26 Freelance Fashion Designer jobs in the United Kingdom

Lead Fashion Designer

Part-time, 24 Hours per week

* Please include a portfolio or your application will not be considered *

Minimum 2 years experience in a similar role required.

Position is not open to current students.

About Haus of Mclees

Haus of Mclees is an e-commerce swimwear and festival wear brand located in Notting Hill, London. We specialise in women’s swimwear, bespoke hand beaded tops, and festival outfits. Every garment we create reflects our commitment to ethical practices, slow fashion, and high quality.

Our swimwear collection has reversible aspects, promoting conscious consumption. We utilise ethical and sustainable manufacturing processes in order to minimise our carbon footprint. Our custom-made beaded tops and festival outfits are tailored to be perfect for the wearer and designed to make a statement. 

Our vision at Haus of Mclees is to empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness, celebrate their bodies, and express themselves authentically through fashion. We believe in creating a world where clothing is not just a means of covering up but a tool for self-confidence, empowerment, and positive change. 

Position Overview

Haus of Mclees is seeking a skilled and passionate Assistant Fashion Designer to work alongside our CEO and design team. You will play a key role in assisting with the creation and development of our swimwear and occasion-wear lines, offering your skills and knowledge across all areas of fashion design, from conception to production. This position will offer a comprehensive and in-depth view of the inner workings of a young fashion company. You will gain insight and showcase your experience across all design and product development areas of the brand. The ideal candidate should not only possess the skills needed to successfully develop new collections, but should also be eager to grow with the company as we expand our offerings. This role is varied and will provide a comprehensive view of how a fashion company is developed. This role will offer you the chance to make meaningful contributions to product development, design and creative outputs while allowing for ample opportunity to showcase your personal creative vision. We are offering a part-time working schedule with potential to become full-time and look forward to hearing from all prospective candidates. 

Please include your portfolio and all relevant work examples within your application. 

Your Skills

• 2+ years experience working within a similar role 
• Undergraduate degree in fashion design or closely related field 
• Experience with swimwear design and production is preferred but not required
• Strong ability to create detailed and highly accurate tech packs requiring little to no clarification from manufacturer
• Skilled at creating highly accurate and detailed CAD sketches
• Highly skilled in pattern making, pattern grading, and creating custom pattern blocks
• Experienced and highly skilled in working with stretch materials
• Full proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator)
• Full proficiency in procreate
• Very strongly skilled at hand sewing and machine sewing 
• Experience working with stainless steel chain and other metals
• Skilled at pattern making
• Skilled in garment production
• Strong time management
• Highly organised
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Adaptable to different tasks and work environments 
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work with a young brand, sharing new ideas and knowledge
• Able to communicate ideas with clarity
• Eye for detail 
• Keen interest in fashion and design
• Possess a strong interest in the current fashion industry
• Ability to face challenges head-on in a fast paced environment 
• Ability to simultaneously work on different projects 
• Experience working with factories and manufacturers 

Key Responsibilities

• Available to work in studio 3 days per week
• Create detailed and precise tech packs to present to team and manufacturer
• Create detailed CAD sketches for new collections 
• Developing new samples in studio using machine and hand sewing techniques 
• Develop made-to-order and special order products using machine and hand sewing techniques
• Follow design guidelines creating consistent and accurate patterns
• Assist in communication with production and manufacturers 
• Work alongside team to design and create new concepts, collections and products 
• Work with team to develop and produce hand beaded pieces 
• Work closely with team to ensure designs are cohesive with brand and visuals 
• Research and take into consideration new trends based on season and social factors when developing new collections and designs
• Work under time limits in order to meet deadlines
• Create trend and inspiration boards when required
• Support in collecting new materials, development and usage of new or more desirable techniques based on task
• Ability to work across multiple product types with a variety of specific technical requirements.
• Provide accurate information on all products 
• Understanding and adhering to manufacturer time constraints and relations
• Sourcing and finding information on materials which are suitable for current collections and pieces in the current design process. 
• Ensure that workspace is tidy, following basic housekeeping and clerical tasks
• Supporting everyday design and concept operations, assisting CEO and design team

(Please note that additional duties may be required within reason, based on the discretion of the lead designer.)

