Freelance Sr. Designer (Soft Pieces)

Job Summary:

The Freelance Sr. Designer will concentrate on soft piece woven products under the direction of the Design Director. This role will be responsible for understanding and translating the DNA of Lafayette 148 through their design approach each season in collaboration with the full design team. This is an in-office position.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver seasonal soft piece designs (Dresses, Blouses and Skirts) that correlate with the design concept, balancing design and execution of commercial and directional design needs.
• Conduct in-depth seasonal research to maintain a high level of market relevance and develop clear seasonal design direction.
• Stay updated with the latest fashion trends, colors, fabrications, silhouettes, and innovations relevant to women’s soft dressing (dresses, blouses, skirts). Maintain a strong understanding of the brand’s aesthetic and ensure all designs align with its vision.
• Collaborate with the Design Director and broader design team to conceptualize and develop seasonal collections that align with brand strategy and market demands.
• Drive innovation through comprehensive research, including vintage references, runway analysis, competitive market research, and online trend exploration.
• Work closely with the technical team to create detailed tech packs and design specifications for prototypes and fittings, utilizing hand sketches and Adobe Illustrator.
• Participate in fit sessions to ensure garment construction, proportion, and finishing meet design and quality standards.
• Foster a collaborative, supportive, and creative team environment within the design department.
• Follow track and manage timelines to meet key milestones and delivery deadlines on all styles.

Desired Background:

• Minimum Bachelor's degree, preferably in a related field
• 5–10+ years of professional fashion design experience

Skills:

• In depth understanding of the Lafayette 148 NY brand DNA, ability to implement into design
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) and Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) experience a must
• Possess an elevated sense of style, aesthetic, and color and understand how to translate trends through the lens of the customer and DNA of brand
• Expert knowledge of silhouette, fit, fabrication, construction, color use, sewing techniques, and trim.
• Strong portfolio showcasing your creative and technical design skills.
• Proficiency in design software and tools like Adobe Creative Suite.
• Detail-oriented with a strong eye for aesthetics and quality.

Pay Range:

The base salary for this position is $8,000 - $12,000 monthly. Base pay offered may vary depending on skills, experience and location.