Free People Assistant Design Director - Color, Trend & Textile

Free People is seeking an Assistant Design Director - Color, Trend & Textiles to lead and support the Color and Textile/Surface Design trend process and point of view for Free People Brand. 

This role will lead research of current trends, develop new color concepts and seasonal point of views and create unique & new color palettes and pairings. The Assistant Design Director will oversee the entire color process, from conception to production and provide direction for in-store assortment merchandising, ensuring our products stands out and feel unique and true to Free People’s essence as well as ensure we ahead of upcoming trends and key seasonal colors through thorough data analysis.

Alongside leading the color process, you would also actively participate in the start and concept of Fabric/Color/Print trend seasonal development and presentations as well support the Design & Color teams in leading the monthly color trend direction and cadence across Retail and Wholesale segments. 

Some additional areas of opportunities to expand on could be (But are not limited to):

• Stay informed about the latest dyeing technologies and sustainability initiatives, driving progress in these areas. 
• Help conceptualize and develop original ideas and patterns that can be applied to textiles, artworks that aligns with our unique brand’s aesthetic. Strong vision for pushing new ideas and concepts across colors, techniques, washes and embellishment/crafts.
• Explore new embellishment, craft techniques and resources; as well as collaborate closely with the trend team to create new color point of views, explore new ways of doing new washes, pushing boundaries across surface and textiles treatments and different techniques in order to always push the trend forward for the Free People customer. 
• Develop and source new embellishments techniques and materials. Working closely with vendors as well as PD and Design team to push our techniques to the next but that are able to be produced into final products/garments
• Create excitement around Color point of view and newness to create special palette to better suit each category and bring newness point of view. Develop trend mood boards and concept to present color point of view and create excitement.
• Analyze & identify opportunities in color expansion and opportunities to develop specific palette strategy. Offer a variety and fresh take on colors for each class in having a stronger focus on color refinement related to trend to further elevate each area across Free People 
• Create original ideas by sewing/ mocking your ideas for key meetings to help support new ideas you are wanting to represent
• Help support the creative workload for Jackets & Structure’s categories to create unique and special pieces in working closely with the design team leads to develop these statement pieces in a more regular cadence. Researching vintage and swatch inspiration as needed that are in line with Trend and Business needs for the category. 
• One other area of focus will be around bringing newness in Jacquards, Fur, Suiting and statement prints to bring a fresh new perspective across surface design and textiles to the Jackets, Structure & Dresses categories at first and could see this expanding across other classes depending on needs 
• Lead and manage the color team to ensure that color vision and resulting product are cohesive and appropriate for the Free People customer
• Expand & Develop Color and Treatment techniques across Sweaters. Working closely with the Design Director Sweaters, focusing on newness in yarns and how it connects to color and treatments on a seasonal base

Mentoring & Team:

• Lead, inspire and build the color team to do their best work yet. Inspire, mentor and provide guidance, feedback, and fostering a collaborative and innovative design environment within a team of creatives.
• Provide creative direction and oversee the execution of design concepts, ensuring they meet project objectives and resonate with the Free People customer.

• 10+ Years experience in Color, Trend, Surface Design or related ares preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art, Apparel Design, Surface Design or related area of study preferred.
• Creative & Color/Trend Vision
• Creativity & a true passion for Color is a must! Demonstrated strength in pushing new ideas, techniques, and design concepts.
• Demonstrate the vision to identify trends in their early stages and understand their impact to fashion and most importantly to the Free People Brand (Understanding the translation to color, embellishment & craft), so we can be one step ahead for the aspirational customer.  
• Expertise in taking aspirational ideas, focusing on newness and making them work for a broader audience.
• Ability to research and report on industry trend direction, color/print direction, and fabric innovations approximately 9-12 months ahead of season. 
• Love a hands on approach with creating actual mocks, color boards and new embellishment techniques 
• Skills in Procreate, Photoshop, Illustrator or/and Ned Graphics would be a plus
• Ai knowledge/experience would be a plus
• Fabric/Sewing knowledge:
• Strong understanding of knits & Wovens fabrications and technical ability to apply that knowledge on to how each fabrication would execute from a color or surface design point of view.
• Strong sense of organizational skills as well as passionate of fast speed environment
• Thrive in a fast-paced environment, constantly pushing new ideas, concepts as well as responding to business objectives with creative and innovative techniques/colors to move the category forward.
• Excellent communication skills to communicate ideas and inspirations to others and to interact with Designers, Buyers and other Cross Functional partners. 
• Proactive and collaborative attitude with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams is key at Free People
• Some leadership experience with managing 2-3 team members would be added value.
• Proficient in Microsoft platforms (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits

URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.