This is an in person role and your presence is required 3 days/ 24 hours per week at our Notting Hill studio.  

Please submit CV, portfolio, cover letter and all work experience which you may find relevant before applications close.

Haus of Mclees is an equal opportunity employer. 

About the role:

The Senior Fashion Designer leads the creative direction of collections, ensuring brand consistency across all ranges. This role works cross-functionally with key departments —including buying, marketing, and garment technology — to drive commercial success while mentoring and developing junior members of the design team.

Your Responsibilities:

• Set the overall creative direction and vision for collections, ensuring consistency with brand strategy and long-term goals

• Lead seasonal concept development, including shoot concepts and storytelling

• Approve final line-ups, ensuring product range aligns with customer needs and commercial objectives

• Evaluate market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitor activity to drive future design strategies and direction

• Lead high-level supplier relationships and negotiate key developments independently

• Oversee collection planning, ensuring design workstreams align with critical path and business priorities

• Mentor and develop junior designers, providing guidance on both creative and technical aspects

• Collaborate with senior members (Buying, Marketing, Merchandising) to align creative direction

• Lead design reviews and present collections to leadership with clear rationale and vision

• React strategically to trade and performance feedback, driving quick-turn updates or edits to enhance sell-through

Requirements

·    Extensive experience in fashion design, with a strong track record of designing commercially successful womenswear collections

·    Demonstrated ability to set and lead creative direction across multiple product categories, with a deep understanding of brand identity and customer profile

·    Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience managing, coaching, and developing junior designers

·    Proven experience conducting market and trend research, with the ability to translate insights into commercially relevant, brand-aligned collections.

·    Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), and confident in producing high-quality CADs, moodboards, and presentation materials.

·    Strong technical skills in garment construction and product development, including creating and reviewing detailed tech packs and prototypes

·    Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing high-level vendor relationships with confidence and professionalism

·    Confident in presenting collections and design rationale to leadership and cross-functional teams

·    Excellent organisational and project management skills — able to manage multiple deadlines, oversee the critical path, and balance creative output with business priorities

·    Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams (Buying, Merchandising, Garment Tech, Marketing), ensuring alignment at all stages of the design and development process

·    Resilient, adaptable, and solution-oriented, with a forward-thinking, trend-led design approach

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• 25-day holiday
• Flexible hours
• Vibrant team
• 40% off staff discount
• Team socials
• Free Parking
• Competitions
• Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office

About the role:

The Junior Fashion Designer supports the development of collections that align with the brand’s creative vision. Working closely with senior designers, this role involves both creative and technical responsibilities, as well as coordination across production and development teams.

Your Responsibilities:

·    Assist in designing styles and seasonal collections under the direction of the lead designer.

·    Create accurate CAD drawings and tech packs for sampling and production.

·    Collaborate with the Garment Technician to develop first samples and blocks, contributing to fit improvements and

·    problem-solving during fit sessions.

·    Conduct trend and competitor research using online platforms, retail analysis, and market insights.

·    Attend fittings and assist in implementing revisions based on feedback.

·    Track and manage sample development timelines, ensuring key approvals are met on schedule.

·    Maintain an organised sample room and design studio environment.

·    Delegate tasks to interns or work experience placements when appropriate.

·    Proactively monitor the critical path to help meet design and production deadlines.

·    Liaise with the buying team to ensure timely delivery and approval of samples.

·    Demonstrate a solid understanding of fabrics, garment construction, and manufacturing processes.

·    Present design concepts and collection updates to the wider team when required.

Requirements

·    Previous experience in a design and trend led Womenswear brand

·    Relevant degree or qualification in Fashion Design or a related discipline.

·    A strong portfolio showcasing creative research, concept development, and technical skills.

