Senior Designer RTW

The Role:

 

To design the Women’s Ready-to-Wear (RTW) collections, working under the direction of the Design Director and contributing to the development of creative, commercially relevant and distinctive collections that reflect the Mulberry aesthetic. The Senior RTW Designer will take ownership of design projects from initial research and concept development through to sampling, fittings and PPS.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Research

• Carry out research in line with the creative direction established by the Design Director and Creative Director, proactively identifying opportunities to develop and evolve the collection.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness across a variety of research techniques, including library, online, archive and market research.
• Identify inspiring references for silhouette, proportion, fabric, colour, print, texture, garment construction and finishing.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the luxury fashion landscape, identifying opportunities to introduce fresh perspectives whilst remaining true to the Mulberry brand.
• Share research, knowledge and inspiration with the wider design team, supporting a collaborative and informed approach to design development.

Design

• Design and develop the Women’s RTW collections, working under the direction of the Design Director to interpret the seasonal creative direction and translate it into a cohesive, distinctive and commercially relevant product offering.
• Take ownership of design projects from initial concept through to final product, ensuring consistency of vision and quality throughout the development process.
• Demonstrate strong creative judgement and the ability to develop original design ideas that balance innovation, wearability and commercial relevance.
• Experiment with silhouette, proportion, fabrication, garment construction and detailing to create distinctive and varied collections.
• Demonstrate confidence in developing ideas three-dimensionally through draping, toile development, garment manipulation and collaboration with pattern cutters and technical teams.
• Apply an in-depth understanding of garment construction, fit, fabric behaviour and finishing to inform and strengthen design decisions.
• Ensure individual designs proposals work cohesively within the wider collection, contributing to a balanced and considered product offering.
• Present design concepts and proposals clearly and confidently, articulating the rationale behind creative decisions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all designs are communicated effectively through accurate technical drawings, CADs, specifications and construction details, for the atelier and suppliers.
• Manage workload and prioritise projects effectively, ensuring the critical path is adhered to, and all key deadlines are met.
• Work collaboratively with the wider design, technical and production teams to ensure design intent is maintained throughout the product development process.
• Maintain accurate records of design development, sample comments and amendments throughout the season.
• Support the Junior RTW Designer in prioritising workload, improving technical accuracy and developing confidence and independence in their role.

Prototypes and Fittings

• Take responsibility for ensuring prototypes and samples are developed and delivered in line with the critical path, working closely with product development
• Lead or contribute to fit meetings and sample reviews, assessing garment fit, proportion, construction, fabric performance and overall appearance.
• Provide clear, considered and technically accurate feedback to product development / suppliers, ensuring amendments are communicated efficiently and effectively.
• Work collaboratively with pattern cutters, garment technicians and suppliers to resolve complex fit and construction issues. Demonstrate strong technical judgement when assessing samples, balancing creative intent with garment functionality and wearability.
• Refine and improve designs throughout the sampling process, ensuring the final product reflects the original creative vision and meets the required quality standards.

Specifications and Production Handover

• Work closely with the production development and technical teams to ensure product specifications are accurate, commercially viable and suitable for production handover.
• Produce and oversee accurate technical sketches and CADs, ensuring all amendments following fittings and sample reviews are incorporated.
• Ensure garment measurements, construction details, fabrications, trims and finishing specifications are clearly and accurately documented.

Culture:

• Embrace and demonstrate the Mulberry values and behaviours: honesty, dynamism, and a community-oriented spirit.
• Support Mulberry to deliver an inclusive culture, through behaving in a way that is open-minded and respectful towards others, and understanding that your views, opinions, and experiences may not always be shared by your colleagues.
• Act as an ambassador for Mulberry and communicate positively about the brand.

Sustainability:

• As a certified B Corp, we are committed to using business as a force for good. You’ll be encouraged to incorporate environmentally and socially responsible practices into your work, supporting our Made to Last strategy across Climate, Circularity, and Community.
• Help foster a culture where diversity is celebrated and every individual feels valued, respected, and included. Champion equity, empathy, and understanding in all interactions - internally and externally.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Appropriate degree in Fashion Design or a related discipline, supported by a strong portfolio.
• Proven experience designing and developing a RTW collection from initial concept through to production at a similar level.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, pattern cutting principles, fit and technical specifications.
• In-depth knowledge of fabrics, trims and garment finishes, with a strong appreciation of quality, craftsmanship and luxury product development.
• Demonstrable ability to take creative ownership of projects, exercise independent design judgement and translate seasonal direction into commercially relevant product.
• Experience supporting, mentoring or guiding junior members of a design team.
• Confident communicator, able to present and articulate ideas clearly, both verbally and visually.
• Collaborative and approachable, with the ability to build positive working relationships across the business and within the RTW team.
• Adaptable and comfortable working within a fast-paced, evolving design environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive and resourceful, with a strong sense of accountability.
• Highly creative, with a strong individual approach to design and a clear understanding of the Mulberry aesthetic.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud and other appropriate CAD programmes.
• Computer literate in Excel and Outlook.
• Strong online research skills, including the ability to identify relevant design references, emerging trends and market opportunities.

Mulberry is an equal opportunities employer and we are passionate about hiring and developing the best talent. All hiring decisions are made only on the basis of qualifications, skills or experience and as they relate to the particular role. If you need us to make any adjustments to our application or interview processes to enable you to be at your best, please email us at talent@mulberry.com.