Foschini, one of South Africa’s most iconic fashion retailers, has an exciting opportunity available for a Designer in their creative team. This position, based in Parow East, Western Cape, is perfect for a highly motivated and experienced individual looking to make their mark in the fashion industry. The Designer will be at the forefront of creating and executing fashion ranges that align with international trends while ensuring that they meet the expectations of local consumers.
Designer Job Overview
- Position Title: Designer
- Location: 11 Huguenot Street, Parow East, 7500, Western Cape, South Africa
- Job Schedule: Full-time
- Posting Date: June 4, 2025
- Application Deadline: June 11, 2025
- Job Category: Design and Trend
About Foschini and TFG
Foschini is part of The Foschini Group (TFG), a diverse international retail portfolio that includes 34 speciality lifestyle and apparel brands. With a mission to deliver exceptional omnichannel experiences, TFG aims to inspire customers to live their best lives. Foschini, in particular, is dedicated to offering stylish, contemporary fashion to South African women, from casual wear to formal attire, denim, footwear, and accessories.
Designer Job Description
As a Designer at Foschini, your role will be critical in shaping the look and feel of the brand’s seasonal merchandise. You will be responsible for guiding the entire design process, from concept creation to final production. Working closely with the production and buying teams, your designs will ensure that the brand stays relevant, trendy, and in line with customer expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Your daily tasks will be diverse and impactful, ensuring that you will be an integral part of Foschini’s creative process. Some of your key responsibilities will include:
- Trend Forecasting and Design Direction: You will research global fashion trends and interpret them for the local market. Your ability to translate international trends into styles that resonate with South African customers will be key.
- Brand Development: Creating collections that represent Foschini’s unique brand identity. You will incorporate the brand’s personality into every design, making sure that each piece reflects its ethos.
- Designing Key Seasonal Pieces: You will work on designing key items for the upcoming season, paying attention to pricing, fabric selection, and overall design direction.
- Collaborating with Internal Teams: You will work closely with the buying, merchandise, pattern, fabric, and sample room teams to ensure that each design is executed effectively. You will also be responsible for creating technical CAD drawings and tech packs to communicate your designs to the production team.
- Sales Monitoring and Trend Relevance: Analyzing weekly sales and customer feedback to tweak and improve designs for upcoming collections. This ensures that each range aligns with market demands.
- Product Testing and Development: You will test new product categories and oversee iterations of existing products, ensuring that everything is aligned with customer needs and expectations.
- Meeting Deadlines and Quality Standards: Ensuring that all designs are executed within the critical path timelines while meeting quality and cost expectations.
Qualifications and Experience
To be successful in this role, you will need to meet the following qualifications and experience requirements:
- Tertiary Qualification in Fashion Design: A formal education in fashion design is essential.
- Experience: A minimum of 5 years in a fashion design role is required, with experience in garment construction, fabrics, and trims being highly beneficial.
- Manufacturing Knowledge: A good understanding of the manufacturing process, including supplier coordination, is an advantage.
- Technical Skills: Expertise in Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and Microsoft Office is essential. You should also have a strong ability to create technical drawings and design specifications.
- Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed to collaborate effectively with internal teams and present design ideas.
- Attention to Detail: An eye for detail is critical to ensuring that every design meets the high standards expected of Foschini.
- Time Management: The ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines is crucial.
Skills and Attributes
In addition to the technical and professional qualifications, Foschini is looking for a Designer who has the following qualities:
- Creative Vision: You need to have a clear vision for upcoming fashion trends and be able to translate them into wearable, saleable designs.
- Team Player: You will be working with different teams throughout the design and production process. A collaborative attitude is essential.
- Problem-Solving: The ability to navigate complex situations and find creative solutions to challenges is key in a fast-paced environment.
- Leadership and Initiative: You should be proactive, take ownership of your projects, and guide the team toward achieving common goals.
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How to Apply
Are you ready to shape the future of fashion with Foschini? Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic team that’s passionate about delivering stylish, contemporary fashion to South African women.
The Designer Vacancy at Foschini presents a unique opportunity for experienced and passionate fashion professionals to join a leading South African retail brand that has been an integral part of the fashion landscape for over a century. By becoming part of the creative team, you will have the chance to shape the latest trends, influence fashion direction, and contribute to a brand that truly understands the pulse of its customers.
