Apparel Designer

As an Apparel Designer at Swoon, your primary responsibilities will include collaborating with the Women’s Tops Director to develop seasonal concepts for Women’s Tops and Dresses, working closely with the CAD designer to create engaging seasonal print stories, and sustaining partnerships with teams in Merchandising, Product Development, and Sourcing to ensure products meet quality and profitability goals.

The ideal candidate for the Apparel Designer position at Swoon should possess a relevant degree in fashion design or a related field, along with experience in apparel design, preferably in the women's market. Strong skills in CAD software, print design, and an understanding of market trends are crucial. Additionally, excellent collaboration and communication skills are essential for working effectively with cross-functional teams.

The role of an Apparel Designer at Swoon directly contributes to the Levi’s brand by developing on-brand, trend-right products that enhance the brand’s equity and profitability. By collaborating on seasonal concepts and ensuring that designs meet both aesthetic and quality standards, the designer plays an integral part in maintaining and elevating Levi’s brand image in the market.

The Apparel Designer contract at Swoon is set for a duration of six months, providing a dynamic opportunity to engage with seasonal collections and contribute valuable designs to women’s apparel during that time. This contract position allows for both flexibility and focused engagement in the fashion industry.

The Apparel Designer position at Swoon offers a competitive pay rate of $75 per hour. This rate reflects the value of the expertise and creativity that candidates bring to the role, making it an attractive opportunity for qualified apparel designers looking to make their mark in the industry.

When answering this question, consider walking the interviewer through your design process step-by-step. Discuss the research and inspiration stages, designing initial sketches, selecting materials, and how you incorporate feedback from colleagues or teams. Highlight your collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure designs align with brand strategies and market trends.

To effectively answer this question, mention specific resources you use to stay informed about fashion trends, such as fashion shows, industry blogs, social media influencers, and market research reports. You could also discuss how you incorporate these insights into your design work to ensure your collections are relevant and compelling.

An ideal answer would include a list of software tools you are proficient with, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and any PLM software you have experience with. Explain how you utilize these tools in your design process to create digital sketches, technical packages, or presentations for stakeholders.

When discussing a challenge, be specific about the situation, the actions you took to resolve it, and the outcome. Focus on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to collaborate with team members to navigate issues effectively and meet project goals.

Share a brief overview of a specific collection you are proud of, touching on the inspiration behind it, your design choices, production processes, and how it performed in the market. Highlight any feedback received from clients or consumers to demonstrate its impact.

Provide insights into your time management and organizational strategies. Discuss how you set priorities based on deadlines, the importance of tasks, and how you communicate with your team to keep everyone informed and on track.

Here, emphasize your belief in teamwork and collaboration. Discuss how you work with various departments, such as Merchandising and Product Development, to ensure your designs align with market needs and brand goals, ultimately reinforcing the vision and quality standards.

Talk about your attention to detail and quality assurance processes. Explain how you conduct fabric and construction tests, produce prototypes, and work closely with the production team to ensure that the final products align with your original vision while meeting brand standards.

Express genuine enthusiasm for the position by discussing Swoon’s reputation in the industry and your admiration for Levi’s brand. Share how your values align with the company’s mission and how you envision contributing your skills and creativity to the team.

In your response, discuss specific methods you adopt for gathering feedback, such as design presentations, surveys, or informal discussions. Highlight the importance of constructive feedback in your design process and how you effectively implement suggestions to elevate your work.