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- Tasks: Support trend forecasting for fashion brands and analyse emerging trends.
- Company: Join NEXT, a leading UK fashion retailer with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, bonuses, and access to health and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of fashion trends and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong trend awareness, creativity, and proficiency in design software.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Working Pattern: Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.
We are seeking a Trend Design Assistant to support our Trend Forecaster across a diverse portfolio of fashion and sports brands. This is a dynamic, fast-paced role covering Womenswear, Menswear and Kidswear, with the opportunity to develop ownership in a key category. You will play a vital role in identifying emerging trends, analysing the market, and supporting the delivery of commercially relevant trend insights to design and buying teams. This is an exciting opportunity for someone highly trend-aware, creatively curious and commercially minded, looking to grow within a forward-thinking fashion environment.
What You’ll Take On
- Trend & Market Research
- Support global retail and trend research under the direction of the Trend Forecaster
- Monitor catwalks, street style, retail and social media for emerging trends
- Download, categorise and analyse catwalk and street style imagery
- Compile weekly updates on key shows, cultural moments and industry news
- Save and archive editorials, campaigns and relevant visual research
- Attend industry talks and exhibitions where relevant, feeding back key insights
- Assist with ad hoc research projects as required
- Retail & Social Reporting
- Contribute to monthly competitor shop reports (in-store and online)
- Provide regular cross-gender updates to buying teams
- Track and report on social media trends, including key hashtags, films, TV and cultural influences
- Calendar & Organisation
- Maintain and update the fashion and cultural calendar, including trade shows, exhibitions, key events and relevant cultural releases
- Category Development
- Opportunity to take ownership of Menswear, Sportswear or Kidswear as a focus area, developing trend insight within that category while supporting the Womenswear forecaster.
What You’ll Bring
- You are highly trend-aware with a strong creative eye and the ability to connect cultural shifts to commercial product opportunities.
- You thrive in a fast-paced environment, work flexibly, and bring genuine passion for the fashion industry.
- You will demonstrate:
- A strong understanding of current and emerging fashion trends
- Commercial awareness and an understanding of the high street and competitive landscape
- Excellent visual research skills and attention to detail
- The ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
- Strong visual research and sourcing skills
- A good eye for styling and trend direction
- Womenswear experience
- Experience producing film clips, GIFs or audiovisual presentations
- Knowledge of AI tools and programs
- Data analysis skills
- A passion for Menswear, Sportswear or Kidswear
Portfolio: All applications must come with a trend focused portfolio! Any submitted without one will not be considered. Your portfolio should prove you’re already living in 2027, showcasing deep-dive research into AW26 and beyond. We need a visual storyteller who can spot a micro-trend at a glance and turn it into a must-have product. Show us your forecast, bring your AW26/SS27 concepts to the table!
Sponsorship
Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements.
What’s Next?
- Apply: Show us what you can do. Submit your application online and our recruitment team will take a first look at your experience and strengths.
- Inform: Let’s talk. We will get in touch for an initial conversation by phone or video to learn more about you and share what the team is looking for.
- Review: If you are invited to an interview, you may be asked to present an interview task or portfolio and talk through your experience in a competency based interview. It is also your chance to ask questions and get to know us.
- Offer: If it’s the right match, our recruitment team will be in touch with a job offer and next steps. This is where your journey with NEXT begins.
Team Overview
This is where ideas become incredible collections. Designers, Buyers, Merchandisers, and Technologists collaborate to create products our customers love. You'll spot global trends, strategically balance our range plans and meticulously test quality so every season feels fresh, inspiring and exceptional.
About NEXT
You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE-100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland? We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on-line from over 70 countries around the world! So we’ve gone global!
Are you ready to take it on? Challenges. Opportunities. The future. Let’s take it on at NEXT.
Trend Design Assistant - Brands in London employer: Next Careers
Contact Detail:
Next Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trend Design Assistant - Brands in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio sorted! Make sure it’s packed with your trend-focused work that screams creativity and insight. Show us you’re already living in 2027 with your deep-dive research into AW26 and beyond.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry talks and exhibitions to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door. Don’t be shy; share your insights and passion for trends!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by practising how to present your ideas clearly. You might be asked to showcase your portfolio, so make sure you can talk through your thought process and how you spot trends.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Trend Design Assistant - Brands in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Trendy Side: Make sure your portfolio is packed with trend-focused content that screams creativity! We want to see how you spot trends and turn them into must-have products. Don’t forget to showcase your deep-dive research into AW26 and beyond!
Tailor Your Application: When applying, make it personal! Highlight your experience in fashion and how it connects to the role. We love seeing candidates who can relate their skills to what we do here at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your passion for fashion and your skills shine through without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Next Careers
✨Show Off Your Trend Knowledge
Make sure to brush up on the latest fashion trends and cultural influences before your interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of trends you've identified and how they could translate into commercially viable products. This will show your passion and understanding of the role.
✨Bring a Killer Portfolio
Your portfolio is your chance to shine! Ensure it showcases your trend-focused research, visual storytelling skills, and concepts for AW26/SS27. Highlight your ability to spot micro-trends and present them in a visually appealing way. Remember, no portfolio means no consideration!
✨Prepare for Competitor Insights
Familiarise yourself with the competitive landscape and be prepared to discuss your insights during the interview. Think about what makes certain brands successful and how you can contribute to that success. This shows you're not just trend-aware but also commercially savvy.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your ideas and insights. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable presenting your ideas.