Womenswear Designer

An exciting opportunity for a womenswear designer to contribute to the continued growth and creative vision of De La Vali has arisen. This role works closely with the Creative Director/Founder, playing a central part in the development of seasonal collections from concept through to production. The successful candidate will be highly organised, able to multi-task across several projects, and confident in managing and following the critical path to ensure deadlines are met. They will bring strong commercial awareness alongside exceptional creative ability, helping to elevate the brand’s distinctive aesthetic while supporting its global expansion.

Key Responsibilities:

Creative Development
● Work in close partnership with the Creative Director to interpret and develop the seasonal concept, silhouettes, fabric direction and colour & print direction into distinctive, elevated collections.
● Design across all categories—woven, jersey, knitwear, leather—to create a complete wardrobe offering.
● Responsible for the oversight of capsule and exclusive projects (including collaborations, exclusive requests & bridal), ensuring alignment with the brand vision and timeline.

Product Development & Collection Process
● Manage the complete design lifecycle, including initial research, sketching, sampling, fittings, and final sign-off.
● Translate sketches into detailed technical CADS clearly proposing proportion, detail & fit.
● Ensure the technical accuracy, clarity, and production feasibility of all design handovers for both internal teams and external production partners.
● Create accurate sampling-ready tech packs with clear construction and finishing instructions, and ensure all tech packs and the development folder are finalised and handed over to Production after final order books.
● Manage daily communication with factories on all development and design topics, including fabric sourcing, testing new materials, and tracking proto samples to ensure SMS in-hand dates are met.
● Lead the design and research of surface textures, including embroidery and embellishment, and translate these into clear tech packs for factories and manage the print design & development process, including strike-off and lab dip approvals, in line with the critical path.
● Drive Range Review meetings within the designated timeframe, ensuring the agenda is circulated beforehand and the updated Range Plan is shared afterward.
● Attend development fittings, ensuring comments are communicated to the factory on time and in line with the critical path.
● Work with external freelancers on collection development, overseeing workloads to ensure clear outputs and timely delivery in line with the critical path, and assist with photoshoots and styling as required.

Team Collaboration
● Collaborate with the Head of Brand & Sales to align creative intent with commercial opportunity.
● Partner with the Head of Design & Development and Pattern Cutters on construction, finishing, and technique development.
● Actively participate in all development fittings, providing input and guidance to ensure that both creative vision and technical standards are maintained and achieved at every stage of the development process.

Leadership & Culture
● Champion creativity, foster teamwork, and uphold process discipline to drive excellence within the studio.
● Provide mentorship and inspiration to junior staff, supporting their growth and development to consistently
reach the highest creative and technical standards.
● Work alongside the Head of Design & Development and production team to guide the seasonal critical path and ensure all collection milestones are met. Skills & Experience Required
● 5+ years’ experience in luxury & premium design, with a strong background in full wardrobe collections.
● Proven ability to balance creativity with commercial objectives and margin targets.
● Expertise in garment construction, fabric development, and finishings.
● Expert in Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop and proficient in excel.
● Collaborative, positive, and highly organised team player who excels in fast-paced environments. With a ‘CAN DO” attitude.

Benefits
● Competitive salary (based on experience)
● Generous staff allowance per season
● Staff discount on collections
● 25 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
● Opportunity to be part of a growing womenswear brand
● A creative and collaborative working environment

Summary
This is a truly exciting moment to join the brand. Following significant growth over the past 18 months, the business is
entering a pivotal phase of expansion with a strong and ambitious year ahead.