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What does a fashion designer do?

Fashion designers conceptualise, design, and develop apparel, accessories, and footwear collections that align with market trends and consumer preferences by blending creativity with technical expertise. They develop concepts, sketch designs, select fabrics, and oversee production processes, bringing their visions to life.

Fashion designers must stay ahead of trends, understand consumer preferences, and collaborate with textile manufacturers, pattern makers, and marketing teams. They work in various sectors, including high fashion, ready-to-wear, sportswear, and sustainable fashion.

Beyond creativity, fashion designers manage textile selection, oversee production, and collaborate with manufacturers to maintain quality and cost efficiency. They work closely with merchandising and marketing teams to ensure collections align with brand positioning and consumer demand.

In India’s dynamic fashion industry, the role of fashion designers is crucial in merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styles, ensuring brands stay competitive. Whether designing for luxury brands, retail collections, or custom couture, fashion designers play a key role in shaping style and innovation in the industry.

Job description: Template

We’re seeking a creative fashion designer to join our team at [Company X].

In this role, you will conceptualise, design, and develop clothing, accessories, or footwear that align with current market trends and brand identity. You will work closely with the production team, suppliers, and marketing professionals to create collections that align with brand identity and market demand. The ideal candidate has a strong sense of style, trend analysis abilities, and technical skills in garment construction and textile selection.

If you have a passion for fashion, a keen eye for trends, and excellent design aesthetics, we want to hear from you!

We offer an attractive remuneration package with a collaborative work environment, professional growth opportunities, and employee benefits like health insurance, flexible work arrangements, and continuous learning programs.

Objectives of the role

  • Researching and forecasting fashion trends, fabrics, and colours to develop innovative designs for upcoming collections.
  • Creating creative design concepts, sketches, mood boards, digital fashion illustrations, and technical drawings for collections.
  • Selecting appropriate fabrics, materials, textiles, and trims for production based on design aesthetics and functionality.
  • Working closely with pattern makers, tailors, manufacturers, and garment technologists to ensure accurate fitting and quality execution.
  • Creating and refining patterns, sampling, prototypes, and modifications with manufacturers to meet design specifications.
  • Adapting designs based on customer feedback, market response, and brand strategy.
  • Ensuring compliance with sustainable fashion practices and ethical sourcing.
  • Collaborating with the merchandising and marketing team for campaign visuals, lookbooks, and promotions to launch new collections.

Your tasks

  • Develop seasonal fashion collections, capsule collections, or custom designs based on brand positioning, target audience, and market trends.
  • Translate design ideas into technical specifications and production-ready formats.
  • Monitor the production process and ensure high-quality standards.
  • Work with 3D fashion design software and digital prototyping tools.
  • Innovate with textile manipulation, draping, and garment construction techniques.
  • Work with suppliers to source sustainable and cost-effective materials.
  • Present design concepts to internal teams, buyers, or investors.
  • Adapt designs for mass production or custom orders.
  • Collaborate with photographers, models, and stylists for photoshoots.
  • Manage production timelines, budgets, and quality control.
  • Stay updated with fashion shows, pop culture, and consumer preferences.
  • Keep up with evolving fashion technology, such as 3D design software and digital prototyping.

Required skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in fashion design, garment production, fashion styling, or textile selection, with a demonstrable portfolio showcasing past collections or design projects.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and fashion CAD software.
  • Strong sketching, draping, and pattern-making skills.
  • Knowledge of textile properties, garment construction, and fabric sourcing.
  • Understanding of production processes, including cutting, sewing, and finishing.
  • Ability to interpret trends and translate them into commercial designs.
  • Strong creativity and artistic vision with attention to detail and trend analysis abilities.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration with suppliers and teams.
  • Business acumen and knowledge of fashion merchandising and branding.
  • Good time management and multitasking abilities to work under tight deadlines.

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Advanced knowledge of textile design and fabric properties.
  • Experience in fashion merchandising for luxury, streetwear, or sustainable fashion.
  • Familiarity with fashion e-commerce and digital clothing design.
  • Knowledge of fashion marketing and business strategies.
  • Network of industry contacts, including suppliers and artisans.
  • Familiarity with 3D design tools like CLO3D or Browzwear.
  • Knowledge of fashion supply chains, ethical sourcing, and sustainability practices.
  • Understanding of Indian textile heritage and traditional embroidery techniques.