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Job Title: Fashion DesignerEmployment Type: Full-TimeLocation: Grant Road, MumbaiExperience:• Senior Designer: 3+ yearsABOUT SDS by KUSHAL SHAH• SDS by KUSHAL SHAH is a men’s luxury brand specializing in Prêt, Couture, and Bespoke.• We focus on refined design aesthetics, craftsmanship, and service, creating a seamless balance between luxury and contemporary style.• Rooted in an edgy yet timeless design philosophy, our collections reflect an evolving yet consistent creative vision.• Our parent company, SHEETAL, has been a pioneer in Indian fashion retail for over 50 years.• Industry icons such as Hemant Trivedi, Manish Malhotra, and Aki Narula began their creative journeys at SDS before launching their own labels.KEY RESPONSIBILTIES :1. Research, Trend Forecasting & Design Intelligence• Conduct extensive research on global and Indian menswear trends, couture movements, textile innovations, embroidery techniques, and tailoring structures • Analyze competitor positioning within luxury and bespoke menswear • Study evolving luxury consumer behavior and seasonal buying patterns • Forecast seasonal color palettes, fabric directions, silhouette evolutions, and surface ornamentation • Identify craft clusters, artisan techniques, and innovative materials aligned with brand aesthetics2. Collection Conceptualization & Story Development• Conceptualize seasonal, couture, and capsule collections from initial idea to production readiness • Develop strong thematic narratives and collection storytelling frameworks • Create comprehensive mood boards (silhouette, texture, embroidery, color, styling, references) • Prepare structured concept decks outlining inspiration, category planning, and product segmentation3. Design Development & Technical Execution• Develop detailed sketches and finalized garment designs across Prêt, Couture, and Bespoke • Create precise technical drawings and CADs • Prepare complete tech packs including: – Measurement charts – Stitch details – Construction notes – Fabric specifications – Embroidery placements – Finishing standards • Define silhouette structures, fit blocks, and garment construction techniques • Incorporate bespoke tailoring principles and couture-level detailing into every design4. Fabric Planning, Sourcing & Material Management• Determine fabric requirements per collection and per garment • Calculate fabric consumption in coordination with merchandising and production • Source fabrics, trims, linings, buttons, embellishments, and accessories • Negotiate pricing, MOQs, and lead times with vendors • Coordinate embroidery sampling with khaka artists and karigars • Maintain updated fabric libraries, trim archives, and sourcing documentation • Ensure timely procurement aligned with sampling and production timelines5. Sampling, Fit Trials & Prototype Approvals• Oversee development of first samples from design briefing to final prototype • Coordinate closely with masters, pattern makers, tailors, and karigars • Conduct detailed fit trials and silhouette corrections • Provide structured correction sheets for sampling iterations • Approve final samples before bulk production or couture execution • Ensure garments meet luxury construction and finishing standards6. Production Planning, Merchandising & Execution• Collaborate with merchandising teams on costing and pricing strategies • Align design timelines with production calendars and launch schedules • Finalize stitching units, workshop allocations, and karigar assignments • Monitor embroidery timelines and execution stages • Coordinate fabric usage planning and wastage control • Oversee bulk production quality consistency • Ensure readiness for retail, MBOs, and e-commerce distribution7. End-to-End Client Consultation & Bespoke Order Facilitation• Lead and actively participate in client consultations at the flagship store • Understand client personality, occasion requirements, styling preferences, and customization needs • Translate consultation discussions into structured design briefs • Develop bespoke concepts tailored to individual client requirements • Prepare personalized tech sheets and embroidery layouts specific to each order • Supervise measurement recording and customization specifications • Coordinate sampling and trial fittings for bespoke clients • Attend fittings, mark corrections, and provide structured alteration instructions • Ensure seamless communication between client, production, and tailoring teams • Track order progress from consultation to final delivery • Oversee finishing, personalization, and couture detailing standards • Ensure on-time delivery without compromising craftsmanship • Maintain detailed documentation of bespoke orders for internal records8. Quality Control & Design Excellence• Conduct multi-stage quality inspections (fabric, embroidery, stitching, finishing) • Ensure construction accuracy, seam finishing, lining precision, and embroidery consistency • Approve final garments prior to dispatch • Maintain consistency in luxury presentation across collections9. Campaign Support, Styling & Presentation• Coordinate with Marketing, PR, and Merchandising teams for cohesive collection storytelling • Support shoot styling and campaign visuals • Supervise garment presentation for lookbooks, editorials, and launches • Ensure designs align with brand image across all visual platforms10. Visual Documentation & Archiving• Click and supervise garment photography for internal records • Maintain digital archives of: – Tech packs – Embroidery layouts – Fabric swatches – Production notes – Final garment images • Ensure structured documentation for future collection references11. Team Leadership & Creative Mentorship• Guide and mentor junior designers and interns • Review and approve junior sketches, tech sheets, and embroidery layouts • Provide constructive feedback and elevate design standards • Build structured workflows within the design department • Ensure alignment between creative vision and production feasibility12. Process Development & System Implementation• Develop and standardize design-to-production workflows • Create structured tech pack templates and approval systems • Implement sampling approval hierarchies • Establish documentation systems for tracking collection stages • Coordinate cross-department systems between Design, Production, Merchandising, Retail, and Marketing • Continuously optimize efficiency in execution and communicationQUALFICATIONS & PREREQUISITIES:• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field (advanced degree preferred).• Senior Designer: 3+ years of experience in luxury menswear, couture, or bespoke.• Strong understanding of menswear silhouettes, tailoring, and garment construction.• In-depth knowledge of fabrics, couture embroideries, and finishing techniques.• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.).• Familiarity with bespoke tailoring and made-to-measure processes.• Awareness of sustainability practices in fashion is a plus.• Strong teamwork, time management, and creative problem-solving skills.• Willingness to travel for sourcing, shows, and industry events if required.