Technical Designer - Sweater and Cut & Sew (New York)

Founded in 1986, Helmut Lang redefined fashion and style through innovative tailoring and a deep engagement with contemporary avant-garde culture. In 2006, Fast Retailing pivoted the brand into a successful contemporary business and enabled global expansion.

Responsibilities :

• Independently responsible for the Helmut Lang Knitwear styles and C&S styles for Men’s and Women’s from development through production.
• Development of initial sample specifications from original samples and/or design sketch. Establish close partnership with Design in order to facilitate the interpretation of Design concepts.
• Generate accurate and detailed technical packets including fit comments, specs, grading, construction details, labeling requirements, packaging, and BOMS for prototypes, SMS, and production fit samples.
• Review all samples for craftsmanship and finishing alongside Design and PD.
• Measure and prepare all samples before fit sessions.
• Lead and conduct the weekly live fittings alongside Design Team, partnering with PD, Production, Merchandising and Pattern Makers accordingly.
• Take notes, capture photos, and determine garment corrections during fittings.
• Determine corrections to achieve fit and document in the tech pack, incorporating technical sketches, garment construction details, grading, labeling requirements, and ticket placement.
• Provide detailed fit corrections to the inhouse Pattern Makers and/or the overseas factories with accuracy.
• Communicate any changes with the Merchandising department and update the system.
• Ensure the garment quality, proper specifications, fit, and overall desired aesthetic is met for production, while offering recommendations to help drive sales and profitability.
• Adhere to the Helmut Lang standards for fit, construction, packaging, processes, etc.
• Communicate to all vendors and factories regarding contents of tech pack, corrections to samples and patterns.
• Interact on daily basis with vendors to problem solve all issues related to garment engineering.
• Correct/Finalize trim sheets and technical packet for production pass off.
• Manage the seasonal workload according to the Master Calendar deadlines.
• Record keeping of successful fits and blocks to use for future developments to maintain fit consistency for the customer.
• Sending out packages and receiving the parcel from overseas.
• Utilize Illustrator to revise technical sketches and/or pattern corrections.
• Utilize Gerber to review C&S patterns and make shape corrections.
• Organize samples for the archive room.
• Plan and book the fit models ahead of schedule based on sample flow.

Requirements :

• 4-6+ years of Knitwear/Sweater and C&S technical design experience.
• Fosters open communication and team environment with all Business Partners.
• Holds self and others accountable for work commitments, deadlines, and outcomes.
• Ensure organization, consistency and efficiency is maintained for areas of responsibilities.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Participates in departmental and cross-functional meetings as appropriate.
• Business acumen and professionalism are a must.
• Solid working knowledge of PLM, Adobe Illustrator, MS Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Knowledge of Gerber is a plus.
• Knowledge of garment fit, knitwear and C&S specs, and garment construction are a must.
• Knowledge of yarn qualities and stitch constructions are a must.
• Knowledge and understanding of garment grade rules and adjustments.

Salary range: $92,000 - $103,000 per year*

*The offered salary or salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills and expertise, and location of the position.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Fast Retailing does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, citizenship, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or because of any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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