Free People Assistant Designer - Knits

Free People•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

Free People is seeking an Assistant Designer, We The Free Knits knits to support the Senior Designer in the monthly and seasonal development of private label knit product for the Free People customer. This role helps facilitate the full design and development process, from concept research and sketching through development packages, communication with vendors, sample tracking, and system updates. The ideal candidate is highly organized, creatively curious, detail-oriented, and eager to build a strong foundation in knitwear and cut-and-sew knit product development.

Requirements

1-2 Years industry experience preferred.
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across Design, Merchandising, Production, Technical Design, Raw Materials, and Sourcing teams.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and follow through on time-sensitive development tasks.
Strong creative eye and understanding of the Free People customer, with an interest in trend, vintage, styling, color, fabric, and cultural direction.
Foundational knowledge of knit apparel construction, cut-and-sew knit development, fabric qualities, trims, washes, dyes, and garment finishes.
Ability to research and communicate seasonal trend direction, color direction, fabric/yarn innovation, and relevant market inspiration approximately 9–12 months ahead of season.
Ability to support creative, brand-right, and cost-conscious design solutions in response to business needs.
Strong sketching ability, including technical flats and computer-aided design communication.
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with Web PDM, PLM systems, or similar product development platforms preferred.
Collaborative team player with a proactive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to learn.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor degree in Fashion Design or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the monthly and seasonal development calendar in partnership with Design, Merchandising, Technical Design, Production, Raw Materials, and Sourcing teams.
Assist the Senior Designer with seasonal research, sketching, artwork development, fabric/yarn/trim exploration, and assigned design projects.
Support the creative development process through hands-on mock-ups, draping, pattern exploration, and prototype sample work as needed for milestone meetings.
Prepare accurate development packages, including sketches, style details, construction notes, materials, trims, artwork, color information, and relevant finishing details.
Create and maintain technical sketches, spec sheet set-ups, body details, and Tradestone/PLM updates with accuracy and timeliness.
Manage follow-up for proto samples, lab dips, trims, artwork, washes, dyes, embellishments, and other key development submits.
Communicate fit, construction, stitch, trim, and finishing details to Technical Design, vendors, and cross-functional partners in support of clear design execution.
Participate actively in weekly Design Flow meetings by taking notes, tracking outstanding items, and following up on next steps.
Maintain organized development tools, boards, archives, and sample areas to support a clear and efficient design process.