Free People: Designer - Dresses
Founded in 1984, Free People (www.FreePeople.com) is a boutique women’s fashion label that operates ecommerce, retail, and wholesale businesses. Free People is the fastest growing URBN brand and has a vibrant ecommerce platform including web, mobile and a newly released iPhone app. Free People is frequently recognized as an industry leader from a technical, creative and innovative perspective. Free People’s retail business includes over 80 boutique stores and its Wholesale business includes over 1,400 specialty boutiques and department stores across the globe. Free People is an inspiring shopping experience for the stylish, confident, and curious young woman who appreciates our distinctive assortment of apparel and accessories.
Title Designer - Dresses Reports to Senior Designer Overview The Free People Designer’s main goal is to create and execute designs that represent the unique style of the Free People customer. Responsibilities
- Initiate and complete line plan requirements on a seasonal basis for Knits category
- Globally source and shop raw materials markets
- Find materials that are within budget guidelines, to develop
- Present materials to Design Director and Buyers and prepare for design meetings
- Design silhouettes and select trims and colors for approved materials
- Set-up spec sheets for all chosen silhouettes
- Communicate construction details to Production Manager and Vendors
- Create and complete technical sketches for all silhouettes to be developed
- Travel to factories for development and execution of programs
- Attend follow-up meetings for all products and/or train Design Assistant to fulfill this responsibility
- Communicate any changes with Production department
- Attend all design meetings for pertinent product
- Report status of all projects and issues to Production Manager on a daily basis to ensure all product deadlines are met
- Supervise Design Assistant on a daily basis to support your workload
- Motivate and encourage them to be creative and to facilitate your needs
- Delegate the routine job requirements to free up more time for the creative aspect of your job responsibilities.
Qualifications
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate with partners in Merchandising, Production, and Free People Design
- Ability to successfully work in a team environment
- Ability to respond to business objectives with creative, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions
- Ability to research and report on industry trend direction, color direction, and fabric innovations approximately 9-12 months ahead of season
- Ability to recognize and accurately forecast fashion and cultural trends as they relate to the Free People target customer
- Ability to sketch or to communicate design ideas via computer program.
Education A Bachelors degree is expected. Location Philadelphia, PA