Designer

Role Overview

• Develop original designs and mock-ups for woven tops, researching current fashion trends and translating them into the Free People customer.
• Create detailed sketches and tech packs using Adobe Illustrator/Procreate for monthly design packages.
• Collaborate with Design Directors on monthly collections, managing trim sourcing, BOM updates, and sample tracking.
• Utilize in-depth knowledge of woven fabrications (soft to structured) to design innovative silhouettes, prints, and embellishments.
• Coordinate with vendors and cross-functional teams (production, buying, tech design) to ensure accurate, timely product execution.
• Partner with the Assistant Design Director to shape and present monthly trend concepts, seasonal narratives, and new design opportunities for the category.
• Take ownership of assigned design projects, driving creative development with initiative, strong aesthetic judgment, and disciplined follow-through.
• Generate original, brand-right concepts through sketching, research, and visual storytelling using Procreate, Adobe Creative Suite, and AI-based creative tools.
• Own all technical sketch development for monthly design packages, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely updates throughout each phase of development.
• Manage the execution of design packages for assigned styles in close partnership with the Design Coordinator and Product Development team, supporting a smooth and informed development process.
• Contribute to trim development, BOM refinement, and detail execution to help elevate product and preserve design intent through sampling and production.
• Clearly communicate fit, construction, and design changes to cross-functional partners, including managing weekly fit recaps and escalating key changes when needed.
• Play an active role in Design Flow meetings by identifying open issues, aligning on next steps, and helping move work forward with accountability.
• Bring forward meaningful research on trend, color, fabric, and innovation to support category development and strengthen the overall design vision.
• Use draping, sewn mocks, hand sketching, and digital tools to communicate ideas effectively and bring design concepts to life for key reviews and presentations.
• Contribute to a highly collaborative team environment by preparing proactively for meetings, supporting deadlines, and helping drive creative excellence across the category.
• Operate with agility and a strong creative point of view in a fast-paced environment, responding thoughtfully to shifting priorities and business opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant industry experience preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant industry experience in women’s apparel design preferred.
• Strong understanding of Free People's brand DNA and passion for exploring newness and pushing boundaries in apparel design.
• Demonstrated ability to forecast and interpret emerging fashion, cultural, and consumer trends, translating insights into relevant and inspiring category direction for the Free People customer.
• Fashion Design Portfolio that demonstrates the ability to create original, brand-right concepts through sketching, research, and visual storytelling using Procreate, Adobe Creative Suite, and AI-based creative tools.
• Strong understanding of soft woven apparel construction and design principles.
• Based in Philadelphia, PA, with the ability to work on-site at the Navy Yard 3–5 days per week.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• PTO
• generous employee discounts
• retirement savings and much more!