Description:
The Design Director will lead the Design Studio while collaborating across Product Development, Atelier, Production, Merchandising and Commercial teams to deliver exceptional collections from concept through to production.
The Role
- Partner with the Founder & Creative Director to translate seasonal creative direction into cohesive luxury ready-to-wear collections.
- Lead the creative development of collections across multiple product categories, ensuring a balance of innovation, craftsmanship and commercial appeal.
- Drive design excellence through silhouette, fabrication, colour, print, detailing and garment construction.
- Ensure each collection reflects the brand's distinctive identity while evolving to meet the expectations of an international luxury customer.
- Contribute to the long-term creative vision, product strategy and growth of the brand.
- Oversee the complete design process from research and concept development through fittings, sampling and final approval.
- Develop seasonal collection architecture and support range planning across categories.
- Work closely with Product Development and Production teams to ensure collections are delivered on schedule and to exceptional quality standards.
- Collaborate on fabric sourcing, trim development and material innovation.
- Support the delivery of special projects including capsule collections, collaborations, bespoke commissions and VIP dressing opportunities.
- Partner with Merchandising and Commercial teams to create commercially successful collections while protecting the integrity of the brand.
- Contribute to category planning, product mix and pricing strategy.
- Lead, mentor and develop the Design Studio, fostering a collaborative, high-performing and creative environment.
- Refine studio processes and seasonal workflows to support efficiency and excellence.
- Build strong relationships across Design, Product Development, Atelier, Production, Marketing and Commercial functions.
Requirements
- Significant experience leading luxury ready-to-wear design within an established fashion brand.
- An exceptional portfolio demonstrating a complete luxury wardrobe across multiple product categories.
- Proven experience managing seasonal collections from initial concept through to production.
- Strong expertise in garment construction, luxury fabrication and product development.
- A highly creative mindset combined with strong commercial awareness.
- Experience working closely with founders, creative directors or senior leadership within a luxury fashion environment.
- Proven ability to lead, mentor and inspire high-performing design teams.
- Strong understanding of collection architecture, range planning and category development.
- Excellent organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience collaborating across cross-functional teams including Product Development, Atelier, Production, Merchandising and Commercial.
- The ability to thrive within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial and creatively driven luxury business.
- A passion for craftsmanship, innovation and creating exceptional luxury products for a global customer.