What are the responsibilities and job description for the Free People Assistant Designer position at Free People?
Role Summary
Free People is seeking an Assistant Designer to support the We The Free cut-and-sew Knitwear category. This role is a key part of the design team—working closely with designers and cross-functional partners to bring our vintage-inspired point of view to life. It blends strong trend research, an appreciation for fabric, wash, and construction, and sharp organizational and communication skills. The Design Assistant contributes to the full lifecycle of product creation, from early concepting and inspiration through development, fittings, and final line presentation.
This position is ideal for someone passionate about cut-and-sew knits, with an elevated eye for fabric, finishing, and garment details. You thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment, love researching silhouettes and fabric techniques, and bring a self-starting, solution-minded approach to every step of the design process. If you are highly organized, adaptable, and excited to help build thoughtful, vintage-inspired, comfort-driven knits that express the We The Free spirit, this role will be a strong fit.
Role Responsibilities
Create and maintain accurate tech packs and BOMs in Tradestone, updating construction details, stitch seam finishes, fabric specs, and trim information weekly
- Attend Garment Fittings and document all changes and update technical sketches as needed
Collaborate closely with cut-and-sew knit designers and cross-functional partners (Product Development, Fabric R&D, Merchandising/Buying) to track samples, manage approvals, and ensure design intent is executed across all styles.
Use basic mocking, draping, and sewing skills to visualize design ideas, explore proportions, etc
Create technical sketches for cut-and-sew knit silhouettes, construction details, and surface treatments to clearly communicate concepts, fit intention, and overall emotional direction.
Conduct ongoing trend and vintage research (market, runway, street style, social media) and share relevant inspiration that supports the Free People and We The Free brand perspective.
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Role Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design or related field
Passion for cut-and-sew knits, with strong interest in fashion research, fabric, wash, treatments, and construction
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office
Experience or familiarity with tech pack platforms (e.g., Tradestone)
Basic garment construction skills: sewing, mocking, draping
Strong illustration and visualization skills for communicating silhouettes, construction, and surface direction
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple tasks and timelines in a fast-paced environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills; collaborative, professional, and clear with cross-functional partners
Receptive to feedback, solution-oriented, and curious—with a desire to grow both technical and creative skills
Demonstrates strong time management, initiative, and an understanding of both design and business goals
Alignment with the Free People and We The Free customer, brand aesthetic, and core values
The Perks
URBN offers comprehensive Perks & Benefits to employees. Availability and eligibility to specific benefits may be subject to your location and employment status. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, PTO, generous employee discounts, retirement savings and much more! For additional information visit www.urbn.com/work-with-us/benefits
EEO Statement
URBN celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression), religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. We believe strongly in fostering a safe, fair and respectful work environment. To ensure compliance with our non-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, we offer anti-harassment training to managers and employees.