We are KOTON, a Turkish fashion brand that has been setting trends around the world for 40 years.
We are looking not just for a key role of Senior Designer, who will be ensuring that trends are effectively translated in line with brand objectives and customer needs.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor and analyze trends, innovations, and market insights within the fashion industry (including suppliers and competitors) such as themes, styles, fabrics, yarns, knits, prints, and colors.
- Take full ownership of design creation, including detailed technical drawings (flat sketches) and fabric selection, while collaborating closely with team members across pattern-making, production, and sourcing.
- Develop and structure collections specifically tailored around trend analyses, seasonal mood boards, and creative direction provided by the Creative Team.
- Monitor and stay up-to-date with current fashion trends, digital innovations, and modern AI tools, actively integrating AI technologies into design workflows and research processes.
Regularly visit suppliers and conduct competitor analysis to ensure up-to-date market knowledge. - Hold weekly meetings with the Buying team to gather insights on best-selling fabrics, colors, and silhouettes and reflect these into collections.
- Track sales performance periodically and take proactive actions to develop new collections or update best-selling products.
- Design collections and products aligned with brand objectives by understanding the customer profile.
- Analyze seasonal catwalks and trends, and provide guidance to graphic designers on prints and patterns.
- Ensure compliance with intellectual property rights (protection of design rights).
- Provide clear and accurate design briefs to pattern makers (modelists) and ensure proper handover.
- Organize and manage sampling and sewing processes with sample room and production teams.
- Prepare pre-production files and technical sheets (in English depending on production country).
- Provide accurate wash briefs aligned with the season and contribute to new wash techniques (for denim team).
- Prepare denim and non-denim products for photoshoots based on internal briefs (for denim team).
- Participate in fit sessions and ensure first samples are production-ready in terms of fit.
- Ensure collections are prepared on time according to the seasonality of local and international sales channels.
- Develop collections for celebrity collaborations, ensuring cross-functional coordination for timely delivery.
- Organize design and sampling processes for collaboration shoots in line with deadlines and requirements.
- Conduct research for seasonal shooting collections and organize design presentations, samples, and mood boards.
- Work closely with R&D and fabric teams to select, source, and track appropriate fabrics and accessories; organize all design materials and samples.
- Mentor and guide assistant and junior designers; provide feedback on their work.
- Participate in sign-off meetings and revise designs based on feedback and decisions.
- Prepare and update range boards (product mix, themes, fits, etc.) in line with Buying standards.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Engineering, or a related field
- Minimum 8–10 years of experience in fashion retail design, with at least 2–3 years in a managerial role
- Strong experience in Women’s category design
- Experience working with or designing for the Russian / CIS market (customer behavior and market dynamics knowledge is a strong plus)
- Proficiency in fashion AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, digital design tools) and leverage technology for trend research and design efficiency.
- Proven experience in end-to-end collection management (from concept to final product)
- Strong knowledge of fashion trends, fabrics, garment construction, and production processes
- Solid experience in cross-functional collaboration with Buying, Production, Sourcing, and Retail teams
- Strong ability to analyze sales data and translate insights into strategic design decisions
- Experience in supplier management and fabric sourcing
- Strong understanding of range planning and assortment building
What we can offer you:
- We have a personal onboarding program and ongoing corporate training to help you grow as a professional.
- Discounts on everything for you and your loved ones. Plus bonuses and special offers from our partners.
- We understand that life is not just about work. The schedule is discussed individually to make sure you're comfortable.
- Career without borders. Real growth within the company. We "grow" our own leaders.
- Referral program. Bring a friend and get a bonus. Working with your best friends is twice as nice.
- Stability and confidence. Official employment and a competitive salary in a large international chain.
