Fashion Designer Wovens

JOB TITLE: Wovens Senior Designer

REPORTS TO: Head of Wovens

JOB TYPE: Full Time, Permanent

LOCATION: Kew Gardens

ROLE PURPOSE:

We are looking for a highly creative Womenswear Designer who is versatile and strong in outwear & tailoring, who can also think out of the box. You will have an elevated aesthetic and experience in the premium & luxury sector. You will be responsible for designing stunning woven garments in collaboration with the product development and technical teams; driving the creative process working closely with the Head of Wovens.

You will be a key contributor in building an innovative, sustainably sourced, commercially balanced range, consistently introducing fresh ideas to the product assortment and delivering a collection that is true to the Jigsaw design aesthetic

You will have a strong design identity, a high level of awareness of seasonal shows and knowledge of current and future trends, as well as a strong understanding of what customers want to see online and instore.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively with design, buying and pattern teams from concept to completion aligning on seasonal direction, trends, timelines and customer insights.
• Research seasonal theme and inspiration, fabric and colour concepts in collaboration with the Design team via fabric fairs, shopping and visual research, galleries etc.
• Developing design through sketching, draping on the stand and other creative mediums.
• Produce clear illustrations and technical sketches, communicating details of which to the pattern room in order to develop accurate first prototypes and creating specs/tech packs for factories.
• Work closely with Product Development, Garment Tech teams and Atelier, managing the shape development and fittings process making sure the critical path is adhered to.
• Participate in fittings with a high level of confidence, developing styles from sketch to sealing.
• Work closely with the Product Development team to ensure they are up to date on sketch development, passing correct tech packs and instructions for fabric and trim.
• Maintaining contact with external suppliers, visiting when necessary, and ensuring they have all relevant design information to make samples.
• Work on colour palettes and put lab dips into work in correct yarns and fabrics. Work on prints and trims for the collection in collaboration with the print designer.
• Maintaining awareness of market information influencing consumers and knowing the company best seller products in order to filter into the design process.
• Work with the broader design teams to ensure that there is a clear definition between the departments and that we offer true choice to the customer.
• Work with merchandising on planning the range in line with buy plan.
• Work with other members of the team to prepare line sheets for buy meetings with relevant information such as prices, lead times, minimum order quantity, surcharges etc.
• Preparation for presenting collections to the Creative Director and Merchandising teams at buy meetings and actioning any subsequent amendments.
• Input into copy for online selling, ensuring the marketing teams have all the correct product information.
• Check the Jigsaw website and flag any product information or description discrepancies.
• Regular visits to Jigsaw stores and concessions to remain in touch with the shopping environment.
• General day to day administrative duties, archiving collection work, maintaining samples, keeping design boards and working space tidy.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduated from a Fashion Design BA course or MA course
• Significant experience in a womenswear designer role in the premium sector
• Highly creative and strong understanding of customer needs
• Excellent research skills
• Excellent technical hand drawing skills
• Expertise in working on the stand with drape and shape making
• A good technical knowledge of garment construction, fit and fabric
• Excellent sensitivity to fabrication, colour detail and proportion
• Strong grasp of sustainable fashion solutions, material innovation and product development
• Ability to work well in a fast paced and creative environment
• Good knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Microsoft Office suite
• Written and oral fluency in English

BEHAVIOURS FOR SUCCESS

• The successful candidate should be self-motivated, organised be able to work independently within a fast-paced creative team environment and have a good understanding of the brand’s aesthetic.
• Excellent communication skills with an organised and structured approach.
• High work ethic, good time management skills
• Work to deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Champion of the business and brand aesthetic

ON APPLICATION PLEASE INCLUDE: CV and Portfolio including examples of your work