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.
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.
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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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: 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: 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.
Now Hiring: Director of Retail
Our client, a global leader in denim fashion, is seeking a Director of Retail to drive strategy, lead teams, and elevate the brand's retail presence. If you’re a visionary retail leader with a passion for customer experience, operational excellence, and team development, this is your chance to make an impact!
Now Hiring: Key Holder in New Orleans!
Our client, a premier destination for high-quality, custom men's clothing, is hiring a full-time Key Holder to join their team in New Orleans. We’re looking for a trustworthy, driven, and passionate sales-oriented individual who is excited to grow with a team. Interested?
Fashion Week 2025: The Trends, The Brands, and The Career Opportunities
New York Fashion Week is back, bringing fresh collections, bold statements, and exciting opportunities for both brands and job seekers alike. From innovative designs hitting the runway to the behind-the-scenes roles that keep the industry moving, there’s more to Fashion Week than just the clothes—it’s a hub for talent and creativity.
This season, designers are leaning into craftsmanship and sustainability, with collections that blend timeless elegance with modern innovation. Expect to see intricate details, unexpected textures, and a continued push towards ethical fashion. Emerging designers are making waves alongside legacy brands, proving that Fashion Week remains a launchpad for new talent.
Several of our clients are debuting collections, marking milestones in their journeys. Alice + Olivia, Badgley Mischka, LVMH, and Derek Lam 10 Crosby are among the standout names showcasing their latest designs. These showcases aren’t just about making a statement on the runway—they're also opportunities for professionals in fashion to connect, collaborate, and carve out their place in the industry. Brands to watch this season include those embracing tech-driven fashion, adaptive design, and boundary-pushing aesthetics.
Beyond the spectacle, Fashion Week fuels industry employment. From stylists and production teams to PR specialists and buyers, the event creates roles for those looking to break into the business. Candidates interested in fashion careers can tap into these opportunities by networking at events, following up with brands post-show, and staying engaged with industry trends. Whether looking for freelance gigs or long-term positions, Fashion Week is the perfect moment to make those career-defining connections.
At Emerging Blue, we specialize in connecting top talent with some of the most prominent brands in fashion, home, and beauty. Whether you’re a candidate looking for your next opportunity or a brand in need of skilled professionals, we’re here to help. Let’s connect!
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Now Hiring: Store Manager in Charleston, SC!
Our client, a leading better men’s retailer based in beautiful and historic Charleston, SC is looking for an experienced Store Manager at their iconic storefront on King St! Interested?
Now Hiring: Store Manager
Exciting retail leadership opportunity with a growing lifestyle apparel brand in NYC! Interested? Apply today.
$100-120K