Job Title

Zulu & Zephyr is an independent Australian lifestyle brand, known for its considered design, coastal aesthetic, and commitment to sustainability. We are seeking a talented and forward-thinking Fashion Designer to join our Creative Team on a freelance basis. This role requires not only creative vision and technical execution but also a strong sense of autonomy, leadership, and accountability. You will drive the design process end-to-end, ensuring collections are innovative, commercially relevant, and aligned with the brands ethos, while confidently managing projects, collaborating across departments, and making key creative decisions. Key Responsibilities Lead the research, conceptualisation, and execution of three mainline collections annually, alongside Signature, Core, Mini, Sport & Moments capsules. Take ownership of seasonal mood boards and trend reports, using both traditional research and AI-powered forecasting tools, and present confidently to the Creative and Leadership teams. Source and develop sustainable yarns, trims, and fabrics, with a focus on innovation and circularity. Oversee print and fabric submissions, reviewing strike-offs and swatches in collaboration with the Garment Technician. Direct fittings with the Product Developer to ensure design intent, fit, and construction standards are achieved. Manage design handovers to the Product Developer, providing detailed specifications, sketches, and technical packs in line with critical path deadlines. Own and monitor the design critical path, ensuring milestones are met across concept, sampling, and production with minimal oversight. Partner with the Merchandise Manager to analyse range balance, sales performance, and growth opportunities. Request, interpret, and apply sales and performance data, using insights to proactively inform design direction and decision-making. Act as the main point of contact for supplier communication (local and offshore), ensuring sample flow, courier shipments, and development timelines are effectively managed. Mentor and guide junior team members and interns where relevant, fostering a culture of creativity, efficiency, and accountability. Develop and present creative concepts for campaigns, look-books, and shoots, ensuring brand storytelling remains innovative and commercially aligned. Curate and style complete looks on set for e-commerce and campaign shoots, ensuring cohesion between brand vision and commercial objectives. Direct seasonal look-book and e-commerce shoots, collaborating with stylists, photographers, and marketing teams. Oversee imagery review and selection, ensuring ZZs visual identity is consistently upheld. Write compelling collection narratives and product copy for look-books, press, and sales material. Contribute to and guide the creative identity of ZZ across social channels (Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram, TikTok) with trend-driven, visually cohesive content. Collaborate with Marketing on EDM and campaign ideation, ensuring design vision is carried through to brand communications. Oversee preparation and review of all e-commerce and ghost imagery for online upload. Champion innovation by exploring digital fashion tools and 3D rendering to bring collections to life. Key Skills 3+ years experience as a Fashion Designer (ready-to-wear or swim preferred), with proven experience taking ownership of projects end-to-end. Strong leadership qualities with the ability to work independently, prioritise effectively, and make informed creative and commercial decisions. Highly skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, with strong technical design ability. Knowledgeable in sustainable and ethical design practices, with an interest in new material innovations. Strong communicator and collaborator, comfortable presenting ideas and leading cross-functional conversations. Organised, deadline-driven, and confident in managing multiple projects simultaneously. Strong understanding of e-commerce, digital content creation, and the modern retail landscape. Apply via Seek only, do not use the apply now form below. To be kept in the loop with fashion jobs in Byron Bay, subscribe to Fashion Journals Careers updates here . #J-18808-Ljbffr