Design Assistant

About the Company

Reformation is a sustainability-focused fashion brand launched in 2009 with a goal of making better style choices easier for everyone. The company has earned recognition from Fast Company and other industry outlets, and is working toward major environmental milestones including becoming Climate Positive by 2025 and Circular by 2030. It operates a global retail footprint with 50+ stores, along with a sustainable manufacturing facility in Los Angeles.

The brand works across categories such as accessories, swimwear, and sleepwear, and is built on a culture that values inclusion, collaboration, and professional growth.

Role Summary

The Design Assistant supports Reformation’s in-house Design team through every stage of the apparel design and development process, from early inspiration and concept work to final product handoff. This position partners with Design, Merchandising, Product Development, and Technical Design to keep projects moving accurately and efficiently. It is best suited to someone who is highly organized, detail-focused, creative, and comfortable balancing visual work with strong process management.

This role is based in Los Angeles and requires four days per week in the office.

What You’ll Do

• Support designers with idea development, trend analysis, and gathering seasonal inspiration.
• Create and update mood boards, color narratives, and presentation materials for reviews and cross-functional discussions.
• Prepare design sketches, technical packages, and CAD files for vendor communication and line review meetings.
• Monitor sample progress, fit feedback, and revision details across styles, while joining fittings and sharing updates with relevant teams.
• Work with Production and Technical Design teams on scheduling, changes, and product development checkpoints.
• Perform regular market and competitor research, including in-person and online shopping, and share key takeaways with the team.
• Keep the design library organized, including swatches, trims, reference materials, and archived samples.
• Coordinate calendars, meetings, scheduling, and vendor follow-ups to support an efficient studio workflow.

What You’ll Bring

• Two to three years of experience in apparel design, product development, or a similar creative support position.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; InDesign experience is helpful.
• Exposure to AI-based creative tools such as Mid Journey and NanoBanana is an advantage.
• Experience using PLM software or similar product tracking systems is preferred.
• Strong presentation ability using PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides.
• A bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel, or a related discipline is preferred.

Who You Are

• You keep details organized and make sure tasks do not slip through the cracks.
• You communicate clearly, take initiative, and follow through without repeated reminders.
• You are naturally curious about fashion, design, and how products are developed.
• You work well with others, stay humble, and focus on helping the team move faster and do great work.
• You handle ambiguity well and enjoy working in a fast-paced creative environment.
• You care deeply about sustainability and connect with Reformation’s values.

Application Process

Applicants should submit a resume. Instead of a cover letter, they must prepare a short trend concept presentation for Fall 2026 with three to four original directional ideas. Each concept should be shown visually through a curated mix of references such as influencers, street style, runway, vintage imagery, cultural inspiration, silhouettes, styling, colors, fabrics, or design details that express the mood and point of view behind the trend.

Compensation

The expected base pay for this position is $25 to $30 per hour, depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, and internal pay equity. The role may also qualify for an annual discretionary bonus based on company performance, departmental goals, and individual contribution, though bonus eligibility and amounts are not guaranteed.

Benefits & Perks

• Eligible employees receive employer-paid private medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus commuter benefits.
• Paid time off includes vacation, sick leave, and company holidays for eligible employees.
• Retirement planning support is available, including access to Environmental Social Governance-aligned investment options.
• The company offers the chance to collaborate with teams across Los Angeles, New York, London, and its global retail network.
• Employees can access fertility support through Carrot, along with reimbursement of up to $5,000 USD for related fertility expenses after one year of employment.
• The company contributes to community causes on an annual basis.
• Employees also receive a clothing discount, cultural events such as Ref Values week, and Volunteer Time Off.

Equal Opportunity & Additional Notes

Reformation is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status, in line with applicable laws.

Accommodation support is available during the application or interview process for candidates who need it.

The company encourages people who are excited about the work and mission, even if they do not meet every requirement, to apply. Candidates who are unsure may also consider submitting a general application.

California applicant privacy information is referenced in the original notice.