Skirts Designer

Role Summary

Free People is seeking a Designer to drive new ideas in our Skirts category!  The Skirts Designer actively participates in concepting and designing monthly collections, sketching and sewing original ideas for key meetings, and manages an assistant to ensure that designs are technically sound and speak to the Free People customer. 

Role Responsibilities

• Design & Trend: Develop original designs and mock-ups for skirts, researching current fashion trends and translating them into new designs for the Free People customer.
• Technical Design: Create detailed sketches and tech packs using Adobe Illustrator/Procreate for monthly design packages.
• Development: Collaborate with Design Directors on monthly collections, managing trim sourcing, BOM updates, and sample tracking.
• Fabric & Structure: Utilize in-depth knowledge of woven fabrications (soft to structured) to design innovative silhouettes and collaborate with print & textiles teams.
• Communication: Coordinate with vendors and cross-functional teams (production, buying, tech design) to ensure accurate, timely product execution.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Partner with the Assistant Design Director to shape and present monthly trend concepts, seasonal narratives, and new design opportunities for the category.
• Take ownership of assigned design projects, driving creative development with initiative, strong aesthetic judgment, and disciplined follow-through.
• Generate original, brand-right concepts through sketching, research, and visual storytelling using Procreate, Adobe Creative Suite, and AI-based creative tools.
• Own all technical sketch development for monthly design packages, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely updates throughout each phase of development.
• Manage the execution of design packages for assigned styles in close partnership with the Design Coordinator and Product Development team, supporting a smooth and informed development process.
• Contribute to trim development, BOM refinement, and detail execution to help elevate product and preserve design intent through sampling and production.
• Clearly communicate fit, construction, and design changes to cross-functional partners, including managing weekly fit recaps and escalating key changes when needed.
• Play an active role in Design Flow meetings by identifying open issues, aligning on next steps, and helping move work forward with accountability.
• Bring forward meaningful research on trend, color, fabric, and innovation to support category development and strengthen the overall design vision.
• Use draping, sewn mocks, hand sketching, and digital tools to communicate ideas effectively and bring design concepts to life for key reviews and presentations.
• Contribute to a highly collaborative team environment by preparing proactively for meetings, supporting deadlines, and helping drive creative excellence across the category.
• Operate with agility and a strong creative point of view in a fast-paced environment, responding thoughtfully to shifting priorities and business opportunities.

#LI-JA #FreePeople #URBN

Role Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design and 5+ Years Industry experience preferred.

• Strong understanding of the Free People customer and ability to articulate the brand's DNA and aesthetic in new and fashion forward ways.

• Ability to articulate ideas clearly and inspire.

• Strong experience and knowledge of jersey and woven apparel construction.

• Knowledge of fabric treatments as well as wash and dye techniques.

• Knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes.

• Ability to hand sketch and communicate design ideas via Procreate and PhotoShop.

• Ability to drape, mock/sew and sketch.

• Experience in Ai Design programs welcomed but not required.

• Ability to be on-site 3-5 days per week in Philadelphia, PA.

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.