At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative knitwear collections for women, leading research and creative processes.
- Company: Join Mulberry, a renowned British lifestyle brand committed to sustainability and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and sustainability as part of our B Corp certified ethos.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values honesty, community spirit, and making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in luxury fashion knitwear design, strong CAD skills, and a passion for craftsmanship.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Born in 1971, the roots of Mulberry are in Somerset, England.
For more than fifty years, Mulberry has been a British lifestyle brand, internationally acclaimed for quality and design capturing the Mulberry Spirit.
Sustainability has been part of the Mulberry ethos since the brand's inception, in recognition of our purpose-driven approach, in 2024 we proudly achieved B Corp Certification.
Today, we are a global brand, but our values remain the same; we are committed to improving our impact on people and the planet.
To do this our people are honest, dynamic, and community spirited.
If these are values you share, we would love you to join our team.
The Role
As the Knitwear Designer, you will work closely with the Design Director and the wider design team to develop the Women's knitwear collections across all seasons.
You will lead the research, design and development of innovative knitwear as Directed by the Design Director.
Overseeing yarn selection, stitch development and garment construction to create modern, luxurious and commercially relevant collections that reflect the Creative Directors vision and the Mulberry brand aesthetic.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Research
- Responsible for conducting seasonal research with the design team to identify new and progressive knitwear concepts, silhouettes, yarns, stitches, finishes and techniques.
- Display resourcefulness through a variety of research methods including market, vintage, archive, catwalk and trend research.
- Lead yarn research and selection, sourcing innovative materials and identifying new knit techniques, constructions and finishing methods.
- Seek out and identify inspirational products, textiles, trims and materials to inform shape, texture, colour and treatment during research trips in London and abroad.
- Design
- Responsible for the design and development of innovative knitwear for the Women's RTW Collection.
- Experiment with new yarns, stitch structures, techniques and finishes to create diverse, innovative, sustainable and commercially balanced collections.
- Confidently communicate and develop ideas through hand sketching, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and draping.
- Launch seasonal knit-downs, stitch developments and trials to support the creative direction.
- Product Development & Technical
- Responsible for producing accurate technical packs, specification sheets, sketches and CADs for suppliers throughout the development process.
- Create and update technical sketches and product specifications, ensuring all modifications following fittings are accurately recorded and communicated.
- Provide detailed instructions on knit construction, finishing and garment make-up prior to SMS launch.
- Participate in fit sessions for all knitwear styles, ensuring design intent, fit and quality standards are maintained.
- Participate in PPS fittings alongside Product Development to ensure production readiness.
- Work closely with Product Development to ensure successful product execution
Responsibility
- Ensure the critical path is adhered to, working towards key milestones and proactively identifying potential risks and solutions.
- Communicate regularly with the Design Director regarding ideas, progress, challenges and development updates.
- Support the preparation of Lookbooks and show styling where required.
- Contribute to Mulberry's social and environmental sustainability initiatives throughout the design and development process.
- Prototypes & Samples
- Work with Product Development and suppliers to ensure prototypes and samples are delivered in line with review meetings and critical path deadlines.
- Liaise with suppliers throughout development to ensure designs are executed accurately and to the highest quality standards.
- Travel to knitwear suppliers, mills and industry fairs to support development and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Specifications
- Work closely with Production and Technical teams to ensure product specifications support target costings and production handover.
- Produce accurate sketches, CADs and technical documentation, ensuring all updates are clearly communicated following fittings and sample reviews.
- Team
- Ability to work within a dynamic and fast-paced design team.
- Build strong relationships across departments to ensure an efficient design-to-production process.
- Be adaptable to changing priorities and business needs.
Culture
- Embrace and demonstrate the Mulberry values and behaviours: honesty, dynamism, and a community-oriented spirit.
- Support Mulberry to deliver an inclusive culture, through behaving in a way that is open-minded and respectful towards others, and understanding that your views, opinions, and experiences may not always be shared by your colleagues.
- Act as an ambassador for Mulberry and communicate positively about the brand.
Sustainability
- As a certified B Corp, we are committed to using business as a force for good.
You’ll be encouraged to incorporate environmentally and socially responsible practices into your work, supporting our
Made to Last strategy across Climate, Circularity, and Community.
- Help foster a culture where diversity is celebrated and every individual feels valued, respected, and included.
Champion equity, empathy, and understanding in all interactions - internally and externally.
Skills & Knowledge Required
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Knitwear Design or a related discipline, supported by a strong portfolio.
- Minimum 5 years' experience within the luxury fashion industry, specialising in knitwear.
- Strong expertise in yarn development, knit techniques, stitch development, garment construction and finishing.
- Experience designing, planning and developing seasonal knitwear collections.
- Excellent CAD skills with proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Experience producing technical packs, specifications and supplier documentation.
- Strong understanding of the knitwear product development process from concept through to production.
- Experience working within a busy design studio, organising and prioritising a demanding workload.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Enthusiastic and passionate about luxury fashion and craftsmanship.
- Reliable, practical and detail-oriented.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.
Mulberry is an equal opportunities employer and we are passionate about hiring and developing the best talent.
All hiring decisions are made only on the basis of qualifications, skills or experience and as they relate to the particular role.
If you need us to make any adjustments to our application or interview processes to enable you to be at your best, please email us at
[email protected] .
Knitwear Designer in London employer: Mulberry
Mulberry is an exceptional employer that champions sustainability and innovation within the fashion industry. With a vibrant work culture in Greater London, employees benefit from collaborative teamwork, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to ethical sourcing practices. The role of Sourcing Manager not only offers a chance to influence global supply chains but also allows for personal growth in a company that values its people and their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Knitwear Designer in London
✨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 Mulberry!
✨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 Mulberry.
✨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 Mulberry.
✨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 Mulberry!
We think you need these skills to ace Knitwear Designer in London
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 Mulberry.
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 Mulberry!
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 Mulberry. 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 Mulberry
✨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!