Fashion Designer – Garment Manufacturing

Job Description

Job summary
The Fashion Designer – Garment Manufacturing designs and develops fashion and apparel products that meet
brand, client, and market requirements while ensuring aesthetic appeal, functionality, and production feasibility.
The role involves conceptualising and illustrating design ideas, preparing technical specifications, selecting
materials, and collaborating with production teams to translate creative concepts into finished garments that
reflect current trends, local, and international market preferences. S/he contributes to innovation, product
differentiation, and customer satisfaction within the Apparel Manufacturing & Fashion Department.
Key roles and responsibilities
• Concept Development & Design Creation
– Research current and emerging fashion trends, colours, silhouettes, and materials relevant to local and
bespoke markets.
– Develop seasonal and client-specific design concepts, mood boards, and inspiration themes in line with
the company’s brand identity.
– Sketch and illustrate garment designs by hand and using computer-aided design (CAD) software such as
Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or CorelDRAW.
– Translate design ideas into accurate technical drawings, detailing garment construction, seams, and
embellishments.
– Prepare technical design files, artwork separations, and layout specifications for embroidery, heat
transfer, or sublimation.
• Product Development & Sampling
– Work with patternmakers, tailors, and sample makers to create prototypes and test garment fit,
functionality, and aesthetics.
– Select appropriate fabrics, trims, colours, and finishes to match design intent and production practicality.
– Review and refine samples based on fittings, production feedback, and client input.
– Prepare detailed technical specification sheets (tech packs) outlining material requirements,
measurements, and stitching details.
– Ensure that designs are adapted for scalability, whether for bespoke, small-batch, or mass production.
• Collaboration & Coordination
– Liaise with the AMF and production teams to ensure seamless transition from design to manufacturing.
– Work closely with graphic designers, embroiderers, and textile printers on surface design elements.
– Liaise with Commercial teams to align collections with market trends and customer profiles.
– Participate in product costing, fabric sourcing, and vendor evaluation processes to support timely
production.
• Market Research & Trend Analysis
– Conduct regular fashion research, both online and through local markets, trade shows, and exhibitions,
to identify design opportunities.
– Monitor competitor designs and collections to inform creative and commercial decisions.
– Recommend new product categories, design improvements, or style adaptations to meet evolving
consumer demands.
– Incorporate sustainability and eco-friendly design principles where feasible.
• Quality, Fit & Aesthetic Control
– Ensure that all design outputs meet quality, comfort, and wearability standards.
– Participate in sample reviews and final garment inspections to confirm alignment with approved designs.
– Ensure colour matching, fabric drape, and embellishment detailing meet design intent.
– Provide design support during production to resolve aesthetic or technical challenges.
• Documentation & Reporting
– Maintain an organised archive of sketches, digital files, fabric swatches, and approved patterns.
– Prepare design presentations and reports for review by the Apparel Design and Development Manager.
– Update design logs, cost sheets, and seasonal line sheets for internal and client reference.
– Support marketing content creation by providing visuals and garment styling inputs for catalogues,
photography, and online displays.
• Compliance with Vistari’s Corporate Systems
– Apply the highest standards of internal controls and risk management practices and behaviours and
embed a positive risk and control culture.
– Demonstrate prudence, sound judgement, and appropriate and timely escalations in management of all
types of risk (including fraud risk) applicable to the role.
– Promote and adhere to Vistari’s core values and ensure compliance with organisational policies and
procedures, collective agreements, and statutory employment standards.
– Maintain zero tolerance to bribery, fraud, and corruption, and ensure the immediate reporting of any
corruption or suspect behaviour that threatens Vistari’s reputation.
– Adhere to safeguarding policies and procedures and immediately report any safeguarding concerns.
– Any other related responsibilities that may be assigned by the Line Manager from time to time.