Description

As assistant fashionistas, they are accountable for the entire design and development of fashion-forward products and also updating existing designs. They usually are under the direction of a fashion designer. They are specialized in one particular field of design, like skirts, sweaters and (more broadly) women's clothing.

Utilizing existing designs for products and the overall style of the brand, assistant fashion designers assist throughout the process of fashion design starting from the silhouette and initial art, to drawings and design boards to trimming. They sketch out initial designs with ideas that are brainstormed during discussions with the fashion design team, either with their hands or using design software. After a sketch has been accepted and taken to the stage of fitting the designers attend fitting sessions and utilize feedback to make changes to the design. Alongside creating new items assistant fashion designers alter sketches and designs to create new products which maintain the brand's standing on the marketplace.

Assistant fashion designers typically work in an office setting during normal business hours, and there is the possibility of working overtime on important projects. The normal day of work for an assistant designer consists of drawing up new and current designs, analyzing their collaboration together with the senior designers as well as other teams working on product and attending sessions for fitting to view the final products and to make changes in their design. The study of current trends in fashion is essential to ensure that the brand is in line with fashion trends and competition.

Fashion designers assistants are typically required to have an undergraduate degree in fashion, or have similar previous experience. A few years of experience within the industry is usually required. An understanding of design software like Adobe Photoshop as well as Adobe Illustrator is required.

Roles & Responsibilities

As an Assistant Fashion Designer with 3-6 years of experience in the United Kingdom, your main responsibilities include:

  • Assisting senior designers in creating and developing fashion concepts, sketches, and mood boards.
  • Researching and analyzing current fashion trends, fabrics, and materials to support the design process.
  • Collaborating with pattern makers and sample makers to ensure accurate interpretation of design concepts.
  • Assisting in the preparation and presentation of design ideas, including creating technical drawings and specifications.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For an Assistant Fashion Designer job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • A degree in fashion design or a related field, providing a solid foundation in design principles, garment construction, and textile knowledge.
  • Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools to create and modify fashion sketches, patterns, and prototypes.
  • Strong attention to detail and a keen eye for aesthetics to assist in the development of innovative and visually appealing designs.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with other team members, suppliers, and manufacturers, ensuring effective communication of design ideas and timely execution of projects.

Essential Skills For Assistant Fashion Designer

1

Design Thinking

2

Fashion Trends

3

Fashion Trends Analysis

Skills That Affect Assistant Fashion Designer Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Adobe Illustrator

10%

Design

10%

Career Prospects

The role of an Assistant Fashion Designer in the United Kingdom with 3-6 years of experience is vital to the creative process and design development within the fashion industry. For professionals seeking alternative opportunities within this field, here are following roles to consider:

  • Fashion Stylist: A position focused on creating visually appealing outfits and looks by selecting and coordinating clothing and accessories.
  • Trend Researcher: A role that involves analyzing market trends, consumer preferences, and fashion forecasts to provide insights for designing upcoming collections.
  • Product Development Coordinator: A position that entails coordinating and managing the product development process, including sourcing materials, overseeing sampling, and ensuring quality control.
  • Fashion Buyer: A role responsible for selecting and purchasing merchandise for retail stores or fashion brands, based on market analysis and customer preferences.

How to Learn

The role of Assistant Fashion Designer in the United Kingdom is expected to witness a positive growth in the market. Based on a 10-year analysis, employment opportunities in this field are projected to increase. The fashion industry's constant evolution, coupled with the demand for innovative and trendy designs, has created a favorable environment for career growth in this role. The increasing number of fashion houses and brands, as well as the rise of e-commerce, are contributing factors to the expanding job market for Assistant Fashion Designers in the UK.