Designer - FILA

The Retail Partnership Ltd; Watford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

The Retail Partnership Ltd. in Watford is seeking a creative Designer with a passion for sportswear and streetwear.

Based in Watford, you will work across SMU lines, Inline collections and Special Projects, developing trend-led seasonal ranges and bespoke collections alongside the senior design team. An excellent eye for detail and colour is essential, together with knowledge of the current sportswear and streetwear market.

Qualifications

• Experience in an apparel design role within the streetwear, activewear or sportswear industry.
• Advanced knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office.
• Experience taking designs from initial research and mood boards through to design development and technical diagrams.
• Strong knowledge of current trends and the relevant sportswear and streetwear market.
• Ability to produce accurate and detailed specifications, both freehand and using design programmes.
• Excellent planning, prioritising and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of garment and fabric construction, with a good understanding of pattern cutting.
• Highly self-motivated and proactive, with excellent communication skills.
• A broad interest in fashion, music, the arts and wider cultural themes.

Responsibilities

• Researching seasonal trends and key items across the sportswear and streetwear market.
• Preparing creative research on themes, colours and fabrics based on the seasonal brief.
• Initiating original design sketches and technical specifications for all styles.
• Researching relevant trends and fashion history to advise on silhouettes, finishes and fabric suitability.
• Creating mood and trend boards.
• Working closely with the Design Manager, Product Manager and Sales Team to build seasonal ranges.
• Maintaining accurate records of design and development for each style, including fabrication details and prints.
• Creating detailed spec sheets and technical packs.
• Following range plans and critical paths to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Attending fit sessions and implementing changes into specifications and tech packs, communicating updates to relevant suppliers.
• Supporting the development of samples and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Travelling to different locations when required for meetings with clients, brand owners and collaborators.

Skills

Illustrator

Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Trend research

Mood boards

Technical sketches

Fabric knowledge

Pattern cutting

Communication

Design development

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are looking for a creative and commercially aware Designer with a passion for sportswear and streetwear, and a distinctive, fashion-forward design handwriting. Based in Watford, you'll work across SMU lines, Inline collections and Special Projects, developing trend-led seasonal ranges and bespoke collections alongside the senior design team. An excellent eye for detail and colour is essential, together with knowledge of the current sportswear and streetwear market.

Main Responsibilities Will Include

• Researching seasonal trends and key items across the sportswear and streetwear market.
• Preparing creative research on themes, colours and fabrics based on the seasonal brief.
• Initiating original design sketches and technical specifications for all styles.
• Researching relevant trends and fashion history to advise on silhouettes, finishes and fabric suitability.
• Creating mood and trend boards.
• Working closely with the Design Manager, Product Manager and Sales Team to build seasonal ranges.
• Maintaining accurate records of design and development for each style, including fabrication details and prints.
• Creating detailed spec sheets and technical packs.
• Following range plans and critical paths to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Attending fit sessions and implementing changes into specifications and tech packs, communicating updates to relevant suppliers.
• Supporting the development of samples and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Travelling to different locations when required for meetings with clients, brand owners and collaborators.

Person Specification

• Experience in an apparel design role within the streetwear, activewear or sportswear industry.
• Advanced knowledge of Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office.
• Experience taking designs from initial research and mood boards through to design development and technical diagrams.
• Strong knowledge of current trends and the relevant sportswear and streetwear market.
• Ability to produce accurate and detailed specifications, both freehand and using design programmes.
• Excellent planning, prioritising and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of garment and fabric construction, with a good understanding of pattern cutting.
• Highly self-motivated and proactive, with excellent communication skills.
• A broad interest in fashion, music, the arts and wider cultural themes.