Apparel Designer

We are currently seeking an Apparel Designer to join our Orchard Brands team at our Middleton, MA office. This hybrid position requires working in the office a minimum of two days a week.

The Apparel Designer will design, build and create product ideas for all business categories. Collaborate with the Design Director, Merchants, and Sourcing Team to execute Seasonal Concept direction, line plan style needs, margin requirements, and completion of product.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and identify trend directions; create concept/mood boards, analyze collections, shop stores; perform competitive analysis; pull and review fabrics, design concepts, presentation boards for meetings, mock-ups, print colorways, and inspirational photos.
• Identify and design key items with a strong brand identity within cost parameters.
• Develop seasonal color direction.
• Design according to line plans, sales needs and emerging trends; ensure timely execution of product develop calendar.
• Develop and research trim/embroidery and bead layouts as necessary
• Work with cad artist, embroidery companies, etc. in creating original art and design details.
• Sketch into collections to build exciting new stories
• Manage All communication with overseas agents for development.
• Attend and help to run milestone meetings on sketch review and product reviews.
  
  • Set up and review seasonal sketches with Design Director.
  • Review seasonal protos with production team prior to proto meetings with Merchant team.

• Work with Technical Design at Turnover regarding garment design aesthetics. (art work and trim) Attend all fittings to give concise feedback to tech design to ensure fit and esthetic are achieved.
• Participate in weekly fittings to assure aesthetic direction is met
• Be proactive with cross functional teams to discuss calendar, changes and T & A
• Attend weekly Best Seller meetings, discuss product issues and address fashion comments when necessary.
• Work with production managers to meet proto delivery dates, price and production delivery.
• Ongoing learning of production capabilities and how to translate to updating styles
• Supervises one or more employees (if applicable). Delegate design work as necessary.
• Partners and collaborates with cross functional teams in the best interest of the brand.
• Mentor and lead by example for Design Team to understand company ethics and aesthetics.
• Travel domestically to trend shop.
• Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design
• 5-7 years experience in apparel design and preferably all women’s categories.
• Extensive background in fit, fabric development, finishes and construction details.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office; Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop
• Must be able to create sketches in Adobe Illustrator
• Superior organizational skills and excellent communication skills; team oriented
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines, highly detailed oriented, meticulous and creative
• Creativity, and sensibility for merchandising; ability to sketch
• Extensive knowledge of garment construction, pattern making, silhouettes, sewing techniques, fabrication and trims; familiarity with print design and manufacturing

Bluestem Brands combines Fingerhut, a fintech company, and Orchard Brands a direct-to-consumer retailer of fashion. Bluestem is headquartered in Eden Prairie, MN and employs employees throughout the country.

Orchard Brands is a portfolio of four lifestyle apparel brands including Blair, Draper's & Damon's, Appleseed’s, and Haband.

Orchard Brands provides lifestyle apparel through a diversified multi-brand portfolio, delivering a direct-to-consumer experience with exclusive fits, assortment and value. We provide clothing designed for every day and any occasion to ensure our customers have wardrobe solutions that fit their life across our brands, including: Blair, providing the perfect fit for your style, budget and you since our founding in 1910 in Warren, Pennsylvania (www.blair.com) Appleseed’s, providing classics you can count on since our founding in 1946 in Beverly, Massachusetts (www.appleseeds.com) Draper’s & Damon’s, which has helped make every entrance count since 1927 in Pasadena, California (www.drapers.com), and Haband (www.blair.com/haband), which has been delivering comfort and style at a great low price for over 90 years.

At Orchard, you will find responsive and supportive leaders who empower our employees, knowing they drive our success. We are continually innovating and improving, challenging ourselves to take risks, learn from mistakes, and celebrate success as a team. We also grow careers - giving employees on-the-job stretch assignments, lateral moves to expand their knowledge base, and promotional opportunities that help accelerate their career development.

Join our Orchard Brands Team to be inspired, make an impact, and feel valued every day.

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