Creative Fashion Designer

Job Title: Creative Fashion Designer

Location: FCT, Abuja

Department: Design

Reports To: Head of Operations / Managing Director

Company: Africana Bespoke Tailoring Nigeria Limited

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Job Overview:

Africana Couture is seeking a talented and passionate Creative Designer with a love for fashion and a clear creative vision. In this role, you will lead the creative direction of our brand, guiding the design of our collections from initial concepts to final production. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and overseeing the production of unique couture designs that blend conventional fashion techniques with unconventional ideas, all while staying true to African styles and heritage. The ideal candidate will not only understand fashion trends but also have a deep appreciation for both African culture and the Western world, bringing a global perspective to their designs. You should be able to tell a brand's story visually, translating ideas into stunning, wearable art. From sketches and fabric selection to managing production and styling for photoshoots, you will ensure the final product aligns with Africana Couture’s brand vision and exceeds the expectations of our clientele. We are looking for someone innovative, collaborative, and eager to push boundaries, consistently delivering fresh ideas and unique design solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Concept Development:

• Create and develop original, trend-setting fashion collections in line with Africana Couture’s brand identity.
• Collaborate with the design team to sketch, illustrate, and create patterns for custom-made outfits and seasonal collections.
• Research fashion trends, cultural influences, and market demand to develop innovative designs that incorporate African fabrics, motifs, and styles.
• Lead the brainstorming and ideation process for new collections, providing artistic vision and inspiration.

Fabric and Material Selection:

• Select and recommend appropriate fabrics, textiles, and embellishments, ensuring quality and cost-efficiency.
• Work closely with suppliers and fabric vendors to source unique materials that enhance design concepts.

Production Oversight:

• Oversee the production process to ensure that the finished product matches the design vision in terms of quality, fit, and aesthetic.
• Collaborate with tailors and artisans to provide technical guidance on garment construction, stitching, and finishing.
• Ensure that design prototypes are created and reviewed before final production.

Brand Development:

• Maintain and enhance Africana Couture’s brand identity through consistent and innovative design work.
• Contribute to marketing strategies by providing input on how to visually present collections for photo shoots, fashion shows, and promotional materials.
• Work with the marketing and communication teams to align design concepts with promotional and branding goals.

Customer Experience (CX) Collaboration:

• Meet with CX Reps to discuss design needs, preferences, and custom orders.
• Provide creative recommendations and sketches for bespoke couture pieces tailored to the client’s specifications.
• Ensure customer satisfaction by delivering high-quality, custom-made garments within set deadlines.

Trend Analysis and Research:

• Stay updated on global and local fashion trends and within the African fashion scene.
• Analyze competitors’ offerings and forecast upcoming trends to keep the brand at the forefront of the industry.

Team Collaboration and Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of assistant designers, stylists, and artisans to ensure consistent quality in all projects.
• Collaborate with other departments such as customer service, marketing, sales, and production to streamline processes and meet business objectives.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (3+ years) as a Creative Designer or Fashion Designer, with a strong portfolio showcasing original couture designs both conventional and un.
• Excellent knowledge of not just African fabrics, patterns, and traditional designs.
• Strong sketching and illustration skills, with proficiency in design software (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.).
• Knowledge of garment construction, tailoring, and fabric manipulation techniques.
• Ability to lead design projects from concept to production while managing multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Exceptional creativity, innovation, and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in luxury fashion or couture design, with a focus on bespoke and custom garments.
• Familiarity with global fashion trends and the African fashion industry.
• Leadership experience and the ability to mentor junior designers and artisans.

Personal Attributes:

• Passionate about African culture and fashion globally with a strong understanding of global fashion trends.
• Creative thinker with the ability to translate ideas into visually stunning designs.
• Collaborative and open-minded, with the ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong work ethic and attention to detail.

Salary:

N300,000.00 (monthly net)

How to Apply:

• Qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to rita.orok@shopafricana.co and cc: hello@shopafricana.co using CREATIVE DESIGNER as the title.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.