Illustration / Creative Associate Designer

About Us: Marchesa is a global luxury eveningwear brand launched in 2006. We are known for our opulent and artful feminine aesthetic with a timeless yet modern edge.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a highly skilled and organized Designer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be a creative powerhouse with exceptional drawing skills. A very strong hand is our priority alongside a refined and sophisticated taste level. Candidates must have great organizational skills, impeccable time management, and the ability to foster strong interpersonal relationships. In this role, you will lead design projects from concept to completion, ensuring that each development not only meets but exceeds expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Illustration:
• Illustrate Collection Design ideas as per Creative Director and Senior Management
• Illustrate VIP/Celebrity Packages as needed for Award Season, Special Clients and VIPs throughout the year
• Illustrate Design efforts for various creative missions including licensing collaborations, independent capsule collections and special projects for a wide range of categories including but not limited to Womenswear, Children’s Wear, Shoes, Home Wares and Table Top, Jewelry and Handbags.
• Update sketches and flats throughout the season.
• Sketch styles, create digital flats, and develop experimental design ideas.
• Update design boards with all designs, including layering information for the design deck

Inspiration & Research:

• Gather inspiration and conduct comprehensive market research to stay ahead of trends and inform design decisions.
• Organize research findings and create mood boards for each season to guide design direction.

Fabric, Print & Embroidery Development:

• Develop textiles and surface treatments by sourcing and creating inspirational decks for each season.
• Source new fabrications from mills and attend fabric meetings to discuss new materials and explore experimental ideas.
• Create and oversee fabric developments, including sending swatch requests to mills (including lab dips, embroidery swatches and print strike-offs).
• Gather information on fabric pricing, minimums, and greige options.
• Provide information and review fabric developments with Senior members of the team and Creative Director.

Production & Fittings:

• Work on physical drapes, mock-ups, and assist with placements of embroidery etc with the atelier and pattern makers.
• Make final tweaks to styles before market and oversee the steaming etc.
• Attend photoshoots, manage the process, create reference sheets, and organize samples.
• Attend all fittings, making necessary adjustments and updates.
• Create fit decks for management and make adjustments based on feedback.

Finalization & Market Prep:

• Oversee post-market patternmaking and changes, including any additional colorways or exclusives requested by sales and production.
• Work closely with the Production team to address and resolve any bulk item issues.

Team Management:

• Hire, manage and mentor interns, ensuring cohesive teamwork and development.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in a design role in EVENINGWEAR, with a robust portfolio showcasing a range of design styles and projects.
• Skills: Exceptional drawing skills, professional level illustration required. Design skills with proficiency in industry-standard software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch). Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a talent for building positive working relationships and collaborating effectively with clients and team members.
• Creativity: Demonstrated ability to think outside the box and deliver fresh, innovative designs that align with client objectives and brand identity.
• Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail and a commitment to producing high-quality work that meets the highest standards.

If you’re a highly organized and creative Designer with an exceptional drawing ability ready to make a significant impact with us here at Marchesa, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your design career with us!

How to Apply: Submit your resume, portfolio, and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and why you’re the perfect fit for this role to Anna Holvik, Design Director, Marchesa Couture; aholvik@marchesa.com

Marchesa is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.