MCQUEEN: Senior Designer, WRTW

Alexander McQueen is a British luxury fashion House founded by Lee Alexander McQueen in London in 1992. From its inception, Alexander McQueen has been defined by its expression of individuality and subversive strength. Rooted in Lee Alexander McQueen's training on Savile Row, the House pushes the boundaries of British tailoring traditions, emphasising cut, proportion and silhouette. Inspiration is often drawn from nature, British heritage and contemporary culture, with distinct narrative woven throughout the House's collections and fashion shows. Alexander McQueen became renowned for a theatrical and innovative approach, with shows that were emotionally impactful and often provocative, creating a sense of spectacle. Today, with a design studio and atelier based in London, the House upholds its foundational values, known for its uncompromising creative vision and incisive tailoring.

At Alexander McQueen, we live and breathe a culture defined by our key Behaviours:

• Empowerment – We empower our team and peers, providing unwavering support to ensure everyone can thrive; this means giving support to your team and those you are working with to succeed.

• Teamwork – We put an emphasis on Teamwork; this means working together as a collective to achieve shared goals.

• Respect – We value respect, treating everyone with dignity and showing genuine appreciation for their efforts: this means treating everyone equally.

• Kindness – We believe kindness is integral to everything we do; this means demonstrating compassion and empathy towards others.  

How will you contribute?

• Drive the Creative Directors vision by conceptualising and developing innovative design concepts, themes, and narratives for the women's WRTW, aligning with brand identity, market trends, and consumer preferences.

• Lead the design process for show, from initial sketches to final production, ensuring impeccable quality, attention to detail, and adherence to brand standards throughout every stage of development.

• Collaborate closely with the Head of RTW and other key stakeholders to translate creative vision into commercially viable product offerings.

• Conduct in-depth research on emerging trends, materials, techniques, and industry developments to inform design decisions and maintain a competitive edge in the luxury fashion market.

• Oversee the creation of detailed technical specifications, tech packs, and prototype samples, working closely with patternmakers, sample makers, and production teams to ensure accurate execution of designs.

• Mentor and inspire junior members of the design team, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster their professional growth and development.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including merchandising, marketing, production, and sales, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment of brand initiatives across all channels.

• Attend industry events, fashion shows, and trade exhibitions to stay abreast of emerging trends, network with industry peers, and represent the brand as a thought leader in the fashion community.

Required Skills:

• You will be able to demonstrate the desired Alexander McQueen behaviours.
• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Fine Arts, or related field is desired, advanced degree or equivalent experience advantageous.

• Proven track record of success in designing women's ready-to-wear collections for a luxury fashion brand.

• Extensive knowledge of garment construction, textiles, fabric sourcing, and production processes, with a keen eye for detail and quality craftsmanship.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and other design software/tools.

• Strong conceptual and creative skills, with the ability to translate ideas into cohesive and compelling visual narratives.

• ‘Hands on’ attitude towards work.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and articulate design concepts to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining a high level of creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail.

• Passion for fashion, art, culture, and creativity, with a deep understanding of global fashion trends, historical references, and contemporary influences.

Kering is committed to building a diverse workforce. We believe diversity in all its forms – gender, age, nationality, culture, religious beliefs and sexual orientation – enriches the workplace. It opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to adapt to a changing world. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background.