Free People Associate Designer - Denim

Free People•Philadelphia, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Free People is seeking an Associate Designer- Denim. At Free People our Associate Denim Designer plays a key role in supporting the design process from initial concept through final production. This role will work closely with the team to help bring our collections to life. It’s an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about Denim, pushing boundaries in design and is eager to contribute to the ongoing development of Free People’s denim business.

Requirements

Bachelor Degree in Apparel Design and 4+ years professional design experience specific to denim, woven or related category.
Ability to collaborate with our team in person 3-5 days per week at our World Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA.
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, managing up when needed.
Ability to respond to business objectives with creative, innovative, and cost-effective design solutions.
Strong knowledge and professional experience in denim and woven apparel construction, fabric treatments as well as wash and dye techniques.
Extensive knowledge of woven manufacturing techniques and processes.
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, Ai knowlege/experience is a plus!
Ability to clearly communicate to overseas vendors.

Nice To Haves

Ai knowlege/experience is a plus!

Responsibilities

Develop original designs in denim, researching current fashion trends and translating them into new designs for the Free People customer.
Create detailed sketches and tech packs using Adobe Illustrator/Procreate for monthly design packages.
Collaborate on monthly collections, managing trim sourcing, BOM updates, and sample tracking.
Utilize knowledge of denim washes, treatments, details and construction to design innovative silhouettes, details and styles found Only At Free People.
Coordinate with vendors and cross-functional teams (production, buying, tech design) to ensure accurate, timely product execution.
Contributes to the design and development of denim wholesale and retail assortment in collaboration with Designer & Design Director
Support seasonal development calendar in partnership with designer/buyers/technical designers/production
Execute specific design development projects as assigned by the designer
Prepare development packages and participate in all communication and follow up related to each package in partnership with the Design Coordinator. Responsible for updating category styles in web PDM.
Manage development and execution of trim and artwork packages.
Set up spec sheets for all bodies. Communicate fit and construction details to Technical Design department. Complete all technical sketches for domestic and overseas programs.
Maintain an active role in the weekly Design Flow Meeting. Take notes and follow up on all outstanding issues.