Senior Designer
Over the last three and a half decades – MAS Intimates has differentiated itself in the global fashion industry through its innovation mindset, strong technical competency, and sustainability initiative.
Embark on a journey of change with MAS, by joining the MAS Capital Intimates Ayathi – Biyagama as a Senior Designer to Take responsibility for the entire design process (Concept to Design intent) whilst managing relationships within the design ecosystem and cross functional teams: demonstrate innovative insight and in-depth ability to research/analyse latest styles/trends/seasonal concepts in the fashion industry and effectively come up with conceptual design ideas which can be converted to commercially viable products that either satisfies a need or solves a consumer problem whilst being trend right/brand relevant and technically feasible in order to
meet customer requirements such as aesthetics, design intent & fit
Key Responsibilities
- Alignment to Design Strategy
Based on the strategic direction from management, be proactive in analyzing latest styles/trends/seasonal concepts in the fashion industry and effectively identify conceptual design ideas which can be converted to commercially viable products that either satisfies a need or solves a consumer problem whilst being trend right/brand relevant and technically feasible in order to meet customer requirements such as aesthetics, design intent & fit
- Research/Analysis/ Customer/Consumer Profiling
Conduct research and analyse market conditions by identify brands competitive landscape, current product trends, new products and recommend potential new concepts for adoption in line with customer/brand/consumer needs such as relevant raw material newness, silhouette, print/graphic, embellishment etc. for our customers and provide product ranges that surpasses competitive offerings
Work cohesively with internal and external parties: capitalise on trends & market platforms and utilise customer insights to better understand new trends and opportunities for upcoming seasons whilst offering seasonal products, design, construction, fabrics, colours etc that are aligned to the agreed seasonal timelines and customer requirements.
- Raw Material (RM) Newness & Direction
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the technical nature, applicability and relevant tolerances of Raw Material (fabric, lace, elastic, trims, etc) whilst supporting Fabric techs, Merchandising teams to source specific raw materials needed for concepts by setting design “wish-lists” and supporting the development of specific materials, graphic and trims required for new concepts that are within development timelines and costing parameters to order to meet aesthetic and functional requirements of the desired concept
(This also includes understanding the technical parameters/protocols related to product development including moulding & printing, as appropriate)
Challenge the status quo- sample different materials and try different processes related to raw materials to determine which is best suited to the product through various stages of product creation ensuring technical feasibility of the RM on the garment
Sample different materials and try different processes related to raw materials to determine which is best suited to the product through various stages of product development, ensuring feasibility of the RM on the garment with the help of sourcing/fabric teams and front- end teams
Identify the impact of other “forward” processes such as cutting, printing, embellishment, moulding, bonding etc. and its impact on material (fabric/lace/trims/accessories) from a garment manufacturing perspective in order to ensure sample/bulk feasibility.
Take lead in collaborating with RM and souring teams to ensure product performance and production feasibility of the materials to meet the correct criteria, providing details of styles, fabric, trims, embellishments as and when the need arises in order to assist relevant teams in the process of executing new styles/concepts and obtain necessary fabric/trims for styles by liaising with the sourcing /Material development team to ensure all materials are available for timely sample garment construction.
- Design Intent Achievement
Upon receiving the design briefs, take lead and create brand-write designs along with technical drawings and sketches and collaborate with the cross functional teams (e.g. technical and merchandising) to determine feasibility of the Tech Pack, update required systems and clearly communicate any changes to the relevant teams in order to drive design intent and sampling within the stipulated time frame.
Oversee and work in collaboration with internal IE, Pattern making and consumption teams to ensure brand aesthetics are met to cost engineering the product
Design Illustrations And Technical Concept Drawings Develop and Utilise Digital Product Creation Skills in order to demonstrate the product virtually to customer stakeholders, whilst also possessing sound knowhow and agility in using tools and platforms such as Browzwear, Clo 3D, Beyond XR .. etc that drive better engagement across different/ new applications
Develop new fabrications including artwork for embellishment/ print placement according to customer requirements & future market trends, prepare design specs for new styles by gathering relevant information from customer websites/email requests and handover same to the relevant pattern maker in order to proceed with sewing, in a timely manner.
- Customer/Brand Connect
Demonstrate an understanding of technical needs/requirements/ intent on design aesthetic & fit, and support relevant raw materials & Sourcing+ Supply chain teams to get the right materials and outcomes from a raw material perspective
- Working in Partnership
Filter out the key signals/trends, and brainstorm as to how they can be interpreted into concepts and generate tech packs with clear technical descriptions and material/print/embellishment details to facilitate handover of concepts to technical teams for sampling
Review concept garments and costs and work with cross functional teams to improve costs where needed to ensure aesthetics of the product are maintained to achieve first time right garments that are also commercially viable/ cost competitive for the customer.
