Denim Design Assistant

About the role

The Denim Design Assistant position is an essential support role within Reformation's in-house Design team, playing a crucial part in all stages of the design and product development process. This role will report directly to the Director of Denim Design and will be instrumental in launching one of the brand's most exciting new categories. The ideal candidate will be deeply passionate about denim design, possess strong organizational skills, and be detail-oriented, with the ability to balance creative tasks such as mood board creation and technical responsibilities like updating styles in the PLM system. This position thrives in a dynamic environment, where the quality of work is paramount, and recognizes that successful design is a blend of innovative ideas and effective processes.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Collaborate with designers to assist in developing denim concepts, conducting trend research, and gathering seasonal inspiration.
• Create and maintain mood boards, color palettes, and presentation materials for internal reviews and cross-functional discussions.
• Organize and prepare design sketches, technical packs, and CADs for communication with vendors and during line reviews.
• Monitor sample status, fit feedback, and revision notes across various styles; participate in fittings and relay updates to team members.
• Work closely with Production and Technical Design teams to manage timelines, revisions, and key product development milestones.
• Conduct ongoing market and competitive analysis; shop both in-person and online to gather insights and summarize findings for the design team.
• Maintain an organized design library that includes fabric swatches, trims, references, and archived samples.
• Assist in wash development and other denim-related tasks as needed.
• Manage the design team's calendars, scheduling, and vendor follow-ups to ensure smooth studio operations.

Requirements

• 2 to 3 years of experience in apparel design, with a preference for candidates who have denim design experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; familiarity with InDesign is advantageous.
• Experience with AI-driven creative tools such as Mid Journey and NanoBanana is a plus.
• Familiarity with PLM systems or product tracking tools is beneficial.
• Strong presentation skills using PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides.
• A Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel, or a related field is required.

Nice to have

• A genuine curiosity about fashion, design, and the product development lifecycle.
• Experience working in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
• A proactive approach to communication, ensuring follow-through on tasks without needing reminders.
• Comfort with ambiguity and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, creative setting.
• A strong alignment with Reformation's sustainability values and mission.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Familiar with PLM systems and product tracking tools
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities

Practical notes

• This position is based in Los Angeles, requiring in-office attendance four days a week.
• Candidates must be based in Los Angeles or willing to relocate to the area.
• The application process requires submitting a resume and a short trend concept presentation focused on denim design for Fall 2026, showcasing 3-4 original ideas visually represented through curated references.

Compensation

Reformation values transparency and fairness in compensation. The expected hourly wage for this role ranges from $25 to $30, influenced by various factors such as relevant experience, skills, and internal equity. Additionally, this position may qualify for an annual discretionary bonus based on company performance, departmental objectives, and individual contributions. While bonus eligibility is not guaranteed, it reflects the company's commitment to rewarding contributions.

Benefits & Perks

• Eligible employees receive employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with commuter benefits to assist with travel to and from work.
• Competitive paid time off policies are in place to support work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development within the company.
• A supportive and inclusive workplace culture that encourages innovation and collaboration.

At Reformation, we are committed to creating a sustainable future in fashion while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. If you are passionate about denim design and eager to contribute to a mission-driven company, we invite you to apply and join our team.