Design Assistant in London

Location: West London Atelier

Reports To: Creative Director

Employment Type: Full-Time

Key Responsibilities

• Shadow the Creative Director to understand the brand’s creative direction and seasonal narratives.
• Sketch couture garments and evening wear designs by hand and digitally (using iPad/Procreate).
• Design embroidery and print motifs using Adobe Photoshop and Procreate.
• Sketch and develop mock-ups for accessories, including shoes, handbags, and small leather goods.
• Oversee the production and development of accessories in collaboration with suppliers and artisans.
• Collaborate with the Embroidery Manager to develop innovative embroidery techniques and samples.
• Assist in the design development of potential Ready-to-Wear capsules aligned with couture aesthetics.
• Source and curate vintage garments and references for research and design inspiration.
• Engage in sampling and surface experimentation, contributing to fabric manipulations, finishes, and embellishment techniques.
• Actively contribute new ideas and creative concepts to align with and evolve the brand DNA.
• Provide direction to design assistants and interns, assigning tasks and overseeing quality and deadlines.
• Responsible for redesigning the website with a strong editorial direction, ensuring visual storytelling aligns with the brand identity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience working within a luxury evening wear, accessories, or Haute Couture design team.
• Exceptional illustration and drawing skills, both by hand and digitally.
• Highly proficient in Procreate (iPad), Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, embroidery techniques, and accessories development.
• Experience working with luxury suppliers, ateliers, and manufacturers.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, high‑performing team.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; fluency in English is required. Korean, Italian, or French speaking is a plus.
• Capable of overseeing junior team members, assigning responsibilities, and providing clear creative direction.

Preferred Skills

• Fluency in Korean is a plus.
• Background in luxury couture, bridal, or evening wear design.
• Familiarity with leather goods production and material sourcing, and overseeing production with factories.
• Excellent knowledge of vintage fashion, historical references, and embroidery archives.

The Designer Assistant will work closely with the Creative Director to support the end‑to‑end design process across couture, accessories, and potential ready‑to‑wear collections. This role requires a creative individual with excellent technical and artistic skills—someone who thrives in a fast‑paced luxury environment and brings both precision and originality to their work.