Fashion Designer/CAD

SUMMARY:
FASHION DESIGNER (APPAREL)
SALARY: R20 000 ctc (URGENT TO START ASAP)
 

• Bachelor's degree required 3-year qualification in Fashion Design or related field.
• Experience across menswear, ladieswear, and kidswear is essential.
• Proven track record of bringing collections to market.
• Past involvement in both creative and technical elements of the fashion lifecycle.
• Minimum 4 years experience creating CAD’sis a MUST
• Must be competent on producing Tech Packsis a MUST
• Must be efficient in illustrator, PhotoShop

1. Trend Research & Forecasting

• Research global and local trends using WGSN, online sites, retail analysis, social media, fashion reports, and street culture.
• Stay current on industry movements, fabric innovation, and consumer behaviour.
• Compile seasonal mood boards, colour palettes, print directions, and styling inspiration.
• Conduct competitor and market analysis across both brick-and-mortar and online retailers.

1. Design & Development

• Design full seasonal apparel ranges across men’s, ladies’, and kidswear.
• Develop CADs across multiple categories including apparel, headwear, socks, underwear, bags, and swimwear.
• Create original graphics, prints, and artworks for apparel and trims.
• Select fabrics, trims, and finishes aligned with brand DNA and costing objectives.
• Develop new silhouettes, bodies, and styles in line with market needs and trends.
• Manage multiple seasons simultaneously while adhering to the development calendar.

1. Technical Execution

• Build detailed tech packs including CADs, specifications, artworks, and construction notes.
• Acquire and manage Pantone colour codes per season.
• Attend fittings and provide styling and aesthetic input alongside technical and product teams.
• Review styles with product developers prior to initiating tech packs.
• Participate in all phases of sample reviews (fit, print strike-offs, lab dips).

1. Supplier Collaboration & Cross-Functional Workflow

• Liaise directly with factories and suppliers for design execution, fabric approvals, trims, and sampling.
• Work closely with product developers to ensure designs are achievable within cost and timeline.
• Manage the print development process in partnership with CAD and production teams.
• Support production handovers and provide clarity on aesthetic or construction queries.

1. Presentation & Sales Support

• Prepare and present seasonal range reviews to internal teams.
• Coordinate visual presentation boards, line plans, and sample displays.
• Create catalogues, hangtags, packaging artwork, and supporting product collateral.
• Contribute to lookbooks, styling guides, and photoshoot planning.

• Excellent sketching and CAD design ability (Adobe Illustrator essential).
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fit, and manufacturing techniques.
• Knowledge of fabrications, dyeing techniques, washes, trims, and finishes.
• Familiarity with draping, pattern shapes, and creating silhouettes.

• Solid knowledge of global and local streetwear/casualwear brands.
• Confident using WGSN and interpreting data into actionable design direction.
• Commercial understanding of South African retail and fashion trends.

• Excellent verbal and visual communication skills.
• Ability to clearly brief suppliers and product developers.
• Confident in presenting to internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong ability to navigate cross-functional teams and changing timelines.

• Self-motivated and driven to work independently in a fast-paced, high-output environment.
• High work ethic and attention to detail.
• Organised, efficient, and deadline-oriented.
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting business priorities.
• Brand-aware and aligned with the visual identity and tone of the company.
• Creative thinker with a strong commercial mindset.

POSITION INFO:
#FASHION DESIGNER Men's ,Ladies,Kids#TREND FORECASTING#CAD DESIGN#TRIMS#FABRIC