The Rise of Influencer-Led & Social Media Marketing

Today’s brands don’t just live in storefronts or websites. They exist in feeds, stories, and comment sections. Social media is where products are discovered, communities are built, and loyal customers are won. But making the most of these digital spaces takes the right people behind the scenes. Content strategy, creator partnerships, and community engagement can’t be left to chance.

That’s where specialized talent comes in. Influencer managers, for example, are key to building successful partnerships. It’s not just about finding someone with a following—it’s about negotiating contracts, tracking campaign ROI, and ensuring brand alignment. The right hire knows how to balance authenticity with results, and how to work seamlessly with creators who truly resonate with your audience.

Social Media Specialists are equally vital. They understand how to create content that clicks—literally and figuratively. They move quickly on trends while staying grounded in what the brand stands for. Whether it’s launching a TikTok challenge or refining a paid strategy, they’re shaping the digital identity of the brand day in and day out.

Community Managers are another major piece of the puzzle. Engagement doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a thoughtful, consistent approach to cultivate meaningful interactions and grow a loyal base. Great community professionals aren’t just posting—they’re listening, responding, and building spaces where people want to keep showing up.

At Emerging Blue, we understand how essential these roles are. We connect fashion, home, and beauty brands with digital talent who don’t just fill a role—they elevate it. Whether you're looking to grow your reach or deepen engagement, we’ll help you find the right social-savvy professionals to drive your brand forward.

Now Hiring: Senior Fashion Designer

We’re hiring a Senior Fashion Designer to join a fast-growing, Gen Z–driven fashion brand in Los Angeles. This hybrid role is perfect for a creative leader with sharp trend instincts and experience managing development from concept to final production. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and love designing what's next in women’s streetwear, this may be the role for you.

Building a Fashion Portfolio That Gets You Hired

A portfolio isn’t just a collection of work, it’s a reflection of who you are as a designer and how you think. Whether you’re applying for a role in apparel design, textile, product development, or creative direction, a well-curated portfolio can make all the difference in getting noticed.

So what makes a portfolio stand out?

It starts with intention. The best portfolios are thoughtfully put together for a specific role or brand. That means curating your work based on the company’s aesthetic, whether that’s elevated, luxury, sporty, or trend-driven. Including pieces that match the vibe of the brand you’re applying to shows that you’ve done your homework and that you can design within a specific identity.

Equally important is showing your process. Hiring managers aren’t just looking for a pretty end product. They want to understand how you got there. Mood boards, early sketches, CADs, croquis, and tech packs all help tell the full story. And in a world where you’re not always in the room to explain your work, the portfolio should be clear and self-explanatory.

A strong portfolio also demonstrates range. While consistency is key, showing versatility across categories (like womenswear, menswear, or kids), design types (apparel, accessories, or print), and skills (hand sketching, pattern work, digital development) helps paint a complete picture. And yes—hand sketching still matters, especially for brands that appreciate craftsmanship and heritage. If you have it, show it.

Don’t forget usability. A clean layout, easy navigation, and thoughtful organization (by brand, category, or collection) make it easier for hiring teams to digest your work. PDF portfolios still work well, especially for email or LinkedIn outreach. But platforms like Adobe Portfolio or personal websites are great for those wanting to reflect more of their personal design aesthetic.

As fashion recruiters, we review portfolios every day. We help creatives at every level, from early-career designers to senior art directors, refine their materials and connect with brands that align with their vision. If you’re building or updating your portfolio and wondering what to include (or leave out), our team is here to help.

Ready to take your next step? Let’s find the right role and make sure your portfolio gets you there.

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How to Find a Role in the Fashion Industry

Breaking into fashion can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. But the good news is, there’s no single path in. With a mix of strategy, consistency, and curiosity, finding your first (or next) role is within reach.

Start by bookmarking platforms like LinkedIn, Business of Fashion Careers, and Women’s Wear Daily. These sites regularly post openings across design, buying, PR, ecommerce, and more. Following your favorite brands directly on LinkedIn can also give you first dibs on new roles and insight into company culture.

