Head of Design – Womenswear – Luxury Brand in London

Head of Design – Womenswear – Luxury Brand in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Mode Executive

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and define the womenswear design vision for a luxury brand.
  • Company: Join an internationally recognised luxury fashion business experiencing significant global growth.
  • Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for international expansion and creative collaboration.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with strong potential for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of luxury fashion while driving innovation and commercial success.
  • Qualifications: Significant experience in luxury womenswear design at a senior leadership level.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Mode Executive is supporting the search for a Head of Design – Womenswear on behalf of an internationally recognised luxury fashion business entering a significant phase of global growth and brand elevation. The company has experienced substantial expansion over the past two years, with ambitious plans for the next three years. Continued investment across retail, wholesale, ecommerce and international markets is driving this momentum, alongside an expanding global footprint across Europe, North America and APAC. This position is based at the company's headquarters in London.

The role reports directly to the CEO and works in close partnership with the Creative Director, alongside senior leadership including Production, Buying & Merchandising. The position sits at the centre of the creative and commercial strategy as the business continues its international expansion.

The Role
  • Lead and define the womenswear design vision, ensuring the creative direction continues to evolve while maintaining a strong and elevated luxury identity.
  • Partner closely with the Founder & Creative Director to translate brand vision into commercially successful collections.
  • Drive product excellence across all categories, balancing innovation, creativity and commercial performance.
  • Work cross-functionally with Production, Buying & Merchandising teams to ensure alignment between design, development and business objectives.
  • Support the continued elevation of the overall brand experience as the business moves into a new stage of premium positioning and pricing strategy.
  • Contribute strategically to international growth initiatives, supporting expansion across key markets including APAC, Europe and North America.
  • Play an active role in preparing the business for key upcoming milestones, including international retail expansion, showroom development and increased visibility across global fashion platforms.
  • Lead and inspire the design function within a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment, bringing both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
  • Maintain exceptional standards across product, fit, fabrication and finish in line with luxury market expectations.
  • Collaborate on future partnerships and special projects, building on an established programme of successful collaborations and brand initiatives.
  • Help shape the creative output as the business continues investing in new retail openings, wholesale partnerships and digital growth opportunities.
Requirements
  • Significant experience within luxury womenswear design at senior leadership level.
  • Strong understanding of premium and luxury market positioning with the ability to elevate product and brand perception.
  • Demonstrated success balancing creative excellence with commercial awareness.
  • Experience working within high-growth businesses and scaling environments is highly advantageous.
  • Strong appreciation of international markets, particularly APAC, which represents a key strategic growth area.
  • Previous exposure to global expansion projects, international retail growth or market development would be beneficial.
  • High standards across product development, fabrication, silhouette and execution.
  • Naturally collaborative approach with the ability to influence across creative and commercial teams.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the agility to operate within a fast-moving and evolving environment.
  • Strategic thinker who remains hands-on and closely connected to product.
  • Comfortable working within an open, dynamic and ambitious culture.
  • Strong leadership capability with the ability to inspire teams and contribute positively to business growth.

Head of Design – Womenswear – Luxury Brand in London employer: Mode Executive

As a leading luxury fashion brand, this company offers an exceptional work environment that fosters creativity and innovation, making it an ideal employer for those passionate about womenswear design. With its headquarters in London, employees benefit from a vibrant city culture, extensive growth opportunities, and the chance to collaborate closely with senior leadership on exciting international projects. The company's commitment to elevating its brand and investing in employee development ensures a rewarding career path in a dynamic and entrepreneurial setting.

Mode Executive

Contact Details:

Mode Executive Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Design – Womenswear – Luxury Brand in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend fashion events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.

Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work in womenswear design. We recommend tailoring it to reflect the luxury market and the specific brand ethos of the company you’re applying to.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the brand’s recent collections and their market positioning. We want you to be able to discuss how your vision aligns with their goals, especially as they expand internationally.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can contribute to our growth and creative vision.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design – Womenswear – Luxury Brand in London

Womenswear Design
Luxury Market Understanding
Creative Direction
Commercial Awareness
Product Development
Collaboration
Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Design:When you're writing your application, let your love for womenswear design shine through! Share specific examples of your previous work that highlight your creativity and how you've contributed to luxury brands. We want to see your unique style and vision!

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your experience in luxury womenswear and any relevant projects that align with the company's goals. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with what we're looking for!

Be Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. Make it easy for us to see your qualifications and how you can contribute to our brand's growth. Remember, less is often more!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you're serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Mode Executive

Know Your Brand Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into the luxury brand's history, values, and recent collections. Understand their unique selling points and how they position themselves in the market. This knowledge will help you articulate how your design vision aligns with their brand identity.

Showcase Your Creative Process

Prepare to discuss your design process in detail. Bring along a portfolio that not only highlights your best work but also illustrates your approach to balancing creativity with commercial viability. Be ready to explain how you've successfully led teams in previous roles and how you can inspire others.

Understand the Market Dynamics

Familiarise yourself with current trends in the luxury womenswear sector, especially in key markets like APAC, Europe, and North America. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence the brand's future collections and how you can contribute to their international growth strategy.

Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across departments in the past. Highlight your ability to influence and align creative and commercial objectives, showcasing your entrepreneurial mindset and leadership skills.