Trend-Driven Apparel Designer — 6-Month Contract

Utopia Brands

Dallas (TX)

On-site

USD 30,000 - 47,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Utopia Brands is seeking a creative, trend-driven Apparel Designer to join the Product Development team in Dallas on a 6-month, extendable contract (1099). Recent graduates or designers with up to 1 year of experience will collaborate across Product Development and Merchandising to turn emerging trends into commercially viable collections for the U.S.

market. You’ll research trends, develop mood boards and color stories, create sketches and CADs, and contribute from ideation through production

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Design, or related field preferred.
Recent graduate or up to 1 year of apparel design experience.
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Strong understanding of garment construction, textiles, fabric properties, and apparel manufacturing.
Excellent sketching, illustration, and presentation skills.
Active user of social media and e-commerce platforms, with an understanding of digital shopping behaviors.
Tech-savvy, curious, and eager to adopt new technologies and AI tools.
Strong communication, collaboration, organizational, and time management skills.
Experience with CLO 3D, Browzwear, or other 3D apparel design software is a plus.
Portfolio showcasing apparel design projects, technical illustrations, and creative thinking is a plus.

Responsibilities

Research global fashion trends, color palettes, silhouettes, fabrics, trims, prints, and consumer preferences.
Monitor social media, influencers, and e-commerce to identify product opportunities.
Develop mood boards, trend presentations, color stories, and design concepts for seasonal collections.
Create apparel sketches, technical illustrations (CADs), and detailed tech packs.
Collaborate with Product Development and Merchandising to move concepts from ideation to production.
Conduct market research to identify whitespace and product innovation opportunities.
Participate in product reviews, fittings, and sample evaluations; revise accordingly.
Maintain organized design files, specifications, and documentation throughout development.
Stay informed on emerging technologies and AI-powered design tools.