Design

Now Hiring: Senior Menswear Designer

A leading contemporary luxury fashion house is seeking a Senior Menswear Designer to join its growing team. Working in close partnership with the founder, this role will help shape the creative direction of menswear—guiding collections from concept to completion with an emphasis on innovation and modern sophistication. Ideal for a hands-on designer with strong technical skills, creative leadership, and a deep understanding of luxury craftsmanship. $110-120K

Now Hiring: Custom Graphic Designer (Apparel)

Our client is looking for a creative and detail-oriented Graphic Designer with 2+ years of experience, ready to bring fresh energy and thoughtful design to their growing custom apparel team. This is a remote freelance-to-perm opportunity with room for growth. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced, trend-driven environment and has a strong understanding of the custom apparel space—this could be a great fit.

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

Emerging Blue Fashion Portfolio Blog

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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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 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?

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: 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