At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design process for luxury womenswear, creating stunning collections and collaborating with top ateliers.
- Company: High-end luxury ready-to-wear brand known for sophistication and class.
- Benefits: Join a prestigious fashion house with opportunities for creative growth and international collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of couture fashion while working with renowned personalities and global catwalks.
- Qualifications: 10 years in womenswear design, strong tailoring skills, and proficiency in design software.
- Other info: Dynamic role in a globally minded couture house focused on craftsmanship and modern elegance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
V&C Associates has been exclusively retained by a high-end Luxury ready-to-wear brand for a leading fashion designer that blends tradition with a modern feel. The designer has been responsible for dressing some of the worlds most recognisable personalities from the arts and her collections have graced the catwalks in London, Paris and Milan. The designs span prêt and couture, with a strong focus on trousseau/bridal wear that uses rich surface work, draped saris, cape jackets, and experimental lehenga and kurta silhouettes. The fashion label is a well-established leading couture brand synonymous with effortless class and smooth sophistication for over 20 years.
V&C Associates are seeking an experienced and creatively Senior womenswear RTW Designer to help shape the brand's evolving silhouette language. The successful candidate will translate conceptual direction into refined, architectural design, delivering garments with a clear sense of proportion, structure, and material sensitivity.
Key Responsibilities- Seasonal Collection Development: Lead the design process across selected RTW categories; create sketches, silhouettes, and moodboards that reflect the brand's aesthetic values.
- Fabric & Material Research: Source and evaluate fabrics, leather, knits, and trims; collaborate with ateliers to ensure fabrication aligns with design vision.
- Prototypes & Fittings: Oversee development from first prototype to final sample across Shanghai and Milan studios; maintain design intent, fit, and craftsmanship quality.
- Technical Documentation: Prepare detailed tech packs, construction notes, and specifications; ensure seamless communication between design, development, and production teams.
- Research & Creative Development: Explore references across fashion, architecture, material innovation, and culture; use research to evolve the brand's design identity.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner with merchandising on product strategy and with production to ensure timelines and design excellence; support marketing and content teams with design insights when needed.
- 10 years of experience in womenswear design within luxury or couture brands.
- Strong background in tailoring, outerwear, dresses, and structured silhouettes.
- Proven experience working with ateliers is a plus.
- Excellent sketching or digital illustration skills; solid understanding of garment construction and pattern logic.
- Deep fabric knowledge and sensitivity toward texture, structure, and drape.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with CLO 3D is desirable.
- Refined aesthetic and attention to detail.
- Calm, precise, and communicative working style.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills across international teams.
- Proactive, collaborative, and solution-oriented mindset.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a globally minded couture house committed to enduring beauty, craftsmanship, and modern refinement.
Senior Designer (womenswear) in Portsmouth employer: V&C
Contact Detail:
V&C Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designer (womenswear) in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend fashion events, and engage with designers on social media. 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. We recommend tailoring it to highlight projects that align with the luxury womenswear aesthetic of the brand you’re applying to.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the brand inside out. Understand their design philosophy and recent collections. We want you to walk in confident, ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs!
✨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 Senior Designer (womenswear) in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Creative Flair: When you're crafting your application, let your unique design style shine through! Use your portfolio to showcase your best work and make sure it aligns with the brand's aesthetic values. Remember, this is your chance to impress us with your creativity!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for this role. Highlight your experience in womenswear design, especially any work with luxury or couture brands. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Make sure to communicate your ideas and experiences in a straightforward manner. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still reflecting your personality.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at V&C
✨Know Your Brand Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the brand's history, aesthetic, and recent collections. Understand their design philosophy and how they blend tradition with modernity. This knowledge will help you articulate how your vision aligns with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio Effectively
Prepare a curated selection of your best work that highlights your experience in womenswear design, especially in luxury or couture. Be ready to discuss the thought process behind each piece and how it reflects your understanding of structure, proportion, and material sensitivity.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves cross-functional collaboration, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked with merchandising, production, or marketing teams in the past. Highlight your proactive and solution-oriented mindset in these scenarios.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the brand's future direction and challenges. Inquire about their approach to fabric sourcing or how they envision evolving their silhouette language. This demonstrates your engagement and forward-thinking attitude.