Our client is an emerging luxury casual wear brand dedicated to crafting high-quality, sophisticated, and fashion-forward pieces for Gen Z and Millennial women who embrace creativity and boldness. They are looking for a highly skilled Freelance Production Manager with a deep understanding of luxury fashion to join their team. $60-100/hr. Reach out if interested!
Now Hiring: Design Operations Manager - Accessories
We’re hiring a Design Operations Manager with an accessories focus in NYC. Know someone who may be a fit? Share today! $65-100K.
Now Hiring: Design Director, Outerwear
NYC: Exciting new opportunity to join our client’s team as Design Director of Outerwear. We’re looking for someone with 10+ years of experience in the fashion industry. Knowledge of childrenswear is a must. Salary: $125-175K.
Now Hiring: Associate Designer
Our client, a women’s swim and lifestyle brand, is looking for an Associate Designer to join their team and focus on their knits and soft wovens business. Working alongside the Design Director and cross functionally with tech and production, this is an exciting opportunity to grow with a team in a fast-paced and lively environment. Salary: $75-85K. Apply today!
Finding the Perfect Fit: Where Creative Vision & Values Align
Finding the right talent for your design and development teams can be challenging, as it requires identifying the perfect balance of both skillset and brand alignment. This challenge is even more pronounced in industries like fashion and retail, where creativity, innovation, and culture play pivotal roles.
As a specialized recruitment agency with expertise in the design and development space, our team takes a transformative approach to sourcing top talent. Our recruiters don’t just focus on technical skills; we also prioritize candidates who align with your brand’s vision and DNA. Whether you’re building innovative new technical gear or designing the next iconic fashion line, our brand-focused, industry specialized approach ensures that your team will have the talent it needs to succeed.
The Value of Industry Experience
When you’re hiring for Design and Merchandising roles, you need professionals who understand the nuances of your industry. Individuals who can navigate trends, anticipate consumer needs, and bring fresh ideas to life.
For brands like One Jeanswear Group, Everlane, and Haddad, industry-specific knowledge is essential. Our team of specialized recruiters have immersed ourselves in these industries, allowing us to identify and attract candidates who understand and align with your brand. Whether you need a designer who can anticipate the next big fashion wave, or a merchandiser who understands how to craft compelling product assortments that drive sales, our team’s extensive industry expertise ensures that we find talent who can help you lead the market, not just follow it.
A Brand-Focused Approach to Recruitment
In the design and merchandising space, creativity isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about aligning with a brand’s vision and understanding its DNA. A designer or merchandiser who resonates with your brand’s ethos can help shape collections and strategies that authentically represent your brand while also driving growth.
For example, Everlane's commitment to transparency and sustainable fashion requires designers who are not only skilled but also passionate about ethical production practices. One Jeanswear Group, with its rich history of iconic denim collections, needs talent who can balance innovation with heritage, creating designs that speak to both contemporary and traditional tastes. And for Haddad, which brings iconic children’s brands to life, merchandising teams need a deep understanding of the unique demands of kids’ apparel while staying on top of industry trends.
At EB, we take the time to understand what makes your brand unique. We work closely with you to ensure that every candidate we present doesn’t just fit the technical criteria but also embodies your brand’s values and vision. Our personalized approach ensures that the talent we deliver is the perfect brand and creative fit for your team.
Preparing to build your dream creative team in 2025? Let’s connect!
Now Hiring: Senior Sportswear Designer
Attention NYC, we are hiring! We’re seeking a highly creative designer to develop best in class commercially sale-able core and fashion sportswear product for women’s contemporary/missy market. Salary range: $95-129K
If you are interested, send your resume & portfolio to alonya@emergingblue.com, or apply here.
We're Hiring Designers in NYC!
Calling all women’s and children’s designers in NYC! We are hiring for roles that you may be perfect for. Check them out!
Designer_ C+S And Fully Fashioned Knits ($85-100K)
Designer_ Sustainable Intimates And Basics ($85-100K)
Kids Assistant Designer ($50-55K)
Kids Apparel Graphics Designer ($65-100K)
Now Hiring: Jewelry Brand
Our client, an affordable, high-end jewelry brand based in Torrance, CA is hiring a dynamic Account Executive and an Associate Product Developer to join their team. Both roles are hybrid. Tap the links below for more details.
