Designer LW HW Knits / Jersey (Freelance)

About Calvin Klein
At Calvin Klein, we believe in fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture by celebrating different perspectives, backgrounds and beliefs to truly connect with our associates and consumers. Join us and have a meaningful impact on the world - and - endless opportunities to design your future. Calvin Klein is a fashion lifestyle brand with bold, progressive ideals and a sensual aesthetic that is recognized worldwide. Our modern and minimalist approach to design, provocative imagery and authentic connection to culture has resonated with customers for over 50 years. Founded in 1968 by Calvin Klein and his business partner Barry Schwartz, we have built our reputation as a leader in American fashion through the distinct Calvin Klein brand lines and a licensed range of products. Global retail sales of Calvin Klein brand products exceeded $9 billion in 2019 and were distributed in over 110 countries. Calvin Klein employs over 11,500 associates globally. We were acquired by PVH Corp. in 2003.

The Position
The Designer LW HW Knits / Jersey part of the Design Team for Calvin Klein Womenswear and is responsible for designing and executing seasonal Knits / Jersey Collections. The Designer has a strong understanding of the product they are responsible for and works closely with the Design Director, Merchandiser and Product Developer handling that same category. The Designer will also partner with other members of the Design Team to create a cohesive collection that is aligned across product groups with clear story telling reflecting seasonal concept ideas. The Designer has a strong understanding of knits / jersey constructions and a high level of fabric/ yarn knowledge, with experience across all knits / jersey product including dresses, knits and tops. The Designer needs to have a good understanding of trends, stitches, shapes and fabrications and how these can be interpreted into brand right product. The key objective is to ensure creative commercial product is designed and developed for the Womenswear division, in line with the Calvin Klein brand identity. 

Key responsibilities

The candidate needs to demonstrate a highly creative and versatile eye for design. The person will need be able to understand and interpret the aesthetic brief in a variety of ways to propose ideas to meet the commercial needs of the company.
 

• Working within a design team, this position is vital to ensuring the growth of the division.
• Researching and identifying trends and newness that work in the Calvin Klein Womenswear aesthetic.
• Translate knits / jersey trends into cohesive collections together with the Design Director.
• Create a knits / jersey collection each season focusing on updates to commercial core product whilst also adding newness, novelty and innovation, in line with the Calvin Klein Womenswear aesthetic.
• Strong understanding of knits / jersey product is a must, with a keen eye for feminine styling, shapes and details.
• High level fabric knowledge of knits / jersey qualities, plus a strong technical understanding of knit / jersey outerwear fits and constructions.
• Working to the Divisional Calendar to meet deadlines
• Be able to work to a commercial Range Plan each season, collaborating with the Merchandising team on best seller management, essential product and seasonal newness.
• Preparing all sketches (2D & 3D) for divisional digital presentations and focus on the follow up of each style.
• Prepare all confirmed styles to be digitalized, with garment worksheets and PLM completed to a high standard for sending to joint venture and buying offices globally.
• Working closely and communicating daily on challenges and changes that arise during the development of styles. Partner with the Product Developer to ensure a smooth work flow each season.
• Source qualities, washes, trims and details that fit in the Calvin Klein Womenswear aesthetic.
• Work closely with the Design Team to align design aesthetics, seasonal details and creative big ideas.
• Work closely with Tech and Product Development teams on garment fittings, based on block systems and new seasonal complex styles. Ensure all styles are to the highest possible standard and help find solutions to any problems that may come up during the fitting process.
• Responsible to follow up on selected sourcing and fabrics each season with the Product Developer. Supports and partners with the Product Developer to execute each style, making sure that the Calvin Klein Womenswear DNA is seen in every garment.
• Work well in a team environment, utilizing strong communication skills.

The Ideal Candidate:
 

• Bachelor Level degree (or equivalent) in Fashion Design
• Experience: at least 4-7 years' experience on knits / jersey product is a must, with a main foucs on Womenswear.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. Experience using PLM systems.
• Strong knowledge of Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop
• Experience using PLM systems
• Familiarity with 3D design (eg Browzwear/Clo3D) or willing to train and excel in 3D design and digital processes
• High level of understanding of knits / jersey constructions and fabrications.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Experience traveling to vendors for seasonal sourcing and development trips.
• Creative with new ideas, with the ability to be creative within a commercial environment.
• Highly organized with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A fast and organized designer to cope with the fast pace of seasons. 
• High level of attention to detail needed for branded product. 
• Excellent communication skills, fluency in written and spoken English are a must.
• Open communicator and able to work with a number of personalities
• Creates partnership and able to work within a team

Please include an up to date portfolio with your CV and application. We would love to see your aesthetic as well how you commercially design to understand why this is THE role for you!

PVH Europe and our brands, TOMMY HILFIGER and CALVIN KLEIN, are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse community of associates with a strong sense of belonging. We believe we are bettered by all forms of diversity, and take pride in working with top talent from every walk of life and corner of the world. In the spirit of inclusivity, qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, ethnicity, ability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation.