Freelance fashion designer

About the Brand (Please note: hourly rates are in Australian dollars. Prices are negotiable depending on experience) We are an emerging Australian women’s fashion brand focused on creating high-quality, limited-edition collections with a strong and recognisable design identity. Our clothing is designed for women who value individuality, confidence and quality. Rather than following short-term trends or producing large quantities, the brand focuses on carefully considered pieces made with quality fabrics, flattering silhouettes and attention to detail. As a new business, we are looking for a creative and experienced freelance fashion designer to work closely with the founder and play an important role in developing the brand from its early stages. About the Role The successful candidate will be involved throughout the design and development process, from initial concepts and creative direction through to final samples and production. This role goes beyond creating fashion sketches. We are looking for someone who can bring their own professional knowledge, creativity and ideas to the business while working closely with the founder to develop and refine the overall vision of the brand. The designer will help transform the brand’s creative direction into cohesive, commercially viable collections while maintaining a high standard of quality and originality. Key Responsibilities * Work closely with the founder to develop and refine the overall creative direction and vision of the brand. * Contribute creative ideas and provide professional feedback on designs, collections and concepts. * Research fashion trends, consumer behaviour, fabrics, colours, silhouettes and emerging influences. * Use current trends as inspiration while ensuring designs remain distinctive and are not overly dependent on short-term trends. * Develop original clothing concepts that align with the brand’s identity and target customer. * Create sketches, mood boards, collection concepts and technical drawings. * Develop designs from initial concepts through to production-ready garments. * Assist with developing cohesive capsule collections where individual pieces work together while maintaining a consistent brand identity. * Select appropriate fabrics, trims, colours, finishes and other materials. * Research and assist with fabric and material sourcing. * Create and maintain detailed tech packs and product specifications. * Provide manufacturers and pattern makers with accurate measurements, construction details, fabric requirements and finishing instructions. * Work with pattern makers, sample makers and manufacturers throughout the product development process. * Review prototypes and samples and identify improvements to fit, construction, proportions, comfort and overall appearance. * Assist with fittings and make necessary design adjustments. * Maintain a strong focus on garment quality, stitching, finishing and small details. * Identify potential production or design issues and recommend practical solutions. * Ensure designs are commercially viable while maintaining the creative vision of the brand. * Consider production costs, materials, manufacturing requirements and agreed budgets when developing designs. * Communicate clearly with suppliers, manufacturers and other external professionals. * Maintain organised design files, technical documents and product development information. * Ensure designs are original and appropriately developed for the brand. * Meet agreed deadlines throughout the design and sampling process. Essential Criteria The successful candidate will have: * Previous professional experience within the fashion industry, preferably women’s fashion. * A strong fashion design portfolio demonstrating original work and creativity. * Exceptional attention to detail. * Strong understanding of fabrics, garment construction, fit and manufacturing processes. * Strong understanding of fashion design and product development. * The ability to turn an initial idea or concept into a finished garment. * Excellent creative and problem-solving skills. * An understanding of current fashion markets and consumer behaviour. * Experience creating technical drawings and/or detailed tech packs. * Experience working with manufacturers, pattern makers and sample makers. * Strong communication and organisational skills. * The ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the founder. * The confidence to contribute ideas and provide honest professional feedback. * The ability to work within deadlines, production requirements and agreed budgets. * Strong attention to both the overall design concept and small garment details. Desirable Skills and Experience The following would be highly regarded: * Experience working with start-up, independent or emerging fashion brands. * Experience developing limited-edition or small-batch collections. * Experience designing premium or contemporary women’s fashion. * Experience with fabric and trim sourcing. * Knowledge of responsible or sustainable fabric options. * Experience with pattern making or garment construction. * Experience using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or other fashion design software. * Strong understanding of production costing and manufacturing processes. * Experience taking a collection from concept through to final production. * Experience developing brand identities or contributing to creative direction. Portfolio Requirements Applicants must provide a fashion design portfolio demonstrating their previous work. The portfolio should ideally include examples of: * Original fashion sketches. * Technical drawings. * Completed garments. * Collection development. * Mood boards or concept development. * Fabric or material selection. * Tech packs or garment specifications. * Previous work with manufacturers or sample development, where applicable. The Ideal Candidate We are looking for someone who is highly creative, detail-oriented and genuinely passionate about fashion. The ideal candidate will have their own creative perspective and be confident contributing ideas rather than simply waiting for instructions. They should be able to understand the founder’s vision, challenge ideas when necessary and suggest better solutions based on their professional experience. As this is a start-up, the role will require flexibility, initiative and a willingness to be involved in different stages of the business. The successful designer should be comfortable working with ideas that are still developing and helping turn them into a clear and achievable creative direction. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who understands that successful fashion design is about more than creating clothing that looks good. Each garment needs to reflect the identity of the brand, fit the needs of the target customer, be practical to manufacture and meet a high standard of quality. What We Offer * The opportunity to help shape an emerging fashion brand from its early stages. * Creative involvement in developing the brand’s overall design direction. * The opportunity to have your work featured as part of a new fashion label. * Collaborative work directly with the founder. * Flexibility associated with freelance/project-based work. * The opportunity to contribute to the development of limited-edition collections. Position Details Position: Freelance Fashion Designer Employment Type: Freelance / Contract Hours: Part-time or project-based, depending on collection requirements Location: Flexible / To be discussed Reporting to: Founder How to Apply Please provide: 1. Your CV or professional profile. 2. Your fashion design portfolio. 3. Examples of previous collection or garment development. 4. A brief summary of your experience within the fashion industry. 5. Your availability and preferred freelance/project rate. 6. Examples of how you have previously worked with manufacturers, pattern makers or sample makers, if applicable