About Company
Bella Vista Fashion is a burgeoning local boutique nestled in the heart of Matadi, committed to bringing contemporary style and quality craftsmanship to our discerning clientele. We believe in celebrating local talent and showcasing unique designs that resonate with the vibrant culture of the Kongo-Central Province and beyond. Our mission is to create a delightful shopping experience while offering thoughtfully curated apparel that empowers individuals to express their personal style with confidence and elegance. As we expand our creative offerings, we are looking for a passionate and innovative Fashion Designer to lead the development of our exclusive boutique line, contributing directly to our brand’s unique identity and growth within the competitive fashion landscape. Join our dynamic team and help us shape the future of fashion in Matadi, championing creativity and local artistry.
Job Description
Are you a visionary fashion designer with a flair for creating distinctive, market-ready apparel? Bella Vista Fashion is seeking a talented and experienced Fashion Designer to spearhead the creation and development of our exclusive boutique line. This is a unique opportunity to infuse your creative vision into a growing local brand, from concept to production. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and overseeing the entire development process for our collections, ensuring they align with our brand’s aesthetic, target market, and quality standards.
We are looking for someone who possesses a strong understanding of current fashion trends, fabric knowledge, garment construction, and a keen eye for detail. The ideal candidate will be adept at transforming conceptual ideas into tangible designs, creating detailed tech packs, and collaborating effectively with pattern makers and local artisans. This role demands a blend of artistic creativity, technical proficiency, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. If you are passionate about crafting beautiful, wearable art and eager to make a significant impact within a local, community-focused fashion house, we encourage you to apply. You will play a pivotal role in defining Bella Vista Fashion’s signature style and expanding our presence in the regional fashion scene, while also contributing to the economic development of our community through local production initiatives. This position offers an exciting challenge for a designer ready to leave their mark on the fashion landscape of Matadi and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
- Research current fashion trends, market demands, and competitor activity to identify new opportunities for the boutique line.
- Develop original design concepts, sketches, and illustrations for new collections, ensuring alignment with Bella Vista Fashion's brand identity and target demographic.
- Select fabrics, trims, and embellishments, considering aesthetic appeal, quality, cost-effectiveness, and potential for local sourcing.
- Create detailed technical drawings (flats), specifications, and comprehensive tech packs for production, including measurements, construction details, and finishing instructions.
- Collaborate closely with pattern makers, sample makers, and local production teams to ensure accurate interpretation of designs and quality execution throughout the manufacturing process.
- Oversee the fitting process, making necessary adjustments and modifications to patterns and samples to achieve optimal fit, drape, and design integrity.
- Manage the entire design lifecycle from initial concept to final product launch, ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints and adherence to quality standards.
- Maintain an organized library of materials, samples, and design specifications for future reference and continuity.
- Present design concepts and finished samples to management for approval and constructive feedback.
- Stay updated with new design software, manufacturing techniques, and sustainable fashion practices to continually innovate and improve our product offerings.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in fashion design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CorelDRAW).
- Strong understanding of garment construction, pattern making principles, and textile properties.
- Excellent sketching and illustration skills, both manual and digital.
- Proven ability to create original, innovative, and commercially viable designs that resonate with a specific market.
- Strong eye for color, texture, and proportion in design.
- Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small, dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective communication and presentation skills in English and/or French.
- A compelling portfolio demonstrating diverse design capabilities, creative vision, and a strong understanding of the design process.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Merchandising, or a related field.
- 3+ years of professional experience in fashion design, preferably with a focus on boutique or ready-to-wear lines.
- Experience working with local artisans and manufacturers in DR Congo or similar emerging markets.
- Knowledge of sustainable design practices and ethical sourcing strategies.
- Fluency in Lingala or Kikongo is a significant advantage, facilitating communication with local teams.
Perks & Benefits
- Opportunity to significantly impact and shape a growing local fashion brand.
- Collaborative, creative, and supportive work environment.
- Access to a diverse range of local fabrics and craftsmanship.
- Professional development and growth opportunities within the company.
- Direct contribution to local economic development through fashion innovation and local production initiatives.
- Flexible work hours based on project needs and deliverables.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of fashion at Bella Vista Fashion, please click on the application link below. Ensure your application includes a comprehensive resume, a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and design philosophy, and a link to your online portfolio showcasing your best work. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.