Location

London, UK

Type

Full-Time, Permanent 

Welcome to Motel

Our story began during a road trip in the 1990s, where our founders, Will and Andy, travelled across America collecting vintage items while living out of motels. They started purchasing vintage clothing in the USA and selling it wholesale, which eventually led to the creation of stores. From there, they began designing reworked vintage pieces, and thus, Motel was born.

Over 30 years and a team of 200+ people later, every piece of clothing we make is created with the same spirit of fun, freedom and adventure as the road trip that first defined the brand. We’re still ambitious and independent, but now we’re a global team - we work from an operational base in Worcester, a design studio in London and a creative studio in Bali.

The role

The Design Assistant supports the Womenswear Design team across the day-to-day design and development process, working closely with the Senior Designer and wider design team. The role provides creative, technical and administrative support, including researching, creating mood boards and conducting print research, to help deliver commercial seasonal collections that reflect the Motel aesthetic and customer.

The role also assists with overseeing general administrative tasks within the design team, ensuring the department remains organised and supports the smooth running of the design and development process.

The role is suited to someone with a keen eye for detail, strong organisational skills and a willingness to learn and develop within a fast-paced design environment.

Main tasks & responsibilities

• Assist with ongoing research into trends, newness and commercial opportunities across Instagram, Depop, runway, social media and relevant fashion platforms.

• Create mood boards, trend boards and visual research to support seasonal collection direction.

• Maintain an awareness of relevant brands, influencers, youth culture and emerging fashion movements.

• Assist with weekly trend, competitor and social media reports.

• Support competitive shopping across vintage, high street and online retailers, gathering relevant references and identifying new product opportunities.

• Support the development and updating of existing styles under the direction of the Senior Designer

• Create sketches, CADs and colourways across requested product ranges using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Assist with print, graphic and artwork development, as well as sourcing relevant fabrics, trims and design references.

• Prepare accurate design information, handovers and presentations.

• Contribute creative ideas and references while developing a strong understanding of the Motel design identity and customer.

• Organise and track samples throughout the design and development process, ensuring they are prepared for fittings, meetings and presentations.

• Record and update sample comments and amendments following fittings and design reviews.

• Assist with communicating design changes and product information to the wider team.

• Maintain organised sample rails, fabric libraries and design resources.

• Provide day-to-day creative and administrative support to the Womenswear Design team.

• Assist with meeting preparation, note-taking and general coordination of design materials.

• Maintain organised design files, CADs, research, artwork and other documentation.

• Support the Senior Designer and wider team in meeting deadlines and delivering seasonal collections.

• Support Motel's sustainability initiatives by considering how our practices can improve, actively working in line with the sustainability journey of the business.

About you

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and Microsoft Office; experience creating CADs is essential.

• A strong interest in womenswear, fashion trends, social media, and emerging fashion movements.

• Strong visual awareness with a good eye for commercial product.

• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

• A proactive and willing-to-learn approach, with an eagerness to develop within a fast-paced fashion environment.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a wider design team.

• A good understanding of the Motel brand, its aesthetic and its customer.

• A flexible, diligent and positive approach to supporting the wider design team.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary in line with industry benchmarking

• 3% employer pension contribution, 5% employee contribution as standard

• 33 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, with additional days for long service

• Birthday day off

• Team socials and meetups

• Monthly well-being activities to support your health and wellbeing

• Tailored progression pathways

• A thorough EAP scheme offering financial, legal and health support

• Access to professional support & mentoring

• Bonus Scheme for all employees paid out twice a year

• Motel 50% discount

• Motel is a growth mentality company

Motel Rocks Group Ltd is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.