Addressing the tension between tradition and modernity, between the masculine and the feminine, the Bianca Saunders brand is spearheaded by award-winning Designer & Creative Director Bianca Saunders. Taking inspiration from her British and Jamaican heritage, the brand approaches design with a multi-disciplinary attitude that brings cross-cultural references into a modern and reinvigorated evolution of menswear — now expanding into womenswear. 

Following international recognition since its founding in 2017 — selected by the British Fashion Council as One to Watch in 2018, winner of the 32nd ANDAM Grand Prix in 2021, and most recently awarded the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund prize in 2026 — the brand is entering a significant new phase of growth. We operate from our studio at the Bussey Building in Peckham, producing two collections per year alongside special custom and collaborative projects.

Bianca Saunders is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a highly organised, proactive Design Assistant with experience working within a luxury ready-to-wear brand who thrives in a collaborative studio where craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail underpin everything we create.

Working closely with Creative Director Bianca Saunders, the Design Assistant will support the development of menswear and womenswear collections within a fast-paced luxury fashion studio.

The Role

The Design Assistant will support the Creative Director across all stages of the menswear and womenswear design process, helping to bring each collection from initial concept through to toile stage and development.

Working across menswear and womenswear, you will take ownership of day-to-day design development activities, ensuring collections progress efficiently from initial research through to toile stage, whilst maintaining the quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail synonymous with the Bianca Saunders brand.

Success in this role means consistently delivering high-quality design and development work, proactively supporting the Creative Director, and becoming a trusted member of the design studio who contributes to the successful delivery of seasonal collections and special projects.

Responsibilities of the Design Assistant

Research & Creative Development

• Research seasonal concepts, fabrics, trims, colour palettes and construction techniques to support the development of each collection.
• Develop visual research, sketches and presentation material to support collection development.
• Translate creative direction into resolved design concepts under the guidance of the Creative Director.

Design Development:

• Support the development of menswear and womenswear collections from concept through to toile stage, taking ownership of allocated design development activities under the direction of the Creative Director.
• Prepare and refine toiles, coordinating amendments following fit sessions.
• Record fit comments and ensure agreed changes are implemented accurately.
• Raise design, construction or development issues where appropriate.

Technical Development:

• Produce and maintain accurate tech packs, CAD drawings, specification sheets, construction notes and bills of materials (BOMs).
• Ensure all technical documentation remains up to date throughout the development process.
• Liaise with pattern cutters and suppliers to support sample development.

Fabric & Supplier Management:

• Support the sourcing of fabrics, trims and components.
• Coordinate lab drops, strike-offs and sample requests.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers and mills under the direction of the Creative Director.

Studio Operations & Collection Delivery:

• Maintain an organised and efficient studio environment.
• Prepare garments, fabrics, trims and presentation materials for fittings, development meetings and collection reviews.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical product records.
• Support the day-to-day coordination of seasonal collections and special projects.
• Assist with production administration and any other reasonable duties that support the successful delivery of the collection.

What Bianca Saunders is looking for…

Required:

• Experience as a Design Assistant, Junior Designer or in a similar design and development role within a luxury or contemporary fashion brand.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, pattern cutting and the product development process.
• Experience supporting collections from concept through to toile stage.
• Proficient in creating and maintaining accurate tech packs, specification sheets and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Experience sourcing fabrics, trims and components, with an understanding of supplier liaison.
• Strong Illustrator and Photoshop skills.
• Good understanding of draping and three-dimensional garment development.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to producing work of the highest quality.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across creative and production teams.
• A proactive approach, demonstrating initiative and the ability to work independently whilst recognising when guidance is required.
• Professional, dependable and able to represent the Bianca Saunders brand positively.
• Ownership mentality — you take responsibility for your work, follow tasks through to completion and ask for support when needed.
• Quality-driven — you care about producing accurate, high-quality work and take pride in the details.
• Solutions-focused — when problems arise, you look for practical solutions and know when to escalate.
• Collaborative — you work positively with colleagues and suppliers, contributing to a supportive team environment. Calm under pressure — you remain organised and adaptable when priorities change in a fast-paced studio environment.

Beneficial:

• Experience working across both menswear and womenswear.
• Experience supporting garment fittings and implementing fit amendments.
• Knowledge of InDesign.
• Experience working within a fast-paced luxury fashion studio.
• Interest in responsible and ethical product development.

Application

To apply, please send your CV, portfolio and responses to the following four questions to cassandra@studio-hr.co.uk 

1. Do you have experience working within a luxury ready-to-wear brand across menswear and womenswear?
2. Are you able to commute to our studio in Peckham?
3. Do you have the right to work in the UK?
4. Will you require visa sponsorship now or in the future?

Applications that do not include responses to the above questions will not be considered.