We are seeking a talented RTW Soft Wovens Designer to create elevated, commercially relevant collections across dresses, tops, skirts, pants, and other woven categories. This person will bring a strong point of view, excellent technical skills, and an understanding of fit, fabrication, and construction.
Key Responsibilities:
Design Development
- Create original soft woven designs that reflect the brand aesthetic, seasonal direction, and customer needs.
- Develop detailed sketches, technical flats, design specifications, color stories, and fabrications for each collection.
- Select appropriate fabrics, trims, washes, and finishes to achieve the desired look, hand feel, and quality.
Trend Research & Innovation
- Research current and emerging fashion trends, competitor assortments, fabric developments, and market opportunities.
- Source inspiration through retail, runway, vintage, trade shows, fabric fairs, and industry events.
- Explore new silhouettes, details, prints, treatments, and construction techniques that elevate the collection.
Sample Development
- Partner with technical design, product development, and production teams to develop and refine samples from concept through approval.
- Participate in fittings and provide clear feedback on fit, proportion, construction, quality, and functionality.
- Work collaboratively with vendors to resolve sample issues and ensure designs are production-ready.
- Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, production, and cross-functional partners to create cohesive, marketable collections.
- Present design concepts, mood boards, seasonal direction, and collection overviews to internal teams.
- Communicate clearly with suppliers, manufacturers, and external partners to support accurate and timely sample development.
Quality & Standards
- Maintain a high level of quality, craftsmanship, and attention to detail across all designs.
- Ensure collections align with brand standards, target customer preferences, and commercial goals.
- Review production samples as needed to confirm final product meets approved design, fit, and quality expectations.
Documentation & Organization
- Maintain organized records of design development, fabrics, trims, specifications, and approvals.
- Prepare updates on design progress, collection status, and market feedback.
- Follow established company processes and timelines throughout the design and development cycle.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field.
- 3–5 years of soft wovens design experience within the fashion industry.
- Proven ability to take collections from concept through production.
- Strong illustration and design skills with proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Deep knowledge of woven fabrications, garment construction, fit, patternmaking, and technical specifications.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, collaborative, and able to translate a clear design point of view into compelling, wearable product.