Fashion Designer Assistant

Role Overview

You'll be the creative and technical backbone of a boutique fashion house in Kilimani, helping to drive every garment from rough concept to finished product. Day to day, that means translating the Lead Designer's vision into clear sketches, specs, and construction instructions, then working hands-on with tailors and suppliers to keep production running smoothly. Your attention to detail directly affects the final fit, finish, and on-time delivery of seasonal collections and made-to-order pieces for private clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal collection concepts, mood boards, and technical flats that clearly communicate design intent to patternmakers, cutters, and tailors.
• Prepare and update garment specification sheets, including measurements, construction notes, and trims, so every produced piece meets exact design standards.
• Source and evaluate fabrics, linings, and hardware from local suppliers, assessing drape, weight, colorfastness, and durability against each garment's silhouette and intended use.
• Coordinate sample orders and vendor deliveries to avoid production delays, while organizing the studio's fabric library, trim inventory, and material cost logs.
• Support client consultations by recording measurements, documenting custom design requests, and helping style or refine bespoke pieces to match personal preferences.
• Oversee daily progress in the tailoring workshop, troubleshooting fit issues, pattern adjustments, and any ambiguities in technical instructions.
• Monitor quality at every stage—cutting, stitching, assembly, and finishing—by measuring finished garments against spec charts and directing corrections for flaws like uneven seams, tension errors, or fabric blemishes.
• Maintain studio files, including digital design archives, client measurement records, and production dockets, to keep work organized and auditable.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Design, Textile Technology, or a closely related field.
• At least 2 years of hands-on experience in a fashion design studio, garment manufacturing unit, or high-end tailoring workshop.
• Solid command of garment construction, pattern drafting and interpretation, stitching techniques, and quality control processes.
• Strong hand-sketching or digital illustration ability, with a sharp eye for proportion, color, texture, and silhouette balance.
• Ability to read a spec sheet and translate it into practical guidance for production staff without losing design fidelity.
• Organized, detail-obsessed, and comfortable juggling multiple client orders and collection pieces at the same time.
• Willing and able to work full-time on-site in Kilimani, Nairobi.

What We Offer / Why Join

• A gross monthly salary of Kshs. 30,000–35,000, plus the chance to work in one of Nairobi's most vibrant fashion and design communities.
• Direct exposure to high-fashion seasonal lines and custom couture, collaborating closely with experienced designers and master craftspeople.
• A fast-paced environment where you'll sharpen your practical knowledge of garment production, material sourcing, and client styling—building a portfolio of real, finished work.
• Clear room for growth into more senior roles, such as Associate Fashion Designer or Production Manager, as you build a track record of delivering quality under deadline.