bout the role:
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his is a rare and significant creative role. As Senior Designer, you will function as the number two to Design Director Katya Maschenko — a trusted creative partner who can hold the breadth of the design vision, elevate the team's output, and step confidently into leadership as the brand continues to grow.
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his is not a role for someone who executes briefs. We are looking for a designer with a genuine and distinctive point of view — someone who understands the balance between The Fold's clean, sophisticated brand handwriting and the commercial needs of our customer; who can create product with authentic design integrity that stands apart in the premium womenswear market.
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he Fold operates in a way that is increasingly rare at our level: in-person fittings, access to extraordinary artisan fabrics, a deeply considered approach to silhouette and construction, and an absolute commitment to quality. This is a role a designer can be genuinely proud of.
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reas of responsibility:
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esign & Creative Direction
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- erve as the creative right hand to the Design Director — deputising as required and contributing to the overall design strategy and seasonal vision at the highest level.
L- ead seasonal design and market research, identifying opportunities that are relevant to The Fold customer and true to the brand's aesthetic DNA.
D- evelop seasonal concepts, mood boards, colour palettes, fabric stories, and design direction with a clear, confident point of view.
D- esign contemporary collections and signature pieces that reflect The Fold's clean, sophisticated handwriting — pieces with authentic design integrity, not derivative of
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- arket trends.
D- emonstrate exceptional mastery of outfitting, range building, and collection architecture — ensuring collections are balanced, commercially viable, and editorially compelling.
P- resent seasonal concepts and line-ups at sketch reviews and collection sign-off meetings with clarity and conviction.
R- efine and amend collections following feedback and sign-off, maintaining design intent throughout.
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roduct Development
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- elect fabrics, trims, linings, prints, and colourways in close collaboration with suppliers and internal teams — bringing genuine knowledge of and passion for exceptional materials.
A- ttend international fabric fairs and supplier meetings to source innovative materials and evolve The Fold's distinctive design handwriting season on season.
W- ork closely with pattern cutters and technical teams to develop new silhouettes, drapes, and fits that meet The Fold's exacting quality standards.
P- roduce detailed technical drawings and design specifications using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
S- upport the collection through in-person fittings, maintaining the highest standards of fit, quality, and design integrity throughout.
P- repare collections for handover to Production and Technical teams with clear communication and thorough documentation.
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ross-Functional Collaboration
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- artner closely with Buying, Merchandising, Production, Technical, and Marketing teams throughout the collection development process.
P- resent seasonal inspiration, product stories, and collection narratives to Marketing and wider business teams with energy and authority.
A- ttend and contribute to campaign photoshoots, ensuring product styling and brand representation reflect the original design vision.
M- aintain a strong understanding of the luxury and contemporary womenswear competitive landscape — always knowing where The Fold sits and why it stands apart.
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eadership & Team Development
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- anage and mentor the Junior Designer and Junior Product Developer — providing guidance, feedback, and a strong creative lead.
F- oster a collaborative, positive, and ambitious team environment where craft and excellence are celebrated.
L- ead by example: promoting accountability, creative rigour, and a solutions-focused approach at every stage of the design process.
S- upport the growth and confidence of junior team members, investing in their development as seriously as in the product.
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bout You:
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ssential Experience & Skills
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- ignificant experience in a Senior Designer role within contemporary, premium, or luxury womenswear.
A- strong, distinctive design handwriting — an exceptional eye for cut, fabric, colour, print, and quality, with work that demonstrates genuine creative authorship.
D- eep understanding of the balance between brand identity and commercial viability — you know how to hold a point of view while building product that sells.
P- roven experience creating capsule collections and signature product with a clear brand identity.
S- trong mastery of outfitting, range building, and commercial product development.
E- xcellent draping, sketching, and technical drawing skills.
A- dvanced proficiency in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
S- trong understanding of garment construction, fit, and product development processes.
E- xcellent presentation, communication, and organisational skills — comfortable presenting to senior leadership and external partners.
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kills & Attributes
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- genuine passion for The Fold brand, its customer, and the extraordinary craft that defines it.
A- deep and instinctive understanding of the needs and lifestyle of professional women.
H- ighly creative, commercially aware, and solutions-oriented — you see possibility, not obstacles.
T- hrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment; embraces change with energy and a positive mindset.
P- roactive, collaborative, and hands-on — no task is beneath you when the collection requires it.
T- akes genuine pride in exceptional standards and is unwilling to compromise on quality.
B- uilds strong relationships internally and externally, acting as a trusted ambassador for The Fold.
A- n inspiring team player who raises the standard around them and invests in others' success.
A- daptable and resilient — comfortable navigating evolving priorities with calm confidence.
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enefits and Perks:
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e believe great work happens when people feel supported, valued, and inspired—here’s how we make that happen:
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- 3 days holiday (25 days + bank holidays) + option to buy more!
P- ension scheme
S- alary sacrifice options (pension & childcare)
F- inancial wellbeing platform to support your goals
£- 1,250 annual The Fold gift voucher
B- ike to work scheme to save on bikes & equipment
E- mployee Assistance Programme (confidential wellbeing support when you need it)
E- ye care support
E- nhanced maternity pay
F- riends & family discount – enjoy 50% off full retail price
M- onthly social events, plus summer & Christmas parties
S- ummer Fridays for that early start to the weekend
F- ully stocked snack cupboards, fresh fruit, plus great coffee & tea
Opportunities to give back through volunteering with our charity partner, Smart Works
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hy The Fold:
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- brand with a clear point of view and a fiercely loyal customer base — you will be selling something you can believe in
O- pportunity to play a highly visible role in a growing premium fashion brand
D- irect exposure to the leadership team and key strategic initiatives
B- road and genuinely commercial remit with real influence on business performance
O- pportunity to help shape the next stage of international and operational growth
E- ntrepreneurial environment with high levels of ownership and autonomy
C- ollaborative culture with ambitious plans for the future
R- ecent investment from a new owner. The brand is at a new chapter of growth across both existing and new channels, and operates internationally.
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iversity and Inclusion:
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e promote a diverse and inclusive workplace which harnesses the benefits of the diversity of our team and strives to represent the communities in which we live and work. Our vision is to establish an environment that attracts individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and talents, empowering them to contribute their best and authentic selves. We welcome and encourage applications from those who share our commitment to fostering this inclusive and authentic work culture.
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