Free People Assistant Designer - Bali Collection

Free People is seeking an Assistant Designer to support in facilitating the development of Bali Collection design and creation process. This role supports the Design Director in seasonal development by executing original concepts with a strong emphasis on embellishment and craft artwork.

As an Assistant Designer, you will contribute to all stages of the design process—from initial concept to final production—working closely with the Design Director to bring the Bali Collection to life. Responsibilities include assisting with seasonal collection development, creating new craft and embellishment artworks, sewing or mocking up original ideas for key meetings, and providing general support across both creative and operational tasks.

You will help design and source innovative embellishment and craft details tailored to the unique Free People Bali customer across a variety of garment categories, including dresses, bottoms, tops, one-pieces, and jackets—all with the distinctive, exclusive FP touch.

• The Assistant Designer will contribute to the creation, development, and execution of own brand product appropriate for Free People Bali collection.
• Help translate new ideas for upcoming seasons and presentations in drawing and/or mocking/sewing form.
• Support in executing original design ideas through draped & sewn mocks in preparation for key meetings.
• Create original artworks, layouts, and colorways using a blend of traditional techniques (drawing, painting, hand mocking etc.) and digital tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, and AI, ensuring designs are on-brand and trend-appropriate and in line with Free People Bali Collection's creative direction
• Execute specific design development projects as assigned by Design Director and manage development and execution of designs and artwork packages.
• Set up spec sheets for all private label product & assist Design Lead with Bali Collection specific developments & follow-up communication as needed.
• Partner with PD on the status of styles in development daily to ensure product execution meets design specifications and are on track in style development process.
• Assist in completing technical sketches for Bali product, set up spec sheets for all Bali product & assist Design Director with developments as well as follow-up communication as needed.
• Maintain an active role in the weekly Design Flow Meetings. Take notes and follow up on all outstanding issues upon aligning w/ manager.
• Prepare development packages and participate in follow up communication related to each package.
• Review incoming garments with Design Director and PD partners to ensure they are correct and in line with original intent as well as brand standards.
• Assist in sample preparation for monthly design meetings by collaborating with Design Director on innovative presentations that effectively communicate line to Buyers and Brand leaders.
• Perform special tasks as needed.

• Bachelor Degree in Fashion Design or related field of study.
• 1-3 years of Apparel Design Experience.
• Ability to work on site 3-5 days per week at our Home Office (Navy Yard) in Philadelphia, PA.
• Technical/Design Skills:
  • Sewing knowledge:
    • Strong sewing skills and construction of garment understanding is key!
    • Ability to drape, mock and sewing skills are a must.
    • Strong sense of technical design understanding and passion for technical portion/construction and making of garments
• Creativity!
  • A creative mindset with a passion for unique embellishment techniques and unique craft as this role will do a lot of hand mocking and artworks
  • Strong sense and understanding of craft and embellishment techniques and artworks
• Proficient in Microsoft platforms (Excel, Powerpoint & Word)
• Ai knowledge/experience would be a plus! (MidJourney, PromeAi, etc.)

Soft Skills:

• Proactive and self-motivated is a must for this role as well as thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Ready to learn and detail-oriented with the ability to follow design direction for creative process
• Collaborative attitude with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams is key at Free People
• Positive, proactive attitude and strong team collaboration skills 

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.