Job Title: Tailor
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Department: Production
Reports To: Head of Production and Design
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive, commensurate with experience
Start Date: 01 September 2024
Company Overview
Connade is an avant-garde womenswear fashion brand based in Johannesburg that merges artistic expression with sustainable practices. Our collections are inspired by nature, African heritage, and innovative design techniques, creating timeless, sculptural pieces that transcend traditional fashion. We are dedicated to crafting garments that are both exquisite and environmentally responsible, and we take pride in our commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Position Summary
The Tailor at Connade plays a vital role in bringing the brand’s visionary designs to life. You will be responsible for creating, altering, and repairing garments to the highest standards, ensuring that each piece reflects Connade’s commitment to quality, fit, and artistry. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in tailoring, an eye for detail, and a passion for luxury fashion. This role demands a high level of skill, precision, and the ability to work with a variety of fabrics, including delicate and complex materials like silk, wool, leather, and organic fabrics.
Key Responsibilities
1. Garment Construction
- Construct high-quality garments from sketches and patterns, ensuring precise execution of designs as intended by the Head of Production and Design.
- Interpret and work from technical drawings, adjusting and modifying as necessary to meet design specifications.
- Utilize a variety of sewing techniques to handle different fabric types, including silk, wool, cotton, linen, viscose, leather, and end-of-roll fabrics.
- Assemble garment components by sewing, serging, and finishing, ensuring all seams are secure and neatly finished.
- Perform hand-sewing techniques for detailed work, such as hemming, embroidery, and applying embellishments.
2. Alterations and Repairs
- Perform alterations and repairs on garments to ensure the perfect fit and finish, including adjusting hems, seams, zippers, and other garment components.
- Provide expert advice on necessary adjustments to achieve the best fit while maintaining the integrity of the design.
- Handle repairs and alterations of both new and previously worn garments, ensuring they meet Connade’s high standards of quality and durability.
3. Fabric Handling and Cutting
- Carefully measure, mark, and cut fabric according to patterns and design specifications, ensuring minimal waste and accurate reproduction of designs.
- Handle delicate and high-value fabrics with care, maintaining the quality and appearance of the material throughout the production process.
- Collaborate with the design team to understand the best fabric choices for each garment and adjust techniques accordingly.
4. Quality Control
- Inspect all completed garments for quality and consistency, ensuring that every piece meets Connade’s exacting standards before it is approved for sale.
- Work closely with the Head of Production and Design to identify and correct any issues with fit, construction, or fabric handling.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace to support the highest level of craftsmanship.
5. Collaboration and Communication
- Collaborate with the design and production teams to understand the vision and requirements for each collection.
- Communicate regularly with the Head of Production and Design to ensure alignment on project timelines and quality expectations.
- Provide feedback on patterns, designs, and production processes, contributing to the continuous improvement of Connade’s offerings.
Qualifications and Skills
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in tailoring, preferably within the luxury or high-end fashion industry.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in various sewing techniques, pattern reading, and garment construction. Ability to work with a wide range of fabrics, including delicate and challenging materials.
- Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing flawless garments that meet Connade’s high standards of quality.
- Creativity: Ability to adapt and innovate within the tailoring process, offering creative solutions to achieve the best possible fit and finish.
- Communication: Strong verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate needs, challenges, and solutions within the team.
- Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Key Attributes
- Precision and Craftsmanship: A deep understanding of garment construction and a commitment to producing work of the highest quality.
- Passion for Fashion: A strong interest in fashion, particularly in the luxury and avant-garde sectors, with a desire to contribute to a brand that values artistry and sustainability.
- Problem-Solver: Ability to troubleshoot and resolve issues during the garment construction process, ensuring that each piece meets the design and quality expectations.
- Adaptability: Willingness to learn new techniques and work with new materials, continuously improving skills and contributing to the brand’s innovation.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A detailed resume outlining relevant experience and skills.
- A cover letter explaining why you are the ideal candidate for the role and how you align with Connade’s values.
- A portfolio showcasing examples of previous tailoring work, including images and descriptions of your role in the garment’s creation.
Deadline for Applications: 31 August 2024
Connade is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. The role may evolve, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary to support Connade’s growth and objectives.
Job Type: Full-time
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Johannesburg, Gauteng: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Experience:
- tailoring: 10 years (Required)
Location:
- Johannesburg, Gauteng (Required)
Expected Start Date: 2024/09/01
