Free People Assistant Designer - Knits

Free People; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

PTO

Employee discounts

Retirement savings

Job summary

Free People seeks an Assistant Designer for We The Free Knits to support the Senior Designer in the monthly and seasonal development of private label knit product. This role helps facilitate the full design and development process, from concept research and sketching through development packages, communication with vendors, sample tracking, and system updates.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, creatively curious, detail-oriented, and eager to build a strong foundation in knitwear and

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Fashion Design or related field.
• 1-2 years industry experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills and cross-functional collaboration.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of knit apparel construction and fabric finishes.
• Proficiency in Illustrator/Photoshop; PLM/Web PDM systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support monthly and seasonal development calendar with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, Raw Materials and Sourcing.
• Assist Senior Designer with seasonal research, sketching, artwork development and material exploration.
• Support development through mock-ups, draping, pattern exploration and prototype work for milestone meetings.
• Prepare accurate development packages with sketches, details, materials and color information.
• Create and maintain technical sketches, spec sheets, body details and PLM updates.
• Manage proto samples, lab dips, trims, and finishes through to development submits.
• Communicate fit, construction and finishing details to cross-functional partners.
• Take notes in Design Flow meetings and track next steps.
• Maintain organized development tools, boards and sample areas.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Highly organized & detail-oriented

Collaborative team player

Ability to sketch technical flats

Creative trend awareness

Education

Bachelor degree in Fashion Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Web PDM / PLM systems

Job description

Role Summary

Free People is seeking an Assistant Designer, We The Free Knits knits to support the Senior Designer in the monthly and seasonal development of private label knit product for the Free People customer. This role helps facilitate the full design and development process, from concept research and sketching through development packages, communication with vendors, sample tracking, and system updates. The ideal candidate is highly organized, creatively curious, detail-oriented, and eager to build a strong foundation in knitwear and cut-and-sew knit product development.

WE THE FREE – Brand Statement

The perfect lived-in look made effortless. Our WE THE FREE collection is an in-house, heritage-inspired collection of timeless staples – everything from your favorite jean to handcrafted leather goods. Untraditionally classic, rooted in menswear, vintage, and rock ‘n roll. The love is in the unexpected details (wash, hardware, interiors, silhouette), versatile, easy, borrowed from the boys with a feminine twist. Not afraid to push the shapes if the fabrics and treatments are timelessly cool.

Role Responsibilities

• Support the monthly and seasonal development calendar in partnership with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, Raw Materials, and Sourcing teams.
• Assist the Senior Designer with seasonal research, sketching, artwork development, fabric/yarn/trim exploration, and assigned design projects.
• Support the creative development process through hands‑on mock‑ups, draping, pattern exploration, and prototype sample work as needed for milestone meetings.
• Prepare accurate development packages, including sketches, style details, construction notes, materials, trims, artwork, color information, and relevant finishing details.
• Create and maintain technical sketches, spec sheet set‑ups, body details, and Tradestone/PLM updates with accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage follow‑up for proto samples, lab dips, trims, artwork, washes, dyes, embellishments, and other key development submits.
• Communicate fit, construction, stitch, trim, and finishing details to Technical Design, vendors, and cross‑functional partners in support of clear design execution.
• Participate actively in weekly Design Flow meetings by taking notes, tracking outstanding items, and following up on next steps.
• Maintain organized development tools, boards, archives, and sample areas to support a clear and efficient design process.

Role Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Fashion Design or related field preferred.
• 1-2 Years industry experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across Design, Merchandising, Production, Technical Design, Raw Materials, and Sourcing teams.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on time‑sensitive development tasks.
• Strong creative eye and understanding of the Free People customer, with an interest in trend, vintage, styling, color, fabric, and cultural direction.
• Foundational knowledge of knit apparel construction, cut‑and‑sew knit development, fabric qualities, trims, washes, dyes, and garment finishes.
• Ability to research and communicate seasonal trend direction, color direction, fabric/yarn innovation, and relevant market inspiration approximately 9–12 months ahead of season.
• Ability to support creative, brand‑right, and cost‑conscious design solutions in response to business needs.
• Strong sketching ability, including technical flats and computer‑aided design communication.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with Web PDM, PLM systems, or similar product development platforms preferred.
• Collaborative team player with a proactive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to learn.

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.