At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop trendy womenswear collections with a focus on quality and detail.
- Company: Join the iconic Karen Millen brand, known for its creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, discounts, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Other info: Embrace change and make a real impact in a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of fashion in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Fashion Design and experience in womenswear softs/woven design required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
ABOUT US
Since 1981, Karen Millen has been an iconic name in fashion, known for quality design, premium fabrics, and attention to every detail. Our brand moves fast, sets trends (we don’t follow them), and thrives on creativity and collaboration. Our passion is luxury‑level quality, and our mission is to deliver outstanding value for our customers and to make Karen Millen a truly democratic brand.
THE ROLE
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. Our in‑house design team is obsessed with detail. We interpret trends to serve our customer, harnessing the colour palettes and moods of the international catwalks. Due to our continuing growth, we are now looking for an experienced Softs designer to join our passionate, agile and creative team.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Ensure the development of the collection and trends each season for your department.
- Source and develop fabrics for each month to suit your product range.
- Forecast trends to bring newness and fashionability into the ranges with original, detailed designs.
- Produce in‑season catwalk analysis for your department to underpin your range direction.
- Propose balanced ranges covering customer attitudes, creating total looks and considering end‑uses and lifestyle.
- Confidently lead the fit and seal process in our fit sessions, with tech.
- Innovate on bestsellers to protect the commercial baseline of the range.
- Demonstrate awareness of what is new in fashion on the street, in competition and designer collections; drive this into the product ranges.
- Contribute to seasonal research and develop on‑brand macro trends at season launch alongside the Head of Design and design team.
- Manage the critical path to hit design deadlines, plan the travel calendar, and safeguard products through development to booking stage.
- Work closely with buying and the senior team to build range and cultivate supplier relationships.
- Onboard new suppliers to deliver exceptional quality and value for the customer.
- Plan seasonal shoot campaigns with the Head of Design.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
- Demonstrated background in womenswear softs/woven design.
- A degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline.
- Experience with hand drawing, Photoshop and Illustrator.
- In‑depth knowledge of textiles, garment construction and fit, with a strong technical foundation.
- A professional who embraces accountability and attention to detail throughout the product journey.
- A motivating and inspiring personality who can nurture and develop direct reports.
- Professional, focused and driven to bring cohesion and clarity to the range and team.
- Creative problem‑solving and the ability to think on your feet.
- Agility, adaptability and willingness to travel offshore and locally.
- Creativity, organisation and passion for fashion.
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, 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
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance.
- Discounts across all brands.
- Comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression.
- Free season ticket loan.
Softs 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 Softs 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 Softs 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!
