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- Tasks: Lead the design of luxury leather goods and accessories, from concept to prototype.
- Company: Join Aspinal of London, a prestigious brand known for craftsmanship and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunity to influence high-end fashion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of luxury accessories while collaborating with top industry leaders.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in accessories design and a degree in Fashion or Accessories Design.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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 who has just gone on maternity leave. This role will lead the team in her absence and work together upon her return.
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
Contact Detail:
Aspinal of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend design events, and engage with fellow creatives on social media. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or collaborations.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, bring it along and be ready to discuss your design process and inspirations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their brand DNA and be ready to share how your design vision aligns with theirs. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely interested in them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Don’t miss out on that opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Design Skills: Make sure to highlight your design experience and showcase your portfolio. We want to see your creativity and how you approach different projects, especially in leather goods and accessories.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Designer role. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do at Aspinal of London.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Make sure to include all relevant details without rambling on!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspinal of London
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of leather, fabrics, and metalware. Be ready to discuss your experience with different materials and how they can be used in innovative ways. This will show that you understand the technical aspects of design and can contribute meaningfully to the team.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with Aspinal of London's aesthetic. Include designs that demonstrate your ability to create seasonal concepts and colour palettes. Be ready to explain your creative process and how you approach design challenges.
✨Research the Brand
Familiarise yourself with Aspinal of London's heritage and current product lines. Understand their brand DNA and target customer. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
Since this role involves close collaboration with the Chairman and Product & Supply Director, think about examples from your past where you've successfully worked in a team. Be ready to discuss how you handle feedback and adapt your designs based on input from others.