Free People Associate Designer - Slips and Body

Free People•Philadelphia, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Free People Intimates is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Associate Designer to join our Slips and Bodysuits category. In this role, you will be a key player in the design and development of our private label product, supporting the workflow from initial concept through the final production phase. You will partner closely with cross-functional teams and market vendors to deliver thoughtful designs, ensuring all product aligns with meeting deliverables and brand standards. Our Slips and Bodysuits focus on "worn-to-be-seen" layering pieces across cut-and-sew knits, wovens, lace, and seamless fabrications that embody the signature Free People handwriting. The ideal candidate for this roles lives for the details, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and possesses a strong creative point of view. We are looking for a designer who can seamlessly interpret global trends into compelling new products that move the business forward and speak directly to the Free People customer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design and 3–4 years of professional design experience in a fashion apparel brand.
Expertise in soft wovens and cut-and-sew knits is required; experience in intimates or foundations is a significant plus.
Advanced technical knowledge of garment construction, fit, and the specific characteristics of knit and woven fabrications.
Proficiency in draping, mocking, and sewing is essential for this role.
Excellent hand and computer sketching/CAD skills utilizing Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate.
Highly organized self-starter with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to manage multiple project deadlines simultaneously and meet deliverables.
Excellent communication skills and the agility to respond to new business objectives in a fast-paced environment.
Upbeat, positive attitude with a proactive approach to collaborative teamwork.
Proficient in Microsoft and Google platforms (Excel, PowerPoint, Slides, Sheets).
Elevated taste level with a keen eye for print, color, trend, and detail, and the ability to translate trends for the Free People customer.
Ability to work in-office 5 days a week.

Nice To Haves

Experience in intimates or foundations is a significant plus.
Experience with generative AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, PromeAI, Gemini AI) for creating original design ideas is a plus.

Responsibilities

Contribute to the design process by sketching new ideas, researching trends, and utilizing AI platforms (such as Midjourney/ Prome/ Gemini Ai) to execute original designs that support seasonal line plan needs.
Research and report on industry trend direction, color palettes, and fabric innovations that resonate with the Free People aesthetic and target customer while proactively sourcing materials from trend research that can be used for upcoming seasons.
Support presentations by bringing key ideas to life through hands-on sewing, draping, mocking, and postproduction CADing for the proto review stage.
Maintain and update key meeting sheets and line sheets to ensure accurate information is shared with cross-functional partners and to prevent product duplication.
Manage daily communication with cross-functional teams and market vendors regarding sourcing and development status to ensure product remains on track with the seasonal timeline.
Select and communicate trim colors and artwork colorways that feel unique and align with seasonal palettes, updating BOMs accordingly.
Oversee trim, wash, and artwork approvals, ensuring all submissions and TOP (Top of Production) samples meet brand quality standards, color standards, and original design intent.
Proactively ensure all sourcing and trim components are finalized and organized prior to key milestone meetings.
Build and maintain accurate spec sheets and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all private label and market developments, updating them immediately as changes occur.
Execute comprehensive design packs, including fabric placement charts, trim color cards, embroidery/embellishment layouts, and detailed tech packs at the initial development stage.
Attend fittings and process comments through detailed fit notes and photos for the team; spec all market development samples prior to fittings, cross-referencing to ensure samples meet tech pack specifications.