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- Tasks: Lead design for leather goods and accessories, collaborating closely with the Chairman.
- Company: Aspinal of London is a luxury brand known for its craftsmanship and innovative designs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a creative work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a small, dynamic team and make a real impact on exciting new collections.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in accessories design, with a degree in Fashion or Accessories Design.
- Other info: Office attendance required 4 days a week; maternity cover role with leadership responsibilities.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Aspinal of London are looking for a Senior Designer to lead the leather goods and accessories category, including bag styles, hardware, leather sourcing, and seasonal colour development, as well as soft accessories, hard accessories, jewellery, new categories as planned and agreed, belts, hats etc. You will take leadership of designing and developing new styles and collections within this category. The role involves close day-to-day design collaboration directly with the Chairman and the Product & Supply Director. You will drive design and work with our head of product development through to the manufacturing stage, contributing where you can to sourcing and manufacturing at which point responsibility will be handed over to the wider team.
This is an amazing opportunity to join a small team based in West Sussex. We have a Designer Manager going on Maternity leave in September. This role will lead the team in her absence.
This role will require attendance in the office at least 4 days per week
Accountable For
- Supporting the creation of seasonal concept and colour
- Creation of new ideas and raw materials
- Creation of designs and CADs to enable ideas to be delivered as a physical prototype
- Reviewing range plan and ensuring that all options are required to margin
- Creating Design Packs and specs for new ideas as briefed in pipeline
- Supporting Product Development in critique, construction and problem solving
- Managing the Design critical path ensuring that all key dates are delivered
Creative themes and Concepts
- Support and deliver the seasonal story theme as provided by Chairman and Creative team.
- Colour, trend and product research. Be able to present a focused overview of relevant trend information from online, catwalks, social media, street trends etc
- Ensuring the creative theme is issued to key Stakeholders and collated on electronic format
- Manage the creation of the concept boards for theme, colour, and product
- Constantly evolve method of craftsmanship on all Aspinal of London product to ensure AOL is a leader in all areas of craftsmanship construction and raw materials
- Question and review all continuity concepts for Aspinal of London heritage products and deliver new ideas and concepts
Design Function
- Present and receive direction at the pipeline meetings for new designs, ensuring price point and raw materials are considered
- Approve all Design Teams CADs and design packs
- Research and understand new raw materials in the marketplace ensuring new leathers and hardware are researched
- Research all new trends in the marketplace and present ideas relevant to the brand
- Work closely with the Chairman on scarf designs and handover to PD to action
- Visit the Flagship store monthly to understand customer need and gain retail feedback
Raw Materials
- Support the Product Director in researching new raw materials, colours, treatments and hardware
- Support the Product Development Team in the development of new hardware and ensure it is fit for purpose
- Ensure wearer trials are actioned and reviewed of any new raw material
Product Creation
- Initiate a smooth handover of the technical drawings to PD, ensuring all information is accurate and design is clearly explained
- Cover off all new areas in hard and soft accessories – Hats , Support of Jewellery and hard gifts , Scarves , belts , hats , socks, Hard keyrings , Homeware
- Produce high quality, accurate design specifications and technical information on Adobe Ai, including to Scale CADs for 1st prototypes, 2nd prototypes and confirmed styles
- Have prior experience and knowledge of the technical aspects and construction of product
- Knowledgeable on all aspects of leather, fabric and metalware.
- Lead the Design to PD Handover meetings on all non-product actions, ensuring all action points are passed over to PD to action
- Work through with the supplier and the PD manager in amending design where necessary and problem-solving, offering solutions to make the bag fit for purpose and meeting the brand DNA
- Work with the PD Manager on reviewing and critiquing new development samples
- Working product into cost, suggesting alternatives in construction, raw materials and supply base
- Deliver knowledge on construction and methods of manufacture
Chairman Creative Meeting, Friday
- Ensure that the seasonal collection styles that are selected from pipeline and are developed in time for the season drop
- Support and develop Design ideas in all areas
- Support on design off all collab and special projects
- Manage the meeting notes out to all stakeholders
- Managing all samples that are in the design remit and ensure they don’t leave the building
Prototype Management
- Support the PD team in ensuring that Teams calls are completed to review new designs with the supply base
- Manage any new samples handed from PD, ensuring they are organised and able to be located
- Check all prototypes for construction with the PD team, ensuring design intended is delivered and costs are presented from PD
Range Building
- Support the Product Director in the building of the collection according to the business needs
- Review and analyse sales information to ensure that collection developed meets the business needs
- Support in the creation of seasonal boards for delivery of the collection to key stakeholders
- Ensure that pipeline products are ready, according to the business timeline, to be dropped into the seasonal collection
Compentencies
- Confident using Excel, Design packages
- 3D design capabilities and hand sketching
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Able to conduct supplier meetings
- Personal time management and prioritisation
- Creative and commercial eye
- Demonstrate in-depth market knowledge of the current competitive and inspirational marketplace
- Strong communication skills with Aspinal team departments as well as suppliers
- Attention to detail
- Strong work ethic
- Confidentiality
- Excellent presentation skills both visual and verbal
- An experienced Accessories Designer with a minimum of 5 years in role experience
- Fashion or Accessories Design Qualification to Degree level
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Aspinal of London handwriting, brand DNA and our core/target customer
- Highly knowledgeable in colour, leather/ fabric direction and innovation
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Senior Designer employer: Aspinal of London Limited
Contact Detail:
Aspinal of London Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Aspinal of London's brand DNA and handwriting. Understanding their aesthetic will help you align your design ideas with their vision, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the fashion and accessories industry, especially with professionals who have experience in leather goods. Attend relevant events or workshops to make connections that could lead to insights about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current trends in leather goods and accessories by following fashion blogs, social media influencers, and attending trade shows. This knowledge will be invaluable during interviews when discussing your design concepts.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous design projects in detail, focusing on your leadership experience and collaboration with teams. Highlight how you've successfully managed design processes from concept to production.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in accessories design, particularly in leather goods. Emphasise your leadership skills and any previous roles where you collaborated closely with senior management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the brand and its heritage. Discuss how your design philosophy aligns with Aspinal of London's values and how you can contribute to their seasonal collections.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a portfolio that demonstrates your design capabilities, especially in leather goods and accessories. Highlight specific projects that showcase your creativity, technical skills, and understanding of market trends.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Mention your proficiency in design software like Adobe Illustrator and any experience with 3D design. Also, emphasise your ability to conduct market research and present trend analyses that could benefit the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspinal of London Limited
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Include a variety of projects that demonstrate your skills in leather goods, accessories, and any relevant categories mentioned in the job description.
✨Understand Aspinal's Brand DNA
Research Aspinal of London thoroughly before the interview. Familiarise yourself with their products, brand values, and target customers to show that you understand their aesthetic and can contribute to their vision.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and design software. The role requires a strong understanding of leather and fabric, so be prepared to talk about your experience with these materials.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team in the absence of the Designer Manager, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed projects or teams in the past.