New Jobs!
Have you checked out our jobs page lately? We’re hiring for some super exciting brands in fashion, home, & beauty. Whether you’re looking for a job in digital & eCommerce, product design & development, sales, merchandising, or retail, we have plenty of opportunities to explore.
Functional Apparel is on the Rise
Functional apparel brands are experiencing a surge in popularity for several reasons. Firstly, there's a growing emphasis on health and wellness among consumers. People are increasingly looking for clothing that supports an active lifestyle, whether it's for sports, outdoor activities, or everyday comfort.
Moreover, advancements in fabric technology have allowed these brands to create clothing that's not only comfortable but also performs exceptionally well. Fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, UV protection, anti-odor features, and durability are becoming increasingly sought after.
The rise of athleisure as a fashion trend has also contributed to the popularity of functional apparel. People want clothing that seamlessly transitions from the gym to daily life, combining style with practicality.
Social media and influencer culture have played a significant role in promoting these brands. Endorsements from fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and celebrities often highlight the functionality and style of these clothes, influencing consumer preferences.
Lastly, the pandemic has accelerated the demand for comfortable yet versatile clothing, as more people are working remotely and seeking multifunctional apparel that suits both professional video calls and workouts at home.
What does this mean for designers wanting to break into this market?
Here are some tips:
Breaking into functional apparel brands requires a combination of creativity, understanding consumer demands, technological awareness, and a strong business sense. It's a competitive field, but with the right approach and dedication, there are plenty of opportunities to make a mark.
When functional apparel brands hire designers, they typically look for a blend of skills, experiences, and qualities that align with the brand's ethos and needs. Here are several key aspects they often consider:
Design Expertise: Strong design skills are fundamental. This includes a solid understanding of garment construction, pattern-making, sketching, and the ability to translate concepts into functional, appealing designs.
Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and materials is crucial. Designers should understand the properties of different fabrics and their suitability for various functionalities like moisture-wicking, breathability, durability, and stretch.
Innovation and Creativity: Brands seek designers who can think outside the box and bring innovative ideas to the table. Creativity in merging functionality with aesthetics is highly valued.
Portfolio and Previous Work: A robust portfolio showcasing relevant work in functional apparel design or related areas is essential. Projects highlighting a designer's ability to create practical yet stylish garments are often favored.
Understanding of Market Trends: Awareness of current fashion trends, consumer preferences, and market demands is crucial. Designers should be able to anticipate and adapt to changing trends in the functional apparel industry.
Collaborative Skills: The ability to work in a team is important, especially in a design process that involves collaboration with fabric technologists, product developers, and marketing teams.
Problem-solving Abilities: Designers should demonstrate the capacity to solve design challenges related to functionality, comfort, and style. Being able to address practical issues without compromising on aesthetics is highly valued.
Adaptability and Flexibility: The apparel industry is dynamic. Designers who can adapt to new technologies, trends, and consumer demands are sought after.
Passion for Functionality and Performance: A genuine interest in creating garments that enhance performance, offer comfort, and cater to specific needs of the wearer is often appreciated by functional apparel brands.
Sustainability Awareness: Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability, knowledge of eco-friendly materials, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in design and production are becoming more critical for brands.
Ultimately, a combination of technical skills, creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the functional apparel market are highly valued when brands seek to hire designers for their teams. We are lucky enough to work with some of these great brands, including Vuori, 686, Rhone, Triple Aught Design, TravisMathew, Howler Brothers, and more.
Now Hiring: Senior Product Development Manager
Exciting opportunity for an experienced, innovative product developer to work side-by-side with the founders of Rhone to develop their unique men’s performance line! Check it out.
Now Hiring: Director of Materials R+D - Tops
Our client, a well known multi denim brand manufacturer, is looking for a Director of Fabric R+D- Tops to provide technical support to their design and development team on innovation, research, and development menus on sustainable raw materials for wovens, knits and performance based fabrications. Interested? Click here to learn more and to apply.
