Free People Assistant Designer Free-est Swim

Free People is seeking an Assistant Designer to support the development of private label product and assist the Design Director in creating seasonal collections for the Free-est Swim line. In this role, you’ll contribute throughout the entire design process—from concept to final production—helping to ensure each piece reflects the Free People aesthetic and resonates with the Free-est Swim customer. Responsibilities include collaborating closely with the Design Director, sewing or mocking up original ideas for key meetings, and supporting both creative and operational aspects of the design team.

• Contribute to the design process by sketching new ideas using Procreate and Adobe Illustrator, researching trends and inspiration, and utilizing AI platforms to enhance creative development.

• Create CAD sketches in Illustrator to represent the full range of styles across solid and printed colorways.

• Actively participate in weekly Design Flow Meetings—taking notes, tracking action items, and following up on outstanding issues in alignment with the manager.

• Support the Free-est Swim seasonal development calendar in close collaboration with the Design Director.

• Execute design development projects as assigned by the Design Director.

• Assist in preparing technical sketches for both domestic and overseas programs, including updating and coloring all solid and printed styles in Illustrator.

• Set up spec sheets for all private label product and provide ongoing support to Designers throughout the development process and related communication.

• Manage the development and execution of all design packages, partnering with the Design Coordinator and Product Development team on follow-up and tracking.

• Support communication around fit and construction details by managing weekly fit notes recaps and alerting cross-functional teams to any major changes, ensuring all follow-ups are completed as needed.

• Conduct trend research and report on industry direction—including color, fabric innovation, and silhouette—relevant to the Free-est Swim customer.

• Execute original design ideas through draped or sewn mockups to help visualize the design direction for key seasonal meetings.

• Support the Design Director and collaborate with the entire Free-est team in developing creative and innovative presentation layouts for key meetings with Buyers and Brand leadership.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design preferred

• 1–3 years of professional design experience in swimwear or a related category preferred

• Must be able to work on-site at our Home Office in Philadelphia, PA

• Strong hand-drawing and CAD skills using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate

• Solid understanding of garment construction and a passion for the technical side of design

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

• Familiarity with AI creative tools (e.g., MidJourney, PromeAI) is a bonus, but not required

• Highly proactive, self-motivated, and comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to multitask and manage shifting priorities

• Detail-oriented and eager to learn, with the ability to follow complex processes

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams

• Positive, team-oriented attitude with a willingness to take initiative

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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.