Don’t underestimate the power of social. Follow fashion bloggers, stylists, and editors whose work you admire. These influencers often spotlight emerging brands and career opportunities you won’t find elsewhere.

Most importantly, connect with recruiters who specialize in fashion. Our team focuses on creative and corporate roles across fashion, home, and beauty—and we’re always looking to meet new talent.

Whether you’re a new grad or a seasoned pro looking to pivot, the right role is out there. When it comes to navigating the process, it helps to have someone in your corner. Connect with us today!

Now Hiring: Senior Trend Forecasting and Concept Designer

A fast-growing, Gen Z–focused fashion startup in LA is seeking a Senior Trend Forecasting & Concept Designer to drive cultural relevance and lead creative direction. This hybrid role is ideal for someone deeply tapped into emerging fashion, social media, and streetwear trends with a strong eye for what’s next.

Now Hiring: Senior Accessories Designer

Join our client’s legacy streetwear brand as a Senior Accessories Designer! You’ll work closely with Graphic Design, Sales, and Merch to lead multiple design areas and help drive the vision and execution of apparel lines from start to finish. 8+ years experience, NYC-based, $75–100K.

Now Hiring: Store Manager

Take the lead on a brand-new store opening at The Mills at Jersey Gardens. Our client, a Brooklyn-based streetwear brand, is looking for an experienced Store Manager to build and run the team—someone who brings strong leadership, operational know-how, and a deep connection to style and culture. $75-85K.

Interested?

Freelancing vs. Full-Time: Which Fashion Career Path Is Right for You?

In fashion, career paths aren’t one-size-fits-all. As the industry continues to evolve, more professionals are exploring freelance opportunities alongside traditional full-time roles. Each path offers a different rhythm, and knowing which one suits your goals can make all the difference.

Freelance work offers freedom. Designers, marketers, and creatives who thrive on variety and independence often find contract roles energizing. Freelancers might juggle projects with multiple brands, build diverse portfolios, and work from anywhere. But it comes with trade-offs—less stability, inconsistent income, and the need to self-manage everything from taxes to client relationships.

Full-time roles, on the other hand, provide structure. These positions often include benefits, clear growth trajectories, and a consistent team environment. For those who want to immerse themselves in a single brand, go deep on strategy, and develop within an organization, full-time can offer more long-term investment.

There’s no right answer. Some creatives build hybrid careers, shifting between freelance and full-time based on life stage, interests, or economic shifts. Whichever route you take, the most important thing is aligning your career with how you want to work—and live.

At EB, we place both freelance and full-time talent across fashion, home, and beauty brands. If you’re weighing your options or exploring new directions, our team can help you find what fits!

Now Hiring: Senior Kids Apparel Designer

Our client is seeking a seasoned Senior Kids Apparel Designer with a strong background in sportswear to lead the creation and execution of trend-forward, brand-aligned collections. This role involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams including Graphic Design, Sales, and Merchandising to drive product development from concept to final execution. Ideal candidates will bring a keen eye for design, strong leadership skills, and proven experience in kidswear, particularly in denim and cut-and-sew apparel. NY-Based. $90-120K.

Interested?

Behind the Glam: The Talent That Makes the Met Gala Happen

The Met Gala is fashion’s biggest night—and while the red carpet turns heads and dominates headlines, it’s the behind-the-scenes talent that brings the spectacle to life. From designers and stylists to PR teams, event producers, and marketing minds, the Met Gala is a masterclass in collaboration.

Designers often spend months preparing for the event, creating couture looks that will be dissected and celebrated across every platform. Stylists work alongside them, pairing the pieces with the right accessories, hair, and makeup to tell a complete story. But it doesn’t stop there.

