Fashion Designer Responsibilities and Duties

Develop idea and produce design by hand or using computer-aided design (CAD).

Update with emerging fashion trends and general trends related to fabrics, colors and shapes.

Collaborate with design team, buyers and forecasters to develop products to meet brief.

Develop and maintain relations with sales, buying and production teams on an ongoing basis to ensure item suits customer, market and price points.

Study and analyze design from technical perspective involving producing patterns and specifications for designs.

Search, select, order and purchase fabrics, trims, fastenings and embellishments.

Adapt existing designs for mass production.

Develop pattern that is cut and sewn into sample garments and supervise making these including fitting, detailing and adaptations.

Negotiate with customers and suppliers.

Manage marketing, finances and other business activities working on a self-employed basis.

Interact with sales and management executives and clients to discuss design ideas.

Develop group of products and accessories and market them through boutiques and mail-order catalogs.

Head, direct and coordinate workers involved in drawing, cutting patterns and constructing samples or finished garments.

Identify target markets for designs based on age, gender, and socioeconomic status.

Research styles and periods of clothing needed for film or theatrical productions.