Role: Head of Design — Freelance

Client: Luxury Womenswear Brand

The Role

Our client is looking for a freelance Head of Design to lead collection development from Summer 2026. The role is London-based, structured as a freelance engagement (3-4 days per week), with the potential to evolve as the business grows.

Responsibilities

Working directly with founder, who holds the creative vision, the designer will lead the development of ready-to-wear collections end to end. This includes an accent on tailoring and leather/outerwear silhouettes, which sit at the heart of the brand, as well as woven pieces (dresses, skirts, tops). The role covers the full creative process from initial research through to fitting, in close coordination with the product and production manager based in Milan ( all of the fabrics and production are 100% Italy currently). Immediate priority: design the collection to present in early 2027.

Profile

Solid experience in luxury or high-end contemporary ready-to-wear. Tailoring expertise is non-negotiable. Strong sensibility on fluid, woven pieces. Comfortable working freelance within a lean, founder-led structure where the creative vision is defined at the top. A portfolio is required with every submission. International experience is a plus.

Terms

Engagement type: freelance.

Tarvel: occasional to Milan for fittings

Location: London.

Start: asap.

Availability: 3 to 4 days per week, wfh considered

Day rate: to be discussed, commensurate with experience.