·    Proficient in  Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop

·    Exceptional taste and creativity levels, understanding the competitive landscape

·    A strong team player and considerate of colleagues

·    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships

·    Strong work ethic, integrity and reliability with a hands on attitude and great time management skills

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• 25-day holiday
• Flexible hours
• Vibrant team
• 40% off staff discount
• Team socials
• Free Parking
• Competitions
• Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office

About the role:

The Assistant Fashion Designer plays a key support role within the design team, contributing to the creative and technical development of collections. Working closely with designers, this entry-level position involves assisting with research, sample organisation, and preparation of design materials to help bring concepts to life.

Your Responsibilities:

• Assist with trend research, color story development, fabric sourcing, and trim selection
• Support the creation and maintenance of tech packs and CADs under the guidance of the Designer or Senior Designer
• Organise and manage fabric swatches, trims, and sample archives
• Help prepare mood boards, presentation materials, and resources for design meetings and fittings
• Communicate with suppliers and manufacturers to follow up on samples and materials
• Maintain an understanding of the design calendar, critical path, and range development deadlines
• Provide hands-on support during fittings, taking notes and ensuring feedback is recorded accurately.

Requirements

• Relevant degree or qualification in Fashion Design or a related discipline
• A strong portfolio showcasing creative research, concept development, and technical skills
• Proficient in  Adobe Creative Suite, especially Illustrator and Photoshop
• Strong organisational skills
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for liaising with suppliers and internal teams
• Attention to detail, particularly in documenting fit notes and preparing accurate tech packs
• Strong hand drawing and sketching ability as well as technical drawings
• Confident in hand and machine sewing, sample making experience beneficial
• Ability to understand creative direction and concepts
• A team player, supporting and collaborating with other team members
• Creative thinker, with the ability to think outside the box and an eye for detail

Benefits

• Birthday day off
• 25-day holiday
• Flexible hours
• Vibrant team
• 40% off staff discount
• Team socials
• Free Parking
• Competitions
• Hybrid working - 4 days in the Altrincham office

About The Founder &Co.

The Founder & Co. is a modern menswear brand crafting essential garments that embody timeless style, functional elegance, and purposeful detail. We don’t chase trends—we refine the everyday. Our mission is to help men dress with clarity, confidence, and intention through a collection that is minimalist, intelligent, and built to last.

Role Overview

We’re looking for a Lead Fashion Designer who can shape the visual and functional identity of our collections. You will be responsible for designing refined menswear staples—T-shirts, polos, shirts, trousers—with a singular perfect fit and intelligent variations in fabric weight, feel, flexibility, and subtle style elements. This is not about designing for fashion weeks. It’s about mastering the art of simplicity, purpose, and premium craft.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop menswear collections that align with our occasion-based product strategy (casual, smart casual, business casual).
• Own the full design process from concept to production: moodboards, tech packs, materials, fittings, and refinements.
• Collaborate closely with sourcing and production teams to ensure fabric choice, construction details, and finishes meet our quality standards.
• Innovate within constraints—working with a fixed fit, your design impact comes from thoughtful variations in texture, finish, trims, and styling.
• Translate the brand’s philosophy into garments that serve the customer’s lifestyle—functionally and emotionally.
• Contribute to brand storytelling through design decisions that reflect purpose, not decoration.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in menswear design, ideally with a focus on essentials, luxury basics, or minimalism.
• Strong technical knowledge of fabrics, fit, and garment construction.
• Proficiency in creating tech packs and communicating with manufacturers.
• A sharp eye for balance, restraint, and detail—your signature is subtlety, not statement.
• Experience working with international suppliers and managing production timelines is a plus.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and align designs with brand strategy and customer use cases.

A fabulous opportunity has a risen to join a large fashion brand and bring your passion for print to life. This is an exciting opportunity to make your creative mark on trend-setting collections that exude sophistication and individuality.Working across multiproduct categories, Supplier/ Retail or Brand experience will be considered for this role

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