We’re hiring for some exciting new roles with growing brands all across the country. Check them out today!
Hiring a Luxury Client Advisor!
We're hiring a full-time Client Advisor for our client, a premium quiet luxury brand and international fashion house with a retail location in Washington, DC. Great opportunity for someone who has experience in luxury fashion and is passionate about providing excellent customer service and clienteling.
Now Hiring: Showroom Manager
We're on the lookout for a passionate and customer-centric Showroom Manager for our client, a high-end custom suiting and menswear brand in San Francisco, CA.
Fully commission based role.
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 in Charleston, SC!
Super exciting leadership opportunity with one of Charleston’s finest men’s clothing brands located in the heart of the retail district in Charleston, SC! Check it out.
Join our Team!
Come join our team! We are so exciting to be growing our recruiting team for Retail. If you’re a retail-fanatic with a passion for finding amazing talent, we’d love to connect with you. Check out the two positions we’re hiring for on our retail team.
Retail Roles with UpWest!
Now Hiring: Assistant Store Manager
We are hiring a full-time Assistant Store Manager for our client, an international ultra-fast fashion apparel brand for Gen-Z, focused on trendy and streetwear clothing. Looking for your next retail opportunity? Apply today!
2024 Recruitment Resolutions: Setting Goals for Hiring Success
As we step into a brand-new year, brands in fashion, home, and beauty are buzzing with growth potential. For businesses in these exciting industries, setting recruitment goals that match the latest industry trends is key to steering your team toward success.
Setting hiring goals is not just about keeping up with trends—it's about staying one step ahead. Whether you're a brand riding the waves of seasonal changes or a store looking for top-notch talent to give customers an amazing experience, how you hire matters a lot.
First, before thinking about this year’s plans, take time to think about how last year's hiring went. What worked? What didn’t? You can learn from these experiences to help you for the year ahead. Some hiring strategies may have led you to fantastic talent, while others might've missed the mark. These reflections can guide us in making our hiring process better.
Celebrate Diversity in Hiring
Companies thrive when diversity is prioritized, not just in what they offer but also in the folks they bring on board. So, take the proper steps to make your hiring goals diverse too—look for talent from all walks of life. Having a team with different backgrounds and perspectives sparks fresh ideas, creativity, and connects better with a diverse customer base.
Being Flexible is the Name of the Game
Things change all the time, and being flexible is how we stay strong. Your hiring goals should be adaptable—ready to switch gears as new trends pop up. Whether it's adapting to online shopping booms, the focus on sustainability, or changes in what customers want, your hiring plans should roll with it.
Using Tech the Smart Way
Technology is a game-changer in hiring. We can use AI tools and data to find amazing talent and make the hiring process smoother for everyone involved.
At EB, we’re the experts in matching businesses with talented professionals who know how to navigate these industry shifts. We're here to help brands gear up for a successful new year and ensure that both job seekers and brands have a seamless experience. So, join us as we dive into 2024 with these tips in mind. If you have plans to hire this year, we would love to connect with you. It’s never too early to begin strategizing your plans for growth.
References:
2024 Trends Forecast: Anticipating Hiring Needs in Fashion, Home, and Beauty Industries
In the worlds of the fashion, home, and beauty industries, staying ahead isn't just about keeping up with trends—it's about predicting needs, understanding nuances, and proactively hiring the right talent. As we prepare to step into 2024, we’ve been taking a closer look at what the hiring landscape might hold for these dynamic sectors.
Fashion is a whirlwind of ever-changing trends, and the job market is no exception. Sustainability is taking center stage, sparking a high demand for eco-conscious designers, ethical sourcing experts, and sustainability specialists. Brands are also prioritizing diversity and inclusivity, seeking individuals who champion these values.
In the beauty realm, inclusivity and authenticity are the reigning themes. Clean beauty, skincare, and wellness are driving the need for formulation experts, skincare specialists, and wellness consultants. The integration of technology in beauty is growing, leading to roles such as AR/VR makeup artists and digital marketing experts gaining prominence.
Lastly, the home sector is undergoing a shift towards experiential retail and smart home innovations. Personalized experiences are in demand, driving the need for roles like interior design consultants, smart home technology experts, and customer experience specialists. Sustainability is a significant driver, prompting the search for eco-conscious product developers and sustainable materials experts.
Proactive Hiring Strategies:
To stay ahead in talent acquisition, there are ways to align recruitment strategies with these emerging trends:
Embrace Diversity: Create an inclusive workplace culture that attracts diverse talent.
Tech Integration: Use tech-driven solutions to engage with tech-savvy candidates.
Sustainability Showcase: Find new ways to support sustainable businesses and highlight your commitment to sustainability in brand messaging.
Professional Growth: Offer opportunities for continuous learning and personal development.
At Emerging Blue, we specialize in connecting brands with talented professionals who can navigate these industry shifts. We're dedicated to enhancing brands' hiring strategies, ensuring a seamless and successful experience for both job seekers and retailers throughout the new year and beyond.
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Now Hiring: Master Tailor
We are looking for an experienced and highly skilled Master Tailor for a menswear apparel brand at their Phoenix store. This role will be temp to start (est. 20 hours a week) with the possibility to move full-time within a 3 months.
If you are or know a skilled tailor in the Phoenix area, be sure to apply or share today!