Denim Designer and Trend Researcher

at  The Foschini Group

An exciting position has arisen for a Denim Designer and Trend Researcher. This individual will be responsible for designing denim ranges across all TFG Brands and working alongside production team to ensure land of range in store. We are looking for a responsible, organised individual, who enjoys working in a fast paced and dynamic environment where the customer is the central focus of everything we do. The designer’s role will be to take charge of guiding all steps of the design process, from initial conception to final manufacture processes across all commodities. A strong understanding of trend direction, product relevance and branding are essential.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Tertiary qualification in Fashion Design
• Relevant work experience of 1-5 years in a design role
• Manufacturing and supplier experience beneficial
• Practical knowledge of garment construction, fabrics and trims – specific to Denim
• Denim Related knowledge & experience required – 1-5 years

SKILLS:

• Initiative and self-motivation important, able to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe, InDesign and Microsoft Office
• Has good interpersonal and communication skills
• Has a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
• Has good planning and organising skills and be able to prioritise
• Is reliable and hard working
• Is able to work under pressure to meet regular deadlines
• Enjoys working in a team.
• Laser Design Software experience would be advantageous.

• Create look and feel for seasonal merchandise, based on global trend and key lessons learnt (includes direction on silhouette, styling and fabric, print and colour). Essential to have a commercial eye and be able to interpret international trends for the customer
• Incorporate brand handwriting / personality into the ranges
• Do seasonal Trend research to inform forward direction on Denim Fabric, silhouette & trim updates in alignment to retail customer brand positioning.
• Briefing Denim Lab team on trend & wash direction for the upcoming season in alignment with specific retail market positioning.
• Present and Develop Key Items for specific retail brand for the upcoming season taking key platform fabrics and price points into consideration
• This individual is also responsible for monitoring weekly sales and continuous developments throughout the season ensuring that the brand remains relevant and in line with consumer demand
• Provide comprehensive and technical CAD drawings and tech packs, to ensure relevant and cost-effective product
• Provide effective test options in order to establish new product categories, and relevant iterations on existing product lines.
• Provide the buying teams with regular relevant and aspirational trend information that is brand right
• Managing the design process throughout the critical path -from briefing patternmaker thoroughly and working closely with all internal customers (merchandise, fabric, pattern and sample room teams as well as Denim Lab & strategic CMT’s) to ensure that samples are effectively executed
• This individual needs to ensure all garments purchased meet the retail customer’s satisfaction with regards to quality and costs