Fashion Designer for Abaya brand

About the Role

We’re looking for a creative and detail-oriented Fashion Designer to help bring the Creative Director’s vision to life. You’ll turn themes and concepts into cohesive collections, create accurate samples in collaboration with our master cutter, and ensure every piece meets the highest standards.

A key part of your role is managing supplier relationships—from fabric and embroidery to printing partners—to ensure quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery. This position is perfect for someone who can work independently with minimal supervision while thriving as part of a small, collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Moodboard & Collection Development

• Shape and Expand Creative Direction:  Propose fresh themes and ideas, and develop moodboards that  translate the Creative Director’s guidance into compelling visual stories —including color palettes, fabrics, trims, sketches, and styling notes.
• Refine and Finalize Designs:  Collaborate with the Creative Director and production team  to transform moodboards into cohesive, production-ready collection plans  that are both creative and practical.
• Define Cohesive Storytelling:  Organize moodboards to  tell a clear design story —linking inspiration to final garment ideas—while maintaining consistency across all collection elements.
• Incorporate Research & Trend Insights:  Conduct  trend analysis, competitor research, and cultural references  to ensure the moodboards are forward-thinking, on-brand, and aligned with market demand.
• Contribute Original Concepts :  Proactively propose  new design ideas, details, and creative elements  to enhance and elevate the collection beyond the initial direction. This includes suggesting  innovative fabric combinations, embroidery or print motifs, and unique finishing details  that complement the Creative Director’s framework.
• Documentation & Updates:  Maintain  organized digital moodboards and records  (e.g., in Trello, Canva) to ensure easy reference for the team and smooth handovers to sampling and production stages.

2. Sampling & Design Accuracy

• Collaborate with the Master Cutter:

Work closely with our in-house master cutter throughout the sampling process to ensure every piece is executed with precision. This includes:

- Reviewing and confirming measurements, proportions, and pattern accuracy before cutting.

- Overseeing stitching techniques, seam finishes, and garment construction to ensure they match the Creative Director’s vision.

- Providing real-time feedback and adjustments during sample development to minimize errors and reduce rework.

• Conduct Comprehensive Quality Checks:

Before approving samples for mass production, perform a thorough evaluation of each piece to confirm:

- Fit & Shape: Collar shapes, sleeve lengths, hemlines, and overall garment fit match the approved sketches, tech packs, and brand specifications.

- Fabric & Construction Integrity: The drape, weight, and flow of the fabric align with the intended aesthetic, and seams or structural elements maintain their form during movement.

- Design Details: All trims, embellishments, embroidery, and prints are accurately placed, correctly applied, and free from defects (e.g., misaligned stitching, color bleeding, or uneven tension).

- Finishing Standards: Hems, buttonholes, zippers, and edge finishes are clean, durable, and consistent with brand quality expectations.

• Maintain Accurate Documentation:

For every approved or revised sample, create and update a detailed sample sheet to streamline production and cost tracking. Each sheet should include:

- Fabric Meterage: Exact fabric quantity used for transparency and future cost analysis.

- Time Tracking: Total time taken for sample creation to improve production planning and labor allocation.

- Adjustments & Notes: Clear notes on pattern tweaks, fit corrections, or finishing recommendations required for the next iteration or final production.

- Version Tracking: Maintain version control (e.g., Sample 1.0, 1.1, Final) to ensure clarity when referencing previous adjustments.

3. Supplier & Production Liaison

• Develop and Maintain Supplier Partnerships:  Build strong, professional relationships with  fabric suppliers, embroidery workshops, and printing companies , ensuring they understand and align with the brand’s quality expectations and timelines.
• Oversee Sampling and Approvals:  Coordinate with embroidery and printing partners to  request, review, and refine samples , approve final versions, and confirm all outsourced work matches the approved designs and specifications before bulk production.
• Ensure Clear Communication:  Proactively provide  detailed feedback, corrections, or adjustments  to suppliers to prevent errors, delays, or inconsistencies during production.

4. Trend & Market Research

• Track Regional and Global Trends:  Research  GCC (especially UAE) fashion trends  in abayas and modestwear, while also monitoring  international markets  to spot emerging styles, fabrics, and techniques that could inspire future collections.
• Explore Materials and Production Innovations:  Continuously investigate  fabric availability, new materials, and advanced production techniques  to ensure designs stay fresh, practical, and competitive.
• Analyze Market and Customer Insights:  Monitor competitors and  analyze customer preferences and buying behavior , communicating closely with our  sales team  to gather direct feedback—not just from sales reports. Use these insights to understand  why customers buy or don’t buy  certain styles and apply that knowledge to refine future designs.

5. Collaboration & Content Support

• Partner closely with the content creator and marketing team to provide  accurate, engaging product details  (e.g., fabric types, special finishes, and unique design elements) for online listings, lookbooks, and social media content.
• Share  behind-the-scenes insights and collection highlights  to help shape compelling storytelling for campaigns and promotional materials.
• Assist with  styling for lifestyle photoshoots  and support the content creator with  styling guidance during content creation  to ensure the brand’s aesthetic is consistent.
• Provide  in-store or event support during peak seasons or major brand activations —assisting with both the presentation of the collection and directly helping customers to ensure a seamless brand experience.

Requirements

• Experience as a Fashion Designer , ideally within abaya or modestwear.
• Strong eye for detail , capable of spotting even the smallest discrepancies in garment proportions, construction, or finishing quality..
• Strong knowledge  of fabrics, trims, embroidery, and printing techniques.
• Exceptional communication skills  to confidently address issues with cutters, suppliers, and production partners—able to speak up politely but firmly to ensure corrections are made and standards are upheld.
• Highly Organized and methodical  in documenting samples and design adjustments.
• Strong command  of trend forecasting, competitor analysis, and translating customer preferences into relevant designs.