Design Head - Apparel / Ethnic

Job Summary:

The Design Head – Apparel / Ethnic Wear will lead the creative direction, design strategy, and product development for the brand’s ethnic and contemporary apparel lines. This role involves overseeing the entire design process — from concept to final product — ensuring alignment with brand identity, market trends, and commercial goals. The incumbent will manage a team of designers, coordinate with merchandising, production, and marketing teams, and drive innovation in design aesthetics, fabric, and styling.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Creative Direction & Trend Research

• Lead the seasonal design direction and collection themes aligned with the brand’s vision.
• Research fashion trends, fabrics, colors, and consumer preferences in ethnic and fusion wear.
• Translate trend insights into commercially viable designs and collections.

2. Product Development

• Oversee the design and sampling of apparel collections (sarees, kurtas, lehengas, fusion wear, etc.).
• Approve design sketches, fabrics, color palettes, trims, and surface ornamentation.
• Work closely with the sourcing and production teams to ensure design feasibility and quality standards.

3. Brand & Market Alignment

• Maintain brand identity and signature aesthetic across all collections.
• Analyze competitor collections and market dynamics to identify opportunities.
• Ensure designs meet target customer expectations in terms of fit, style, and price point.

4. Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of fashion designers, stylists, and CAD artists.
• Allocate design assignments and monitor timelines to meet launch schedules.
• Encourage innovation, teamwork, and creativity within the design department.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, and retail teams for collection planning and photoshoots.
• Partner with production teams to ensure accurate translation of designs into final garments.
• Participate in collection presentations, trade shows, and buyer meetings.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s / Master’s degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or Apparel Design (NIFT / NID or equivalent preferred).
• Experience: 8–15 years of experience in apparel design, with at least 3–5 years in ethnic wear or Indian contemporary fashion.
• Portfolio: Strong portfolio showcasing creativity, fabric innovation, and understanding of ethnic wear trends.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of Indian ethnic fashion, textiles, and embellishment techniques.
• Strong sense of color, silhouette, and drape.
• Proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CorelDRAW, CAD).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Commercial acumen and ability to balance creativity with market needs.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Fresher

Pay: ₹15,000.00 - ₹22,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Internet reimbursement
• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person