Freelance Head of Design – Premium Womenswear
THE COMPANY
We are an Amsterdam-based Parisian premium womenswear brand, entering an exciting new phase of development and preparing for our European launch.
Our brand is defined by sophisticated design, refined craftsmanship and a distinctive Parisian aesthetic, with a strong focus on creating timeless yet relevant collections that combine femininity, refinement and modern European sensibility.
We are looking for an experienced Freelance Head of Design to lead the creative direction and seasonal development of our womenswear collections.
This is a senior creative leadership role for an accomplished womenswear designer with a sophisticated and modern European aesthetic, a refined Parisian sensibility, and a strong understanding of the European high-end and premium fashion market.
The successful candidate will combine a distinctive creative vision with strong commercial awareness and the ability to translate the brand’s identity and positioning into refined, cohesive and relevant seasonal collections with a recognisable brand signature.
Freelance Head of Design – Premium Womenswear
THE ROLE
Working closely with the Brand Director and our internal Design & Product teams, the Head of Design will take ownership of the creative development of our seasonal collections from initial concept and research through to final product.
Key responsibilities include:
- Define and develop the seasonal creative direction in line with the brand identity, positioning and long-term creative vision
- Create and oversee seasonal concepts, mood boards, colour palettes, collection narratives and overall visual direction
- Design and oversee complete womenswear collections across soft wovens, tailoring, circular knit, flat knit, outerwear, denim and selected leather pieces
- Build strong and balanced collection architecture, ensuring coherence across silhouettes, product categories, colour, fabrics, key pieces and commercial styles
- Translate seasonal concepts into distinctive products while maintaining a clear and recognisable brand identity
- Lead, mentor and review the work of the internal design team, providing clear creative direction throughout the collection development process
- Work closely with the Brand Director, Product Development, Sourcing and Merchandising teams from initial concept through development, fittings and final product
- Research and select fabrics, yarns, trims and colour developments together with the Product & Sourcing teams and suppliers
- Lead and participate in fittings, ensuring design integrity, proportion, fit, quality and consistency across the collection
- Maintain strong awareness of international fashion, cultural and consumer trends while developing a distinctive and recognisable brand signature
- Collaborate closely with international suppliers and manufacturers throughout the product development process
- Travel internationally to key business and supplier locations when required
THE PROFILE
- 12–15+ years of womenswear design experience, including significant experience in senior design leadership positions
- Proven senior-level womenswear design experience with established European high-end and/or premium fashion brands is essential
- Strong experience in building and developing complete seasonal womenswear collections from initial concept and research through to final produc
- Proven design experience across multiple product categories, including soft wovens, tailoring, circular knit, flat knit, outerwear and denim; leather experience is an advantage
- A sophisticated, modern European design aesthetic with a strong understanding of Parisian premium fashion and contemporary womenswear
- Exceptional eye for silhouette, proportion, colour, fabrics, yarns, details and overall collection coherence
- Strong understanding of garment construction, fittings, fabrics, product development and production processes
- Ability to create a distinctive brand signature while balancing creative vision with commercial awareness and market relevance
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing, mentoring and inspiring design teams
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Product Development, Sourcing, Merchandising and external suppliers
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate seasonal concepts and creative direction
- Excellent Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills; CLO3D knowledge is an advantage
- Fluent English
- Must be based in Europe and flexible to travel internationally on a regular basis, including Amsterdam, Istanbul and key European supplier locations
THE SET-UP
This is a freelance senior creative leadership position.
We are building our own internal Design & Product teams and are therefore not looking for an external design team or design studio.
We are looking for an individual Head of Design who can take ownership of the brand’s creative direction, lead and inspire our internal design team, and work closely with the Brand Director and Product team to shape and develop the collections and the brand’s long-term design identity.
The role will involve regular collaboration with our teams and partners in Amsterdam and Istanbul, as well as international suppliers and manufacturers.
APPLICATION
Please apply with your CV and a recent portfolio demonstrating complete womenswear collection work across multiple product categories.
Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.
Relevant senior-level experience with established European high-end and/or premium womenswear brands is essential.