Retrofête is hiring: Knitwear Designer in New York

About the job

Founded in 2018 by Ohad Seroya and Aviad Klin, Retrofête is a womenswear collection marked by its bold character, intricate detail, and sparkling embellishments. The New York-based label, which takes its name from a melding of synonyms for ‘vintage’ and ‘party’, channels disco era after-hours through tastefully provocative, day-and-night silhouettes.

Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize and create compelling, brand-right Women's sweaters, knit dresses, knit tops/bodysuits, and knit bottoms.
• Engage in all aspects of design and development such as sketching, swatch and yarn development, Technical Drawing, Initial Specs, Techpack development and conducting development fittings and sending fit comments until SMS stage.
• Work closely with Creative Director and cross-functional teams to build brand-right products that support Retrofete's financial, design and merchandising strategies.
• Strong hand and computer sketching skills with a clear understanding of proportions, high-end finishings, stitches, and knitwear construction.
• Identify key seasonal sweater and knitwear trends as well as product offerings from competitive and aspirational brands in the market. Watch Runway shows and be aware of what is happening within high-end designer price point knitwear.
• Create yarn, fabric and trim sourcing directives, related to the seasonal concept, for vendors.
• Launch knit downs, swatch and stitch development packages, lab dips and strike-offs for all seasonal needs.
• CAD styles for clear visuals and easy communication with cross functioning teams.
• Create tech packs with clear and detailed specifications, initial specs and measurements and construction diagrams. Execute detailed drawings and input BOMs in Excel.
• Evaluate and maintain pertinent BOMs, sketches and trim details, during the lifetime of the product.
• Own the tech pack process while building and maintaining a strong collaboration with the Technical Design Team after your styles are bought.
• Ensure the processes are as efficient and productive as possible to meet seasonal deliverables.
• Collaborate with the merchandising team on chase styles and exclusives, on color selection and overall assortment.
• Develop strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including Technical Design, Merchandising, and Sales to achieve common objectives.
• Partner with VP of Design to ensure targeted costs and margins are met.
• Responsible for organizing and maintaining the yarn & trim libraries and updating seasonal digital design boards.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Proficient in various knitting techniques, such as hand-knitting, machine knitting, and computerized knitting.
• Strong artistic abilities with a keen eye for color, texture, and design aesthetics.
• Familiarity with knitting software/tools and the ability to provide information and suggest solutions to knit factories.
• Stay updated with current fashion trends, colors, textures, and consumer preferences.
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas, collaborate with teams, and work with design team and manufacturers.
• Must be good and fast at hand sketching
• Must be familiar and proficient with TP process with detailed information/instructions
• Must work in fast environment and respect timeline/deadline of the team
• Must work well under pressure
• Must have well rounded well mannered personality to work well with the design team
• Extremely well organized
• Well communicated in verbal and written

Education and Experience:

• A degree in Fashion Design, Textile Design, or a related field is beneficial.
• 3-5 years experience in fashion design. Must have experience as a knitwear designer, either through internships, freelance work, or employment in the fashion industry
• Must provide portfolio which includes fine esthetic knitwear design