashion, design experience, and familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Discretionary bonus scheme

Company share scheme

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

Employee assistance programme

Private Healthcare options

20% discount on Debenhams

Qualifications

• Keen eye for quality and passion for premium womenswear.
• Strong hand-drawing skills and creative portfolio.
• Organised and highly motivated with a thirst for learning.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Designer in daily operations.
• Research seasonal trends and fabric developments.
• Assist in sketching and garment specification.

Skills

Attention to detail

Trend awareness

Creative problem-solving

Excellent communication

Time management

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Job Title: Design Assistant
Location: London
Job Type: Full-Time

About Us
At Karen Millen, our passion lies in creating luxurious, high-quality fashion with uncompromising attention to detail. Our mission is to deliver outstanding value to our customer and redefine modern femininity through considered design. As part of our in-house design team, you’ll be working at the heart of a brand that celebrates craftsmanship, creativity and a fearless sense of style.

Due to continued growth, we’re looking for talented Design Assistants to join our passionate, agile, and fashion-forward team.

The Role
As a Design Assistant, you’ll be the essential support to our Senior Designers, playing a key role in the day-to-day operations of the design department. You’ll help bring seasonal collections to life through trend research, design development, and a deep commitment to quality and detail.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Designer in the daily running of the department and team.
• Research seasonal trends, fabric developments, trims, prints and treatments alongside the Head of Design.
• Collate in-season catwalk reports and build research/sourcing packs for buyers and suppliers.
• Assist in sketching and garment specification (CAD and hand-drawn).
• Attend fit sessions and design meetings to develop technical knowledge.
• Maintain mood boards, organise design spaces, and prepare for key presentations.
• Manage and file supplier submissions and maintain accurate development records.
• Monitor sales performance to help identify key product drivers and bestsellers.
• Show initiative in problem-solving and a proactive approach to creative challenges.
• Travel locally or offshore if required for research, sourcing or development trips.

What We’re Looking For

• A strong awareness of fashion trends across street style, high street and luxury.
• Detail-oriented, organised and highly motivated with a thirst for learning.
• A keen eye for quality and a passion for premium womenswear.
• Confident using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Strong hand-drawing skills and a creative portfolio that shows your versatility and eye for detail.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, with excellent communication and time management skills.
• Enthusiastic, collaborative and ready to contribute to a dynamic team.

What you'll get

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Company share scheme
• Life Assurance
• Company Pension Scheme
• Employee assistance programme including 24-hour confidential helpline
• Our Reward Platform allows you to tailor your benefits to suit your needs - such as Private Healthcare, Dental and Healthcare Cash Plans, a Cycle2work Scheme and plenty of fun anytime benefits such as coffee club or virgin experience days.
• Discount across 8 brands, 20% discount on Debenhams
• Discount & Cashback portal
• Learning and development support and opportunities both internally and externally
• Our social calendar? Next level!

To Apply
Please submit your CV along with a link to your design portfolio or examples of your work. We are excited to see your creativity and how you could help shape the future of Karen Millen.

Be part of our story.
Apply now and design your future with Karen Millen.

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