Job Title: Design Assistant

Reports to: Creative Director

Location: East Legon, Accra

Job Type: Full-time

About Us:

ALIMABELLO formally known as BELLO EDU is a contemporary and sustainable fashion brand renowned for its stylish, high-quality clothing and exceptional customer experience. We're seeking an experienced Design Assistant to join our team and assist our Creative Director in providing creative, technical and administrative support throughout our design and administrative process.

Job Summary:

We're seeking a creative and energetic Design Assistant to support our Creative Director in bringing her vision to life. You will need to have a strong understanding of form, proportion and design principles. You will act as a right - hand to our Creative Director, providing creative technical and administrative support throughout the entire design process, from initial concept to final production. Your role will be a blend of creative and administrative tasks and essential to keeping our design process organised, efficient and on track.

Key Responsibilities:

Design Skills:

  • Sketching and Illustration: Proficiency in sketching both by hand and digitally using apps on a tablet. Developing initial sketches and refining them based  based on the Creative Director’s direction. 

  • Software Proficiency: Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign (or similar) for creating digital illustrations, mood boards, and tech packs.

  • Trend Awareness & Forecasting: A keen eye for fashion trends and the ability to translate them into design concepts. You will contribute to trend forecasting by analysing current fashion trends and predicting future ones.

  • Understanding of Fabrics and Materials: Knowledge of different fabrics, their properties, and how they drape and move is essential for creating successful garments.

  • Colour Sense: A strong understanding of colour theory and the ability to create harmonious colour palettes.

  • Research and Inspiration: Assisting in gathering visual inspiration, researching trends, fabrics and historical references. This might involve visiting museums, libraries, or browsing online resources.

  • Mood Boards and Concept Development: Creating mood boards, colour palettes and fabric boards to communicate the design direction and overall aesthetic of a collection.

  • Technical Drawings and Flats: Preparing technical drawings (flats) that provide detailed specifications for garment construction, including measurements, stitching details and trim placements.

  • Fabric and Trim Sourcing: Researching and sourcing fabrics, trims and the materials, often working with suppliers and attending trade shows.

  • Sample Development: Assisting with the creation of samples, working closely with our production team to ensure the designs are executed correctly.

  • Fit Session: Attending fit sessions, taking notes and providing feedback on garment fit and construction.

  • Showroom Preparation: Helping to prepare samples and displays for fashion shows and showroom presentations.

Personal Assistant Skills:

  • Organisation and Time Management: Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.

  • Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with clients and team members.

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.

  • Resourcefulness and Initiative: The ability to anticipate needs, solve problems, and take initiative.

  • Discretion and Confidentiality: The ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.

Additional Skills:

  • Interest in Sustainable Fashion: A genuine interest in and understanding of sustainable fashion practices.

  • Teamwork and Collaboration: The ability to work effectively as part of a team and contribute to brainstorming sessions.

  • Client Interaction: Comfortable and confident interacting with clients during consultations.

  • Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities efficiently.

  • Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and take on new challenges.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Design Assistance:

  • Assisting the Creative Director in the design process, including research, sketching, and developing design concepts.

  • Creating digital illustrations, mood boards, and technical sketches using design software.

  • Sourcing fabrics and trims, and maintaining fabric libraries.

  • Assisting with the creation of tech packs and production specifications.

  • Attending fittings and providing feedback on garment construction and fit.

Personal Assistance:

  • Managing the Creative Director's schedule and appointments.

  • Handling emails, phone calls, and correspondence.

  • Making travel arrangements and managing itineraries.

  • Assisting with event planning and logistics.

  • Running errands and performing administrative tasks as needed.

Team & Client Interaction:

  • Participating in team brainstorming sessions and contributing creative ideas.

  • Attending client consultations and taking notes.

  • Assisting with the preparation of presentations and client proposals.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Maintaining an organised and efficient workspace.

  • Staying up-to-date on industry trends and competitor activities.

  • Representing the brand in a professional and positive manner.

Requirements:

Essential:

1. 1.5+ years of design experience in a fashion brand

2. Technical understanding of garment construction, fabric and trim knowledge

3. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills

4. Strong knowledge of visual merchandising and store operations

5. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities

6. Strong portfolio showcasing a range of design skills, sketches and illustrations. It should reflect your aesthetic sensibilities and design capabilities.

7. Meticulous attention to detail .

Desirable:

1. Bachelor's degree in Fashion or related field

2. CAD software proficiency. Experience with CAD software for fashion design is a bonus.

3. Knowledge of fashion industry trends and market analysis

*What We Offer:*

1. Competitive salary and bonus structure

2. Generous employee discount on brand merchandise

3. Opportunities for professional growth and development within the company

*How to Apply:*

If you're a motivated and fashion-forward leader looking to join a dynamic team, please submit your resume and cover letter to hello@alimabellobyalima.com