Knitwear Designer

Dion Lee is a unisex designer brand, based in New York City. The Dion Lee aesthetic is technical with an intelligent sensuality. Each collection marries innovative construction, with a consciousness of the form. Textiles are engineered to form sculptural embellishments. We are looking for a Knitwear Designer to join our New York design team, working closely with the Creative Director, Designers and Development team across seasonal and runway collections.  

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the knitwear design and development process, from concept inception, finalization and hand over to production
• Extensively research creative ideas, newness and innovations in knitwear and yarns and propose concepts for each season
• Source yarns and trims relevant to creative brief, seasonality, and price point
• Action lab-dips and relevant raw materials orders
• Design and develop knit stitches, construction swatches and knit concepts
• Design knitwear range in line with creative direction and merchandising plan to ensure brand aesthetic and commercial goals are aligned
• Create knit tech packs and specifications as well as technical diagrams and sketches
• Conduct fittings with Design team and communicate fit/design changes to factory
• Daily communication with factories and mills to ensure correct execution and timely delivery of samples
• Workshop solutions and negotiate with factories to reach target price and margin
• Review of bulk swatch submits and PP samples for approval
• Organize and maintain knit samples, swatches and yarn card
• Collaborate with Design and Production team cross-functionally  
• Recruit and manage department interns  

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Advanced technical knowledge of knitwear construction and materials 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign
• Ability to present strong critical thinking skills in order to appropriately problem-solve design decisions
• Advanced visual and written communication skills with attention to detail
• Ability to think creatively, strategically, and technically
• Motivated self-starter, able to work independently with a high level of initiative and time management
• Must be a team player, open to taking direction, and able to work well under pressure
• Commitment to learning and continuous development

Please include your portfolio with your CV. Short listed applicants will be required to submit a design project as part of the interview process.