Event planners and production crews transform the Met into a thematic wonderland, ensuring every detail fits the year’s narrative. PR teams carefully manage appearances, press releases, and interviews. Marketing pros coordinate content, social strategy, and partnerships to maximize exposure. And all of this is done under tight deadlines, ever-changing logistics, and high expectations.

Freelance talent is critical during events like the Met Gala. From temporary PR support to social media coverage and last-minute design help, the flexibility and specialized skillsets of freelance professionals make them indispensable in pulling off something of this scale.

The Met Gala isn’t just about the fashion—it’s a showcase of what’s possible when the right people come together to create something unforgettable. And for those looking to work in this world, it’s a reminder that every career path in fashion, beauty, and events has a place in moments like these.

At Emerging Blue, we work with brands year-round to find the talent behind high-impact events—from seasoned planners to freelance creatives. Whether you're building a team or looking to join one, we’re here to connect you with the right opportunities.

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Now Hiring: Retail Store Planner

We're hiring a Retail Store Planner in Washington, D.C. to support planning and allocation for our Brick & Mortar channel—owning reporting, inventory management, and sales analysis. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Tech & Innovation in Fashion: Shaping the Future of Careers

The intersection of technology and fashion has never been more dynamic. As brands embrace AI, digital strategies, and cutting-edge materials, the industry is evolving at a rapid pace. From AI-generated designs to tech-infused wearables, innovation is driving both creativity and efficiency, shaping new opportunities for job seekers looking to make their mark in fashion.

AI is playing a pivotal role in fashion design, from trend forecasting to automated pattern creation. While some fear that AI could replace traditional design jobs, it’s more likely to serve as a tool that enhances the creative process. Designers who understand how to leverage AI for efficiency and inspiration will have a competitive edge. Roles that merge AI expertise with fashion knowledge—such as digital stylists or AI-driven textile developers—are on the rise, signaling a shift in how brands approach design and production.

Techwear and innovation are also reshaping the future of fashion careers. Smart fabrics, sustainable innovations, and augmented reality shopping experiences are becoming industry standards. As brands integrate more technology into their business models, demand for professionals who can navigate these advancements continues to grow. Whether it’s engineers creating interactive garments or marketers strategizing digital rollouts, the fusion of tech and fashion is generating new career paths across the board.

With major fashion tech events setting the tone for the year, brands are refining their digital strategies to stay ahead. Companies investing in AI, blockchain for supply chain transparency, and 3D printing for sustainable production are setting new industry benchmarks. For job seekers, staying informed about these innovations and upskilling in relevant tech areas can open doors to exciting career opportunities in an industry that thrives on transformation.

At Emerging Blue, we connect fashion brands with forward-thinking talent ready to embrace innovation. Whether you’re a designer exploring AI tools, a developer passionate about fashion tech, or a marketer strategizing digital trends, we help match top talent with brands shaping the future. Let’s innovate together.

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Now Hiring: VP Product Management

Our client, a global player in the footwear game, is on the hunt for a VP of Product Management to lead the charge on product creation, strategy, and innovation across D2C and wholesale channels. If you’re passionate about footwear, driven by consumer insight, and ready to shape the future of product for a dynamic, growing brand—this could be your next big move.

Now Hiring: Store Manager

We’re on the lookout for a Store Manager for our client’s East Hampton boutique. Great opportunity to lead daily operations, mentor a small team, drive sales strategy, and ensure an elevated customer experience. Know someone who’d be a fit?

Now Hiring: General Manager

We’re hiring a General Manager to lead the team at our client’s premium menswear store. This role is all about seamless operations, strong sales, and representing sharp, elevated product. If you have experience running a retail floor, leading a team, and building client relationships—we’d love to connect.

Now Hiring: Senior Custom Graphic Designer - Apparel

Our client is looking for a skilled designer to create high-quality custom apparel graphics for music, sports, lifestyle, and corporate brands. This role requires strong design instincts, screen printing experience, and the ability to balance multiple projects while bringing fresh, creative ideas to the table. Preferably based in Tempe, AZ but also open to remove candidates.

Learn more today