Womenswear Designer

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Sahara London, a captivating fashion brand that effortlessly blends style, comfort, and individuality, stands as a testament to the creative vision and unwavering passion of its founder, Suzy Coppersmith-Heaven. With an emphasis on crafting garments that celebrate diverse body types and embrace the essence of each wearer, Sahara London has become a go-to destination for those seeking elegant, contemporary fashion with a unique twist.

At the heart of Sahara's philosophy lies a commitment to designing clothing that transcends fleeting trends, instead focusing on timeless pieces that can be cherished season after season. Drawing inspiration from a myriad of cultural influences, Suzy and her talented team collaborate to create collections that are as visually stunning as they are comfortable.

Sahara London garments boast an exquisite attention to detail, with intricate patterns, artful draping, and expert tailoring that beautifully accentuate the natural curves and contours of the body. Each design showcases a harmonious fusion of luxurious fabrics, carefully selected for their superior quality, durability, and breathability. From sumptuous silks to soft, organic cottons, the materials used in Sahara's creations ensure a luxurious and indulgent wearing experience.

Diversity and inclusivity are woven into the very fabric of Sahara London. Suzy's passion for celebrating individuality is reflected in the brand's extensive size range, accommodating a wide spectrum of body shapes and sizes. With a belief that fashion should empower, inspire, and embrace every woman, Sahara London is dedicated to fostering confidence and self-expression through its versatile designs.

Beyond its commitment to fashion, Sahara London also holds sustainability as a core value. Mindful of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, the brand places a strong emphasis on ethical practices and responsible sourcing. From minimizing waste during production to supporting fair trade initiatives, Sahara London actively strives to create a positive and lasting impact on both the planet and the communities it serves.

With its distinctive blend of contemporary elegance, inclusivity, and sustainability, Sahara London has carved a unique niche in the fashion landscape. From the discerning fashion enthusiast to the modern woman seeking comfort and style, Sahara London offers a sartorial haven where individuality is celebrated and timeless fashion takes centre stage.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Designer will work on product strategy, development, and design of the brand’s core collections. The role involves designing new collections each season and producing hand-drawn sketches to present to the Creative Director for range selection. The Designer will also be responsible for researching trends, identifying new product areas, and analysing product performance.

Main responsibilities of the role
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Conceptualise and develop design collections in line with the brand's sustainable vision and aesthetic.
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Conduct thorough research to identify current fashion trends, market demands, and sustainable materials and processes.
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Create sketches, technical drawings, and mood boards to effectively communicate design ideas and concepts.
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Collaborate with the design team, patternmakers, and production staff to ensure the feasibility of designs and manage the production process.
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Stay up-to-date with emerging sustainable fashion practices, materials, and technologies.
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Work closely with the Creative Director and Head of Design to translate brand concepts into innovative design solutions.
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Present design ideas and concepts to internal stakeholders, including the Creative Director, Marketing team, and Production team.
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Participate in fittings, provide feedback, and make necessary adjustments to prototypes and samples.
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Maintain accurate design documentation, including tech packs, measurements, and specifications.
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Oversee the development of prints, patterns, and embellishments along with the print designer, that align with the brand's sustainability goals.
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Collaborate with external suppliers and manufacturers to ensure the quality and sustainability of materials and processes.
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Mentor and provide guidance to junior members of the design team, fostering their professional growth.

Experience and Skills required
The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years’ experience designing womenswear collections and possess exceptional technical knowledge. They should also have a keen eye for trends and a deep interest in global fashion, as well as knowledge of different fabric dying techniques and excellent knowledge of body measures to populate spec sheets. The candidate should also be able to multitask and work well under pressure to ensure deadlines are met.

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Must be skilled with computer systems, especially InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, and MS Office
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Understand the Sahara brand and be passionate about the style
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Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field. A master's degree is a plus.
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Proven experience (7+ years) as a fashion designer in a womenswear fashion brand.
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Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design work, emphasizing sustainable practices and aesthetics.
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Proficiency in design software such as InDesign and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and CAD software.
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Good understanding of sustainable fashion practices, including knowledge of sustainable materials, ethical production processes, and circular design principles.
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Excellent knowledge of garment construction, fit, and manufacturing techniques.
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Strong trend analysis and research skills to stay informed about the latest fashion trends, sustainable practices, and consumer preferences.
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Ability to translate conceptual ideas into well-executed designs, incorporating sustainable elements.
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Detail-oriented mindset with a strong sense of craftsmanship and quality.
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Excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively convey design concepts and ideas.
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Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
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Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
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Knowledge of garment production and ability to collaborate with patternmakers and manufacturers.
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Flexibility and adaptability to evolving design trends and brand directions.
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Passion for sustainability and dedication to promoting environmentally responsible fashion practices.

Employee Benefits
A competitive salary
30 days holiday allowance rising to 32 after a year's service
Discretionary annual bonus, where company performance allows
Access to exclusive perks and discounts via Perkbox The company promotes a friendly, non-corporate environment and is always looking for like-minded individuals to join their fun, creative, and ethical journey.