Free People Assistant Designer - Denim

Free People; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

PTO

Employee discounts

Retirement savings

Job summary

Free People is seeking an Assistant Designer of Denim to support the We The Free Denim design team from concept through production.

The role involves trend research, sketching, wash and fabric development, and hands-on product development. A strong passion for denim and an understanding of wash, fit and vintage details are essential for success in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• 1–3 years of apparel design experience, denim focus preferred.
• Strong passion for denim and vintage product details.
• Proficiency in Illustrator and Photoshop; Procreate experience a plus.
• Experience creating technical sketches, tech packs, and design packages.
• Basic sewing, mocking, draping and garment construction skills.
• Strong visual communication and collaboration skills.
• Self-starter with curiosity and initiative.

Responsibilities

• Contribute original design ideas through sketching, Procreate, Illustrator, and vintage references.
• Create and maintain technical sketches and design packages showing silhouette, proportion, and finish.
• Set up and maintain tech packs and BOM information during development.
• Participate in garment fittings and communicate design changes to partners.
• Collaborate with Product Development, Technical Design, Fabric R&D, Merchandising, and vendors to ensure design intent from prototype to final product.

Skills

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Procreate

Tech packs

Garment construction

Sketching

Prototyping

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Procreate

Job description

Role Summary

Free People is seeking an Assistant Designer of Denim to support the We The Free Denim design team. This role is an integral part of the design process, working closely with the Designer, Assistant Design Director and cross-functional partners to bring our denim collections to life from initial concept through development and final production.

The Assistant Designer will contribute creatively to monthly and seasonal collections through trend and vintage research, sketching, wash and fabric development, technical execution and hands-on product development. This position is ideal for someone with a strong passion for denim and an elevated understanding of wash, construction, proportion and authentic vintage details.

The ideal candidate is curious, highly creative and hands-on, with a strong point of view and an eagerness to grow within the denim category. They thrive in a fast-paced environment, are highly organized and detail-oriented, and are excited to contribute original ideas that feel unique to the Free People and We The Free customer.

Role Responsibilities

• Contribute original design ideas through sketching, Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, AI creative tools, vintage references and physical mock-ups..
• Create and maintain accurate technical sketches and design packages, clearly communicating silhouette, proportion, construction, wash, trim and finishing intent.
• Set up and maintain tech packs and BOM information throughout the development process, ensuring design information remains accurate and current.
• Participate actively in garment fittings, update technical sketches, and communicate relevant design, fit, and construction changes to cross-functional partners.
• Partner closely with Product Development, Technical Design, Fabric R&D, Merchandising/Buying and vendor partners to track development and ensure design intent is maintained from first prototype through final product.

Role Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design or related field preferred.
• 1–3 years of relevant apparel design experience preferred; experience or strong demonstrated interest in denim, structured wovens or bottoms is highly desirable.
• Strong passion for denim and vintage product, with an understanding of wash, fabric, construction, fit, proportion and garment details.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with Procreate strongly preferred.
• Experience creating technical sketches, tech packs and design development packages.
• Basic sewing, mocking, draping and garment construction skills.
• Strong illustration and visual communication skills with the ability to communicate design ideas clearly.
• Self-starter who demonstrates curiosity, initiative and a willingness to problem-solve independently while working collaboratively within a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to partner effectively across Design, Product Development, Technical Design, Fabric and Merchandising teams.

The Perks

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

EEO Statement

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.