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- Tasks: Lead the design of contemporary soft woven collections, focusing on embellishment and embroidery.
- Company: Join Debenhams Group, a dynamic brand transforming retail with innovation and creativity.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, private medical cover, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Why this job: Shape the future of fashion in a fast-paced, collaborative environment that values your creativity.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion Design and significant experience in soft wovens or occasionwear required.
- Other info: Embrace change and make an impact in a thriving workplace that values diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.
We are looking to hire an experienced Senior Designer for Soft Wovens, Embellishment & Embroidery to play a key role in shaping Karen Millen’s contemporary, elevated collections across occasionwear and premium daywear. This role will be based out of our central London office.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Following a period of structural change, brand repositioning, and workforce transformation, this role will drive the creative development of soft woven categories including dresses, blouses and crafted separates, with a strong focus on embellishment, embroidery and artisanal surface design.
- You will combine a strong design handwriting with commercial awareness, translating seasonal trends and customer insight into distinctive, desirable product that reflects the modern, sophisticated Karen Millen aesthetic.
- We are looking for a designer who is adaptable in their creative approach, able to move confidently between highly crafted statement pieces and a cleaner, more refined product handwriting.
- You will approach design from a collection perspective, planning ranges strategically to ensure cohesive product stories and a balanced wardrobe offering.
- Working closely with Buying, Merchandising, Technical and supplier partners, you will lead the design process from concept through to production, ensuring exceptional quality, craftsmanship and on-brand execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design and development of soft woven collections, including dresses, blouses and elevated daywear.
- Create modern, feminine silhouettes that align with the Karen Millen design handwriting.
- Approach product development from a collection perspective, ensuring ranges feel cohesive and commercially balanced.
- Support strategic range planning and build strong category architecture across the season.
- Deliver designs that support seven-day dressing through considered fabric and silhouette choices.
- Drive the creative development of embellishment, embroidery and artisanal surface techniques.
- Produce detailed artwork packs, placement designs and trim concepts for suppliers.
- Explore innovative applications of craft and premium detailing across occasionwear.
- Manage the design process from initial concept through to final sample approval.
- Deliver product that balances crafted statement pieces with cleaner, refined silhouettes and fabrications.
- Work closely with Buying and Merchandising to ensure collections are commercially balanced.
- Partner with Garment Technology to achieve exceptional fit, construction and quality.
- Ensure product is delivered on time and in line with the critical path.
- Maintain strong awareness of global fashion trends, craft techniques and competitor activity.
- Identify new product opportunities and emerging design directions relevant to the Karen Millen customer.
- Work closely with Buying, Merchandising, Technical and Studio teams to deliver cohesive collections.
- Contribute to range presentations, design reviews and seasonal concept development.
What We Look For Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
- Significant experience as a Senior Designer level, within soft wovens or occasionwear.
- Strong experience designing woven dresses and tops.
- Confident knowledge of embellishment, embroidery and surface design techniques.
- Able to adapt design handwriting across both crafted and cleaner product categories.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple developments and deadlines.
- Commercially aware with a strong understanding of customer, trend and market influences.
- A collaborative team player with a clear design perspective and strong product focus.
WORKING WITH US
At Debenhams Group 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.
WHY JOIN US
Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception. 2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group.
Our Benefits Include (subject To Level And Eligibility)
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance.
- Discount across all brands.
- Comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression.
- Free season ticket loan.
Senior Designer in London employer: Karen Millen
Contact Detail:
Karen Millen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the fashion industry, especially those who might have insights into Debenhams Group. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your portfolio! When you get the chance to meet with hiring managers or recruiters, bring along your best work. Make sure it highlights your design skills, especially in soft wovens and embellishment, to really impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for a creative challenge! Prepare to discuss how you would approach designing for Karen Millen’s collections. Think about how you can blend modern aesthetics with commercial awareness—this will show you’re the right fit for their vision.
✨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 engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on the chance to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Creative Flair: When you're putting together your application, let your design style shine through! Use your portfolio to showcase your best work, especially pieces that highlight your skills in embellishment and embroidery. We want to see how you interpret trends and create cohesive collections.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Designer role. Highlight your experience in soft wovens and occasionwear, and don’t forget to mention any collaborative projects you've worked on with buying or merchandising teams. We love a good team player!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for fashion design and how you approach product development from a collection perspective. We want to know what excites you about working with us at Debenhams Group!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our journey of transformation!
How to prepare for a job interview at Karen Millen
✨Know Your Design Handwriting
Before the interview, make sure you can articulate your design style and how it aligns with the Karen Millen aesthetic. Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your ability to create modern, feminine silhouettes and your experience with embellishment and embroidery.
✨Research the Brand's Transformation
Debenhams Group is on a journey of transformation, so it's crucial to understand their current direction. Familiarise yourself with their recent collections and any changes in their brand strategy. This will help you discuss how you can contribute to their vision during the interview.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves working closely with Buying, Merchandising, and Technical teams, be ready to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Think of specific examples where you successfully partnered with other departments to deliver cohesive collections.
✨Showcase Your Trend Awareness
Demonstrate your knowledge of global fashion trends and how they influence your design process. Be prepared to discuss emerging design directions and how you would identify new product opportunities relevant to the Karen Millen customer.