At a Glance
- Tasks: Research trends and design stunning soft woven collections that embody our brand's elegance.
- Company: Join the renowned Karen Millen, a leader in premium womenswear fashion.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, discounts, gym access, and a vibrant workplace culture.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team shaping the future of fashion with innovative designs.
- Qualifications: Design degree preferred; experience in soft wovens or embroidery is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Where Timeless Luxury Meets Modern Elegance. Born from a bold vision in 1981, Karen Millen began with just £100 and a passion for perfecting the classic white shirt. That same commitment to impeccable style, quality, and craftsmanship lives on today. Karen Millen is now a renowned premium womenswear brand, celebrated for flattering fits, meticulous design, and a dedication to detail that sets us apart. From elevated everyday essentials to timeless investment pieces, every piece is thoughtfully created for the modern woman, combining sophisticated design with enduring quality. Join us in shaping the future of fashion with a brand built on heritage, innovation, and exceptional design.
THE ROLE
As an Assistant Designer, you’ll play a key role in researching emerging trends and developing soft woven designs that reflect our brand’s identity. You’ll work closely with Senior Designers across the soft wovens category, contributing to seasonal collections with a particular focus on embellished and embroidered pieces. Previous experience as a Design Assistant ideally within wovens or surface design is essential, as you’ll be expected to bring a solid understanding of development processes, artwork creation, and product lifecycle management. A genuine passion for artisanal techniques, especially the rich textile craftsmanship of India, will help you flourish in this role.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Researching, developing, and designing soft woven ranges including seasonal silhouettes, colour palettes, fabrications, and crafted details.
- Creating and developing embellishment and embroidery concepts, including artwork packs, placement layouts, and trim direction.
- Bringing prior experience in managing fabric libraries, tracking samples, building range boards, and supporting design meetings.
- Preparing presentation materials, supporting photoshoot planning, and assisting with coordination across the design room.
- Responding to trade and sales insights to develop commercially relevant, design‑led product.
- Staying up to date with global craft and fashion trends—particularly textile traditions from India—and working with suppliers to translate these into thoughtful, elevated designs.
- Collaborating with the technical team on initial fittings and reviewing construction details.
- Building strong relationships with suppliers, guiding factories on craftsmanship, construction, materials, finishes, and trims.
We’re looking for someone who brings fresh ideas, challenges conventions, and thrives in a fast‑paced environment. Curiosity, creativity, and bravery are qualities we celebrate.
What We Are Looking For
- A design‑based degree is preferred, along with previous experience as a Design Assistant, ideally in soft wovens, embellishment, or embroidery.
- A supportive team player willing to go the extra mile during high‑pressure periods.
- Someone who identifies trends early and isn’t afraid to lead them.
- Confident working at pace, with a flexible and solution‑focused mindset.
- A genuine passion for textiles, craft, and the refined aesthetic of Karen Millen.
WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division. We don’t stand still – we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible. We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast‑moving, high‑growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact. Be bold. Be creative. Be a community.
WHY JOIN US
2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group. Let’s lead the change together.
Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance.
- Access to an on‑site gym (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes.
- 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams.
- A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle.
- Some of our offices are dog‑friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression.
- On‑site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily.
- Free season ticket loan.
Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries: Retail Apparel and Fashion Technology, Information and Internet.
Assistant Designer employer: Karen Millen
At Karen Millen, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our ongoing learning and development opportunities, alongside a highly competitive benefits package that includes bonuses, private medical cover, and discounts across all brands. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your creativity can flourish and make a real impact in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Designer
✨Get Down to the Fashion Events
Dive headfirst into local fashion shows, trade fairs, and networking events. These are golden opportunities to meet industry pros and showcase your passion for the industry in person. Plus, it gives you the chance to chat about potential roles at places like Karen Millen!
✨Join Fashion-Focused Communities
Become a part of online fashion communities on platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Participate in discussions and share your insights on trends or your personal style journey. It’s a great way to get noticed by brands looking to fill positions, including Karen Millen.
✨Craft a Rock-Solid Portfolio
Since you're aiming for a full-time gig, your portfolio should reflect not just your best work but also your personality. Whether it’s lookbooks, design sketches, or styling projects, make sure it screams 'you' and includes a bit about why you’d be a perfect fit for Karen Millen.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re fresh out of university, don’t underestimate your career services. They often have partnerships with fashion companies for internships and entry-level roles. Use this to your advantage and connect with them to find any openings at Karen Millen!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Style:In the fashion-apparel industry, your personal style and understanding of current trends are crucial. Make sure your CV and cover letter reflect your unique fashion sense – use visuals if you can and highlight any fashion-related experiences or projects that show off your flair!
Highlight Relevant Experience:When you're applying for a full-time role, be sure to focus on any past roles or internships in fashion that’ve honed your skills. Whether that's working in retail, fashion design, or marketing, quantify your achievements and show how they relate to the role at Karen Millen.
Include a Strong Portfolio:An impressive portfolio is key in fashion! Make sure to include a link to your online portfolio in your CV, showcasing your best work, be it designs, campaigns, or styling projects. This is your chance to let your creativity shine and demonstrate your abilities to Karen Millen!
Craft a Standout Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to weave in your passion for fashion and the specific reasons you want to work at Karen Millen. Share your vision of how you'd contribute to their brand and why you're excited about their work. Tailoring this will make you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karen Millen
✨Showcase Your Style Portfolio
For a role in the fashion-apparel industry, having a well-curated portfolio is essential. Ensure you include your best work that reflects your style and creativity, whether it's sketches, lookbooks, or completed designs. Be ready to discuss your design process and the inspirations behind your pieces!
✨Know the Latest Trends and Brands
Being well-versed in current fashion trends and influential brands can give you a leg up in the interview. Get familiar with what’s trending in the market and know your competitors. This shows your passion for the industry and helps you connect your work experience to current fashion trajectories.
✨Demonstrate Your Collaboration Skills
In a full-time fashion role, collaboration is key, whether you’re working with designers, marketers, or suppliers. Be prepared to share experiences where you successfully worked as part of a team or navigated challenges with colleagues. This will highlight your ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Dress the Part
This might sound obvious, but in fashion, how you present yourself is part of your brand. Wear something that represents your personal style while still aligning with the company’s aesthetic. It’s a great way to show you understand the industry's essence and can embody the brand’s image!
