Fashion

Finding the Right Fit: Hiring Industry Pros for Recruiting

Finding the perfect fit for your team can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when searching for individuals who not only possess the required skills but also embody the essence of your brand. This is where our expertise comes in. Our team of brand-focused, industry expert recruiters offer a transformative approach to sourcing top-tier talent that aligns seamlessly with your brand's vision and values.

The Value of Industry Experience

Consider this: Who better to spearhead your recruitment efforts than individuals who have immersed themselves in the intricacies of your field? Industry-savvy recruiters bring an unparalleled depth of understanding and insider knowledge to the table, allowing them to navigate the nuances of your industry with finesse. Whether you operate in the realms of fashion, home décor, or beauty, our recruiters possess a profound understanding of industry trends, terminology, and best practices, enabling them to identify candidates who not only meet your criteria but also embody the ethos of your brand.

A Brand-Focused Approach

In industries where creativity and innovation reign supreme, the significance of finding candidates who resonate with your brand identity cannot be overstated. Whether you're in need of a forward-thinking fashion expert or a visionary in the realm of home décor, our specialized recruiters are equipped to deliver tailored solutions that elevate your team to new heights of success.

Unlocking the Benefits of Insider Knowledge

Picture this scenario: You're in search of a technical design virtuoso or a merchandising maestro who can navigate the ever-evolving landscape of your industry with ease. This is where the true value of our recruiters comes to the fore. Armed with a wealth of insider insights, extensive networks, and a keen eye for talent, we are able to unearth hidden gems that best fit your brand’s DNA. By asking the right questions and delving deep into candidates' backgrounds, we ensure that every hire is not just a match on paper but a transformative addition to your organization.

Embrace Excellence with EB!

We are committed to identifying top talent that align with your goals and brand DNA. Embrace excellence, trust the pros, and embark on a journey of successful growth with us!

Now Hiring: Jewelry Brand

Our client, an affordable, high-end jewelry brand based in Torrance, CA is hiring a dynamic Account Executive and an Associate Product Developer to join their team. Both roles are hybrid. Tap the links below for more details.

Account Executive ($50-60K + Commission)

Associate Product Developer ($45-60K)

Functional Apparel is on the Rise

Functional apparel brands are experiencing a surge in popularity for several reasons. Firstly, there's a growing emphasis on health and wellness among consumers. People are increasingly looking for clothing that supports an active lifestyle, whether it's for sports, outdoor activities, or everyday comfort.

Moreover, advancements in fabric technology have allowed these brands to create clothing that's not only comfortable but also performs exceptionally well. Fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, temperature regulation, UV protection, anti-odor features, and durability are becoming increasingly sought after. 

The rise of athleisure as a fashion trend has also contributed to the popularity of functional apparel. People want clothing that seamlessly transitions from the gym to daily life, combining style with practicality.

Social media and influencer culture have played a significant role in promoting these brands. Endorsements from fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and celebrities often highlight the functionality and style of these clothes, influencing consumer preferences.

Lastly, the pandemic has accelerated the demand for comfortable yet versatile clothing, as more people are working remotely and seeking multifunctional apparel that suits both professional video calls and workouts at home.

What does this mean for designers wanting to break into this market?

 Here are some tips:

Breaking into functional apparel brands requires a combination of creativity, understanding consumer demands, technological awareness, and a strong business sense. It's a competitive field, but with the right approach and dedication, there are plenty of opportunities to make a mark. 

When functional apparel brands hire designers, they typically look for a blend of skills, experiences, and qualities that align with the brand's ethos and needs. Here are several key aspects they often consider:

  • Design Expertise: Strong design skills are fundamental. This includes a solid understanding of garment construction, pattern-making, sketching, and the ability to translate concepts into functional, appealing designs.

  • Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of textiles, fabrics, and materials is crucial. Designers should understand the properties of different fabrics and their suitability for various functionalities like moisture-wicking, breathability, durability, and stretch.

  • Innovation and Creativity: Brands seek designers who can think outside the box and bring innovative ideas to the table. Creativity in merging functionality with aesthetics is highly valued.

  • Portfolio and Previous Work: A robust portfolio showcasing relevant work in functional apparel design or related areas is essential. Projects highlighting a designer's ability to create practical yet stylish garments are often favored.

  • Understanding of Market Trends: Awareness of current fashion trends, consumer preferences, and market demands is crucial. Designers should be able to anticipate and adapt to changing trends in the functional apparel industry.

  • Collaborative Skills: The ability to work in a team is important, especially in a design process that involves collaboration with fabric technologists, product developers, and marketing teams.

  • Problem-solving Abilities: Designers should demonstrate the capacity to solve design challenges related to functionality, comfort, and style. Being able to address practical issues without compromising on aesthetics is highly valued.

  • Adaptability and Flexibility: The apparel industry is dynamic. Designers who can adapt to new technologies, trends, and consumer demands are sought after.

  • Passion for Functionality and Performance: A genuine interest in creating garments that enhance performance, offer comfort, and cater to specific needs of the wearer is often appreciated by functional apparel brands.

  • Sustainability Awareness: Given the increasing emphasis on sustainability, knowledge of eco-friendly materials, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in design and production are becoming more critical for brands.

Ultimately, a combination of technical skills, creativity, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the functional apparel market are highly valued when brands seek to hire designers for their teams. We are lucky enough to work with some of these great brands, including Vuori, 686, Rhone, Triple Aught Design, TravisMathew, Howler Brothers, and more.

2024 Recruitment Resolutions: Setting Goals for Hiring Success

As we step into a brand-new year, brands in fashion, home, and beauty are buzzing with growth potential. For businesses in these exciting industries, setting recruitment goals that match the latest industry trends is key to steering your team toward success.

Setting hiring goals is not just about keeping up with trends—it's about staying one step ahead. Whether you're a brand riding the waves of seasonal changes or a store looking for top-notch talent to give customers an amazing experience, how you hire matters a lot.

First, before thinking about this year’s plans, take time to think about how last year's hiring went. What worked? What didn’t? You can learn from these experiences to help you for the year ahead. Some hiring strategies may have led you to fantastic talent, while others might've missed the mark. These reflections can guide us in making our hiring process better.

Celebrate Diversity in Hiring

Companies thrive when diversity is prioritized, not just in what they offer but also in the folks they bring on board. So, take the proper steps to make your hiring goals diverse too—look for talent from all walks of life. Having a team with different backgrounds and perspectives sparks fresh ideas, creativity, and connects better with a diverse customer base.

Being Flexible is the Name of the Game

Things change all the time, and being flexible is how we stay strong. Your hiring goals should be adaptable—ready to switch gears as new trends pop up. Whether it's adapting to online shopping booms, the focus on sustainability, or changes in what customers want, your hiring plans should roll with it.

Using Tech the Smart Way

Technology is a game-changer in hiring. We can use AI tools and data to find amazing talent and make the hiring process smoother for everyone involved.

At EB, we’re the experts in matching businesses with talented professionals who know how to navigate these industry shifts. We're here to help brands gear up for a successful new year and ensure that both job seekers and brands have a seamless experience. So, join us as we dive into 2024 with these tips in mind. If you have plans to hire this year, we would love to connect with you. It’s never too early to begin strategizing your plans for growth.

References:

https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/retail/our%20insights/state%20of%20fashion/2023/the-state-of-fashion-2023-holding-onto-growth-as-global-clouds-gathers-vf.pdf