AKIRA/shopAKIRA.com is hiring: Fashion Designer in Chicago

AKIRA Fashion Designer

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position

Fashion Designer

Location

Chicago, IL

Overview:

We're on the hunt for an experienced Fashion Designer with a killer sense of style to join our Product Team at AKIRA Headquarters in Chicago, IL! If you live and breathe fashion and are ready to dive deep into your creativity, we want to hear from you. You'll be responsible for out-of-the-box thinking to bring fresh, on-trend designs to life across multiple categories. You’ll be working closely with our Creative Director/Partner, who leads all our product teams, and will flex between apparel categories depending on the needs of the business.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee concept development by analyzing sales data and researching trends.
• Collaborate with the Buying team to ensure a unique and cohesive product mix.
• Research and analyze industry trends, materials, colors, and market competition to anticipate client needs.
• Participate in all stages of the design process from development to production, including sketching and fittings.
• Create technical flats, design sheets, and mood boards for each seasonal collection, aligning with brand vision.
• Lead fittings, provide constructive feedback, and adjust sketches as necessary.
• Track and organize development samples for timely delivery and ensure clear communication with internal teams and vendors.
• Work with the Creative Director/Partner and cross-functional teams to create products that support AKIRA’s financial and merchandising strategies.
• Identify opportunities to grow the business through best sellers and recolor/recut options.

Qualifications:

• 2-6 years of work experience in Design
• Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Product Development, Apparel Design or related field
• Exceptional work ethic and motivation to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast - paced, dynamic environment

Diversity & Inclusion:

At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA’s growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you’re filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full Time