Free People Assistant Designer- Dresses
Role Summary:
Free People is seeking an Assistant Designer, to play a key role in supporting the design process, from initial concept to final production, working closely with the Senior designer and Design Director to bring our collections to life. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about fashion and eager to contribute to the development of Free People Dress collections.The Assistant Designer Dresses will actively participate in helping to design seasonal collections, sewing/ mocking original ideas for key meetings, as well as support the team with any design related tasks.
The Free People Dress category touches several fabrications and aesthetics. A successful candidate will have a good understanding across fabrications base and construction and will be first and foremost passionate about designing dresses!
Role Responsibilities:
- Assist in creating product that represents the unique style of the Free People customer within Dresses, Sets and One-pieces range
- Execute specific design development projects as assigned by the Senior Designer & Design Director.
- Assist in completing technical sketches for monthly design packages – as well as manage all sketch updates when needed.
- Assist with trim sourcing, BOM updates and helping the team as needed during the development process.
- Prepare design development packages and participate in all follow-up communication of all design packages related to each style in partnership with the Design Coordinator & Product Development team.
- Support communicating fit and construction details to cross-functional partners by managing weekly fit notes recap. Help alert Design Coordinator & Product Development team of any major changes made during fit and facilitate follow up conversations when needed.
- Maintain an active role in the weekly Design Flow Meetings. Take notes and follow up on all outstanding issues upon aligning w/ manager.
- Participate in monthly research on industry trend direction that can relate to the Free People target customer.
- Execute original design ideas through draped & sewn mocks as well as hand sketches to communicate design’s vision for key meetings with the support of the Senior Designer alongside collaborating with the larger Dresses team.
- Help support seasonal development calendar for both Retail & Whls deliveries across Dresses category.
- Bring creative contribution to the design process including sketching new ideas with the help of procreate and Adobe programs (Illustrator, Photoshop), researching new trends and ideas as well as utilizing ai platforms to increase creative research (such as MidJourney).
- Collaborate closely and proactively with wider design team to help prepare upcoming meetings to help achieve design deadlines.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment, constantly pushing new ideas, concepts as well as agility to respond to new business objectives and adapt accordingly.
Role Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design with 1-3 years professional experience preferred.
- Creative & Trend Vision:
- Creativity is a must! Strong sense and understanding of Fashion Trends and how it could translate to the Free People customer. Ability to identify new trends and how those can relate to dresses category.
- Excellent technical, hand sketching and CAD skills in Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator.
- Ai knowledge/experience would be a plus!
- Fabric/Sewing knowledge:
- Ability to drape, mock and sewing skills are a must.
- Knowledge of garment construction is key.
- Soft Skills:
- Strong sense of organizational skills as well as passionate of fast speed environment.
- Proactive with the ability to function independently as well as in a team-based environment.
- Great attention to detail and understanding of sense of urgency and deadlines.
- Upbeat, positive attitude, great team player and ability to be flexible.
- Proficient in Microsoft platforms (Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Outlook).
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.