Acler
Assistant Designer
| company: | Acler |
| job title: | Assistant Designer |
| location: | Adelaide |
| work type: | Full-time |
| level: | Mid-level |
Role Description
We are an Adelaide based fashion house that began nearly 10 years ago with the now globally recognised brand ‘Acler’. Acler is a female founded and led business that at its heart, celebrates quality textiles, masterful craftsmanship and accessible luxury pieces. From the success of Acler grew our second brand ‘Significant Other’. Significant Other is a pioneering force for artisanal luxury and resort-wear, a renowned presence in the Australian and international markets. Both brands have expanded rapidly, with an ever-growing list of major retailers across the US, EU, UK and Middle East.
It was important to Creative Directors and brand founders Kathryn Forth and Julia Ritorto, to keep Acler & Significant Other’s operations in South Australia. To nurture talent in their home-state and offer employment opportunities that otherwise might only be found in Australia’s major cities. Furthermore, integrity is at the heart of everything we do, from setting up a Scholarship opportunity for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students, to our overarching work in the Reconciliation space and our ongoing charity partnerships with local not-for-profits, we’re committed to being excellent and doing excellent things. If you’re an excellent human, who resonates with the above; please assess your skills* against the requirements below.
Reporting into the Senior Designer, you will collaborate with and support the design team across the entire design process for each collection. Working closely with the Head of Design and Senior Designer, this role requires creative thinking and a strong sense of innovation. You will be involved in all stages of the design life cycle from the initial range concept and style development, CAD and technical phase, collection mapping, tech pack creation and fittings support.
A key focus of the role will be across print and colour development—this includes working on re-colouring existing prints, creating new print colourways to suit seasonal palettes and feedback, assisting with print placement into garments ensuring the overall creative vision is maintained. A strong eye for colour, proportion, and attention to detail is essential.
The role also includes supporting with individual product extensions and exclusive capsule projects. A solid understanding of costing constraints and historical performance feedback is important, and you must be highly organized with strong problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate for this role has advanced skills across the Adobe Suite, particularly Illustrator and Photoshop, and can confidently translate creative ideas into polished, production-ready outputs.
Key Responsibilities
- Researching changes & opportunities in the market presenting them to the Senior Designer for review at relevant checkpoints throughout design phase.
- Under guidance of the Senior Designer further research specific design stories & shapes providing clear inspirational story boards.
- Sketch innovative and technically considered designs to present to Senior Designer. Sketches to be neatly presented with a clear consideration for brand identiy and direction, commercial feasibility, pricing, historical feedback and current trends.
- Fully own and manage technical CADs each collection, setting up pre-lines following company standards and guidelines.
- Responsible for owning and updating pre-lines from end to end ensuring they are coloured up and kept up to date throughout each design phase.
- Preparing print placement on cads for approval from senior design team
- Re-colour prints each season, preparing print packs and colour packs for suppliers
- Support Senior Designer & Head of Design in palette & dip selection
- Work on existing and new product extension categories from inception to production (including swim) under guidance from Head of Design.
- Support with assistance on photoshoots
- Accurately Toile and TP a portion of each collection as allocated. Ensuring the outcome is the to a high standard.
- Provide fittings support for a portion of each collection as allocated, providing accurate fit comments.
- In a timely manner workshop any design, fit or costing issues that arise during the above processes with relevant senior team members.
- Assist in prepping range presentations to ensure meetings flow smoothly and all changes are documented as per task allocation.
- Participate in agent review meetings at pre-line and SMS stage documenting any exclusive opportunities.
- Creating exclusive/capsule decks which may include design development, fashion illustration, artwork selection & recolours.
- Manage the design aspect of the recut & exclusive product program with the support of the Design and Production manager & Wholesale team.
- Develop and manage CAD Library.
- Ensure all critical deadlines are met as per the design timeline.
- Clearly communicate with the team on any issues that arise during the design phase
- working constructively with the team on problem solving solutions throughout the design phase
- Adhere to all company policies and provide feedback and support the development of any company processes as required
KEY SKILLS
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a similar role
- Excellent Excel and Microsoft office skills
- Degree/Educational qualifications
- Excellent verbal and written skills and attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to problem solve
- Advanced Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop skills
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