New Fashion Jobs in Apex, NC!
Our client, a woman’s lifestyle brand based in Apex, NC, is looking for a Production Manager, Apparel Technical Designer, and Production Coordinator! Interested? Apply today!
New Jobs in San Francisco!
Great new job opportunities with a super cool apparel brand based in the Bay-area! Check them out.
Director of Technical Design + Material Development ($160-190K)
Now Hiring: Renowned Denim Brand in NYC
Our client, an international, premium denim brand, is growing their team in their NY office! Check out these exciting leadership opportunities with a renowned brand in the industry.
Sustainable Fabrications and Methods of Production: Paving the Way for a Greener Fashion Industry
In an era marked by growing environmental concerns, the fashion industry has been undergoing a significant transformation. As consumers become more conscious of their choices and the impact of their actions, brands are stepping up to the challenge by adopting sustainable fabrications and production methods. At Emerging Blue, we're proud to collaborate with visionary brands that are leading the way in sustainable fashion. We’re excited to share some of the remarkable sustainable fabrications and methods of production that are shaping the industry's future.
Regenerative Cotton Denim: Aritizia Leading the Aspiration
Regenerative cotton denim is a revolutionary approach to sustainable fabric production. Brands like Aritizia are pioneering this movement by incorporating regenerative practices into their supply chains. Regenerative cotton farming focuses on enhancing soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Their efforts serve as inspiration for the industry as a whole, showcasing the potential of regenerative agriculture in fashion.
Waterless Innovation: Levi Strauss & Co Taking the Plunge
Levi Strauss & Co, a denim giant, is making waves in sustainable denim production with their waterless techniques. Water scarcity is a global concern, and the fashion industry's water-intensive processes have long been a cause for alarm. Levi's innovative methods drastically reduce water consumption during denim production, setting an example for others to follow. Levi Strauss & Co's commitment to water conservation underscores the urgent need for water-conscious practices in the fashion world.
Embracing Natural Excellence: 7FAM's Eco-Friendly Fabrications
At Emerging Blue, we're proud to collaborate with brands that prioritize sustainable fabrications. Our client, 7 for All Mankind, is a shining example of this commitment. Hemp, Tencel™ Modal, LENZING™, and ECOVERO™ are renewable materials that significantly reduce the environmental impact of clothing production. By opting for these fabrications, 7FAM showcases their dedication to creating fashion that's both stylish and environmentally responsible.
Cultivating Sustainability: Goldie Tees and Sustainably Grown Pima Cotton
Goldie Tees, another one of our amazing clients, is a brand that values quality and sustainability. Sustainably grown pima cotton is at the heart of their mission. This premium cotton is cultivated with a focus on minimizing chemical use, conserving water, and promoting fair labor practices. Goldie Tees' dedication to sustainable cotton production exemplifies how brands can prioritize environmental and ethical considerations without compromising on comfort and style.
Breathing New Life: Recycling Yarns for a Circular Fashion Economy
Transitioning towards a circular economy is a fundamental aspect of sustainable fashion. Brands like Marine Layer with their "RESPUN" initiative and One Jeanswear Group's "Fab Scrap" are reshaping the industry by incorporating recycled yarns into their products. These innovations breathe new life into discarded textiles, reducing waste and conserving resources. Collaborative efforts like these highlight the power of recycling in creating a more sustainable and resilient fashion ecosystem.
The journey towards a more sustainable fashion industry is a collective effort that requires the commitment of brands, consumers, and industry stakeholders alike. By spotlighting visionary brands like Aritizia, Levi Strauss & Co, 7FAM, and Goldie Tees, along with initiatives like "RESPUN" and "Fab Scrap," we celebrate the progress being made in sustainable fabrications and production methods. At EB, our team is dedicated to supporting and collaborating with brands that prioritize environmental responsibility, paving the way for a greener, more conscious fashion future. With our wide network, combined expertise, and commitment to connecting talent with fashion, beauty, and home companies, we help individuals find their desired roles in the sustainable landscape. If you are looking to hire or build a successful career in the dynamic world of sustainable fashion, beauty or home, you can open a job with us here or send us your resume at info@emergingblue.com.
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