Proactively identify and establish the most effective method of garment construction (including processes such as patterning, bonding, moulding, sewing etc) by working with relevant value stream stakeholders in order to create garments that are in alignment with the design intent whilst ensuring all other customer/brand requirements such as aesthetics, fit, specifications etc. are met to ascertain a seamless sampling process.
Oversee and regularly follow through on garment development/s to ensure high quality of same and delivery on time /as per plan whilst providing feedback to the pattern makers on relevant changes as and when the need arises and coordinate/ work closely with internal teams/technical representatives to ensure quality of samples, fit sessions etc. and systematically record fit comments/issues in the fitted style
(This includes developing the product, identifying/resolving issues and coordinating with internal customers to deliver a bulk feasible product to the operations team)
Compile presentations for customers in order to highlight/provide information on design/product capability and market intelligence thereby optimizing customer relationships
(This includes preparation of displays at the studio for customer visits and liaising with PDC on same in order to obtain suitable garments whilst arranging it on a trend/season wise basis.
Maintaining fashion awareness through reading, observing, customer portals, fashion shows/search engines in order to ensure the creation of desirable/unique designs/concepts across multiple brands and categories)
Take lead and partner with cross functional teams within the design eco-system to create complete Tech packs, review and sign off design intent prior to development to ensure smooth flow of the critical path and timely delivery of the samples.
Partake in relevant development meetings and tech pack meetings to ensure design intent is clearly conveyed in terms of fit, material, construction, print embellishments, so the team has complete clarity of the design intent of concept
- Actively participate and play a lead role in:
Compiling promotional presentations for customers
Highlight/provide information on design/product capability and market intelligence thereby optimizing customer relationships
Support management during customer meetings
Provide recommendations where possible whilst striving to identify innovative solutions/approaches to the design and development process to ensure the brand right product is delivered
- Fits and Prototyping
Conduct fit and prototype review meetings, giving clear direction on design intent whilst aligning with relevant teams on the next steps to match the right fit and cost and also ensuring the below areas are completed in adherence to set guidelines/ timeframes:
Appreciation for product garment and pad to get a better fit/ meaningful meeting
Partake in a fit session and provide advice/ correction/ inputs to perfect the product in terms of right fit and cost
Track and ensure the previous fit records are maintained and checked against benchmark products
Highlight any deviations and provide suggestions/ corrective measures
Lead the activities pertaining to the final fit and the preparation of photos by way of the photo shoot, ensure that the design aesthetics are maintained during the sewing process and prepare samples along with any other supporting props, story boards, PP presentations etc. along with all relevant documentation for samples to be presented to customer/brand
Supervise the work of design direct reports to ensure that every collection meets the brand aesthetic and supports the projected company growth while maintaining and developing customer relationships
- Database Management
Ensure Maintain/update all documentation relevant to the design process from research to presentation, prepare style files, project plans, T&A, design briefs, design illustrations, tech packs to ensure clear/accurate information such as fabric trim information, embroidery details, size, colour, sketch, construction details etc. is available to the PDC for sample production.
- Responsible for development of commercially viable bra concepts for design presentations to customers working closely with design heads.
- Innate elevated design aesthetic for presentations and decks to be presented during high-end Customer visits.
- Participate in presentations to customer.
- Participate and lead brainstorming around design and innovation. Give lead to assigned juniors.
Qualifications, Experience, Skill and Competencies:
Degree in Design and Development –
6-7 years of bra/intimate apparel design experience
Creative and curious about all aspect of product development and innovation with raw materials and application/methods of garment making process.
Experience with bra cup/Pad development, fabrications and other raw materials a must
Passion for analysing market and consumer sentiment, and ability to actualise into presentation and product for brands presentations.
Proficiency in excel, Illustrator, Photoshop and power point. Knowledge and ability to adopt into 3D product creation platforms Exceptional presentation and organizational skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (Presentation, communication and ability to pitch to stakeholders/customers)
Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure
Ability to lead, guide and direct across departments; must inspire trust Collaborative mindset and active participation to achieving common goals
Communication in English is a must.
In depth knowledge of the intimate apparel market/lingerie products globally with emphasis on the US Market and with capability to analyze bra trends and evolution in shape directions to then identify white space opportunities.
Closing Date: 2024/04/16