At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of contemporary collections and seasonal concepts for a luxury womenswear brand.
- Company: The Fold London, an award-winning British luxury womenswear brand.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, pension scheme, employee discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team shaping fashion for professional women with authentic design integrity.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in luxury womenswear design and strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
- Design & Creative Direction
- Serve as the creative right hand to the Design Director - deputising as required and contributing to the overall design strategy and seasonal vision at the highest level.
- Lead seasonal design and market research, identifying opportunities that are relevant to The Fold customer and true to the brand's aesthetic DNA.
- Develop seasonal concepts, mood boards, colour palettes, fabric stories, and design direction with a clear, confident point of view.
- Design contemporary collections and signature pieces that reflect The Fold's clean, sophisticated handwriting - pieces with authentic design integrity, not derivative of market trends.
- Demonstrate exceptional mastery of outfitting, range building, and collection architecture - ensuring collections are balanced, commercially viable, and editorially compelling.
- Present seasonal concepts and line-ups at sketch reviews and collection sign-off meetings with clarity and conviction.
- Refine and amend collections following feedback and sign-off, maintaining design intent throughout.
- Product Development
- Select fabrics, trims, linings, prints, and colourways in close collaboration with suppliers and internal teams - bringing genuine knowledge of and passion for exceptional materials.
- Attend international fabric fairs and supplier meetings to source innovative materials and evolve The Fold's distinctive design handwriting season on season.
- Work closely with pattern cutters and technical teams to develop new silhouettes, drapes, and fits that meet The Fold's exacting quality standards.
- Produce detailed technical drawings and design specifications using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Support the collection through in-person fittings, maintaining the highest standards of fit, quality, and design integrity throughout.
- Prepare collections for handover to Production and Technical teams with clear communication and thorough documentation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner closely with Buying, Merchandising, Production, Technical, and Marketing teams throughout the collection development process.
- Present seasonal inspiration, product stories, and collection narratives to Marketing and wider business teams with energy and authority.
- Attend and contribute to campaign photoshoots, ensuring product styling and brand representation reflect the original design vision.
- Maintain a strong understanding of the luxury and contemporary womenswear competitive landscape - always knowing where The Fold sits and why it stands apart.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Manage and mentor the Junior Designer and Junior Product Developer - providing guidance, feedback, and a strong creative lead.
- Foster a collaborative, positive, and ambitious team environment where craft and excellence are celebrated.
- Lead by example: promoting accountability, creative rigour, and a solutions-focused approach at every stage of the design process.
- Support the growth and confidence of junior team members, investing in their development as seriously as in the product.
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant experience in a Senior Designer role within contemporary, premium, or luxury womenswear.
- A strong, distinctive design handwriting - an exceptional eye for cut, fabric, colour, print, and quality, with work that demonstrates genuine creative authorship.
- Deep understanding of the balance between brand identity and commercial viability - you know how to hold a point of view while building product that sells.
- Proven experience creating capsule collections and signature product with a clear brand identity.
- Strong mastery of outfitting, range building, and commercial product development.
- Excellent draping, sketching, and technical drawing skills.
- Advanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, fit, and product development processes.
- Excellent presentation, communication, and organisational skills - comfortable presenting to senior leadership and external partners.
- Personal Attributes
- A genuine passion for The Fold brand, its customer, and the extraordinary craft that defines it.
- A deep and instinctive understanding of the needs and lifestyle of professional women.
- Highly creative, commercially aware, and solutions-oriented - you see possibility, not obstacles.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; embraces change with energy and a positive mindset.
- Proactive, collaborative, and hands-on - no task is beneath you when the collection requires it.
- Takes genuine pride in exceptional standards and is unwilling to compromise on quality.
- Builds strong relationships internally and externally, acting as a trusted ambassador for The Fold.
- An inspiring team player who raises the standard around them and invests in others' success.
- Adaptable and resilient - comfortable navigating evolving priorities with calm confidence.
The Fold London is an award-winning British luxury womenswear brand built on a singular, powerful idea: that the women who run boardrooms, lead teams and shape the world deserve clothes as ambitious as they are.
Founded with a clear mission to dress professional women with intention, The Fold has built a loyal global community of customers who value craft, quality, and considered design over fast fashion.
With a multi-channel presence - led by ecommerce and supported by our two London stores in Chelsea and the City - The Fold has built a loyal and growing customer base across the UK, US and internationally.
As we enter the next stage of growth, we are investing heavily in our international expansion, commercial capability, systems, customer insight and operational infrastructure.
This role is a key part of that journey.
You can explore our and find us on Instagram, Linked In, and Facebook as @thefoldlondon.
Role Overview
This is a rare and significant creative role.
As Senior Designer, you will function as the number two to Design Director Katya Maschenko - a trusted creative partner who can hold the breadth of the design vision, elevate the team's output, and step confidently into leadership as the brand continues to grow.
This is not a role for someone who executes briefs.
We are looking for a designer with a genuine and distinctive point of view - someone who understands the balance between The Fold's clean, sophisticated brand handwriting and the commercial needs of our customer; who can create product with authentic design integrity that stands apart in the premium womenswear market.
The Fold operates in a way that is increasingly rare at our level: in-person fittings, access to extraordinary artisan fabrics, a deeply considered approach to silhouette and construction, and an absolute commitment to quality.
This is a role a designer can be genuinely proud of.
Benefits & Perks
We believe great work happens when people feel supported, valued, and inspired-here's how we make that happen:
• 33 days holiday (25 days + bank holidays) + option to buy more!
- Pension scheme
- Salary sacrifice options (pension & childcare)
- Financial wellbeing platform to support your goals
- £1,250 annual The Fold gift voucher
- Bike to work scheme to save on bikes & equipment
- Employee Assistance Programme (confidential wellbeing support when you need it)
- Eye care support
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Friends & family discount - enjoy 50% off full retail price
- Monthly social events, plus summer & Christmas parties
- Summer Fridays for that early start to the weekend
- Fully stocked snack cupboards, fresh fruit, plus great coffee & tea
- Opportunities to give back through volunteering with our charity partner, Smart Works
- Why The Fold
- A brand with a clear point of view and a fiercely loyal customer base - you will be selling something you can believe in
- Opportunity to play a highly visible role in a growing premium fashion brand
- Direct exposure to the leadership team and key strategic initiatives
- Broad and genuinely commercial remit with real influence on business performance
- Opportunity to help shape the next stage of international and operational growth
- Entrepreneurial environment with high levels of ownership and autonomy
- Collaborative culture with ambitious plans for the future
- Recent investment from a new owner. The brand is at a new chapter of growth across both existing and new channels, and operates internationally.
- Diversity and Inclusion
We promote a diverse and inclusive workplace which harnesses the benefits of the diversity of our team and strives to represent the communities in which we live and work.
Our vision is to establish an environment that attracts individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and talents, empowering them to contribute their best and authentic selves.
We welcome and encourage applications from those who share our commitment to fostering this inclusive and authentic work culture.
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Senior Fashion Designer in Slough employer: The Fold
The Fold London is an exceptional employer that champions creativity and quality in the luxury womenswear sector, offering a vibrant work culture where designers can thrive. With a commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members while being part of a collaborative environment that values innovation and craftsmanship. Located in Bermondsey, the company provides a hybrid working model, generous benefits including 33 days holiday, and a supportive atmosphere that encourages personal and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Fashion Designer in Slough
✨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 The Fold!
✨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 The Fold.
✨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 The Fold.
✨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 The Fold!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Fashion Designer in Slough
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 The Fold.
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 The Fold!
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 The Fold. 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 The Fold
✨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!