Senior Designer, Women's

As the Senior Designer, Women's at Filson, your primary responsibilities include leading the design and development of women's rough wear, denim, outerwear, pants, and dry goods categories. You'll be expected to research historical references, create authentic designs, collaborate with Product Development and Merchandising teams, source materials, and mentor junior designers, ensuring each piece meets our high standards for quality.

To qualify for the Senior Designer, Women's role at Filson, you should have at least 5 years of experience in women's apparel design with a focus on workwear, denim, and outerwear. A deep understanding of functional design principles and knowledge of fabric performance is essential, along with proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and CAD software.

Filson ensures designs meet customer expectations by involving collaboration with the Product Development and Merchandising teams, sourcing appropriate materials, and staying informed on market trends and consumer preferences. As a Senior Designer, you will research historical elements while applying modern innovations to create designs that resonate with customers.

The design process for the Senior Designer, Women's at Filson includes leading the conceptualization of designs, developing sketches and technical drawings, collaborating with various departments to align product with brand aesthetics, and ensuring material sources reflect durability and authenticity. You’ll also review prototypes and fit samples to maintain our quality standards.

Filson supports professional development by encouraging a culture of collaboration and mentorship. As the Senior Designer, Women's, you'll have the opportunity to guide junior team members, share your knowledge, and continuously refine your skills through hands-on design work and interactions with factories and vendors.

In response to this question, discuss how you begin with research and inspiration, focusing on historical pieces and modern trends, before moving into sketching and creating technical drawings. Mention your collaboration with various teams and how you refine designs based on feedback.

Share examples of your past experiences sourcing materials, emphasizing your understanding of fabric performance and durability. Discuss how you ensure choices align with the brand’s quality standards.

Explain your strategies for staying informed, such as reading industry publications, attending trade shows, and networking with professionals. Share specific instances where you've successfully applied current trends in your designs.

Choose an example that highlights your problem-solving skills. Explain the challenges you faced, your design approach, and how collaboration with your team led to a successful outcome.

Discuss your approach to receiving constructive criticism, emphasizing your openness to feedback and collaboration with your team to enhance the final product without compromising your vision.

Talk about your experience with fit samples and prototypes, how you review them critically, and your understanding of garment construction. Highlight any best practices you adhere to for quality assurance.

Share how you have successfully guided junior designers in the past, focusing on your communication style, the importance of encouraging creativity, and how mentoring has positively impacted the team.

Define heritage workwear as it relates to timeless quality, craftsmanship, and practicality, discussing how these principles guide your design philosophy and decisions.

Explain your belief that great design must marry creativity with functionality. Discuss how you ensure that every creative decision enhances both the aesthetic and practical qualities of the piece.

Reflect on your admiration for the brand's legacy, commitment to quality, and collaborative culture. Share your excitement about contributing to a company that aligns with your own values and passion for durable and functional apparel.