At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of luxury ready-to-wear collections, balancing creativity with commercial viability.
- Company: Distinctive British luxury fashion house entering an exciting new era.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape a brand's future and mentor junior designers.
- Other info: Fast-paced studio environment with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
- Why this job: Play a central role in reimagining a renowned fashion house's identity.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in luxury RTW design with strong technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Mode Search are collaborating with a distinctive British luxury fashion house in their search for a Head of Design. This is a pivotal role at an exciting time of renewal for the brand, as it enters a new era that honours its iconic creative DNA while redefining its relevance in today’s luxury landscape. Partnering closely with the Creative Director and CEO, the Head of Design will help shape the brand’s next chapter – translating artistic vision into modern, coherent, and commercially successful collections. This is a rare opportunity for a highly experienced luxury RTW designer to play a central role in reimagining one of Britain’s most distinctive fashion houses.
The Role:
- Partner with the Creative Director to interpret seasonal concepts, silhouettes, and colour directions into elevated ready-to-wear collections.
- Design across all categories (outerwear, tailoring, daywear, eveningwear, knitwear, separates) to create a complete wardrobe offering.
- Balance creativity with commercial viability, ensuring design excellence supports both brand DNA and business goals.
- Lead the end-to-end design process from research and sketching through fittings, sampling, and final sign-off.
- Introduce structure and efficiency to the design process, improving communication between design, atelier, and product development.
- Ensure technical accuracy and feasibility of design handovers for internal and external partners.
- Collaborate with PD, sales, and merchandising on range planning, pricing, and fabric strategy.
- Participate in fittings, partnering with Atelier to maintain the highest standards of construction and finish.
- Oversee capsule and exclusive projects (bridal, collaborations, VIP) ensuring creative alignment.
- Mentor junior designers, fostering creativity, teamwork, and discipline within the studio.
Requirements:
- 8–10 years’ experience in luxury ready-to-wear design, ideally across full wardrobe collections (not only evening/occasion).
- Strong ability to balance creativity with commercial awareness and margin goals.
- Deep technical knowledge of garment construction, fabric development, and finishing.
- Proven experience bringing clarity, process, and accountability into design workflows.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
- A collaborative, highly organised team player who thrives in fast-paced studio environments.
- Passionate about silhouette, craftsmanship, and the evolution of contemporary luxury.
Head of Design - Luxury RTW Brand in London employer: MODE SEARCH Ltd.
Contact Detail:
MODE SEARCH Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design - Luxury RTW 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 showcases your best work, especially pieces that align with the luxury RTW aesthetic. We recommend tailoring your portfolio presentation to highlight your understanding of the brand's DNA and vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the brand thoroughly. Understand their history, current collections, and future direction. We want you to be able to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their next chapter.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in the luxury fashion world.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design - Luxury RTW Brand in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design: When writing your application, let your love for luxury fashion shine through! Share your journey in design and what inspires you. We want to see how your unique perspective aligns with our brand's creative DNA.
Tailor Your Portfolio: Make sure your portfolio reflects the kind of work we do at StudySmarter. Highlight projects that showcase your ability to balance creativity with commercial viability. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can create collections that are not just beautiful but also commercially successful!
Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key in your written application. Make sure your ideas are easy to understand and well-structured. This will show us that you can communicate effectively, which is crucial for collaborating with our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MODE SEARCH Ltd.
✨Know the Brand Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the brand's history, ethos, and recent collections. Understand their iconic creative DNA and how it’s evolving in today’s luxury market. This knowledge will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail. From research to final sign-off, illustrate how you balance creativity with commercial viability. Bring along a portfolio that highlights your ability to create cohesive collections across various categories.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
This role requires close partnership with the Creative Director and other teams. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your experience in mentoring junior designers and fostering teamwork.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about garment construction, fabric development, and design workflows. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and feasibility in your designs. This will demonstrate your expertise and attention to detail.