Work In Luxe - Luxury design interview guides

Introduction to luxury design interviews

Learn what makes luxury design interviews different and how to prepare. Find out what brands look for in candidates and get tips to help you succeed in your interview.

Read the introduction

Interview guides by role

Design Support

Assistant designer

Also known as: Junior Designer, Design Assistant, Associate Designer

Supports lead designers by researching trends, preparing sketches and prototypes, and coordinating with sample makers. Keeps the design process organized while learning luxury brand standards directly in the studio.

Also known as: Design Assistant Intern, Fashion Intern, Studio Intern

Gains hands-on experience assisting the design team with research, mood boards, pattern cutting and sample preparation. Learns how luxury products move from concept to final piece.

Fashion CAD designer

Also known as: CAD Technician, Technical Designer, Digital Fashion Designer

Creates digital sketches, technical drawings and 3D models using CAD tools. Translates hand drawn concepts into precise digital formats for design teams, technical specialists and manufacturers.

Crafts & Atelier

Atelier manager

Also known as: Head of Atelier, Workshop Manager, Atelier Director

Leads workshop teams of tailors, seamstresses and artisans in a luxury fashion house. Oversees daily operations to ensure pieces are produced to required craftsmanship standards, on schedule and within budget.

Couture seamstress

Also known as: Haute Couture Seamstress, Dressmaker, Première d'Atelier

Handcrafts garments for luxury fashion houses using advanced techniques including hand stitching, draping and applying embellishments. Works with delicate fabrics to build one of a kind pieces to highest standards.

Embroidery artisan

Also known as: Embroiderer, Brodeur, Hand Embroidery Specialist

Embellishes fabric or leather with refined handwork using traditional stitching techniques. Creates elaborate motifs, monograms and beadwork on luxury garments following designer patterns to add texture and uniqueness.

Leather goods artisan

Also known as: Leatherworker, Leather Craftsperson, Maroquinier

Fabricates luxury leather products by hand using time honoured techniques. Cuts, assembles, stitches and finishes items like handbags and belts, often building entire products from start to finish.

Creative Direction

Creative director

Also known as: Artistic director, Chief creative officer, Chief design officer, Design director, Head of design

Leads creative vision for the house as custodian of brand heritage. Oversees collection creation, sets artistic direction and guides design teams to ensure each season feels fresh while maintaining brand identity.

Fashion Design

Fashion designer

Also known as: Apparel Designer, Fashion Creator, Ready-to-Wear Designer

Creates clothing designs and collections by sketching garments, selecting fabrics and translating creative vision into pieces that express brand identity through collaboration with pattern makers and artisans.

Accessories Design

Footwear designer

Also known as: Shoe Designer, Footwear Creator, Sneaker Designer

Creates designs for luxury footwear collections by researching trends and sketching concepts. Develops material selections and collaborates with last makers and technicians to ensure comfort and brand quality.

Leather goods designer

Also known as: Accessories designer, Handbag designer, Leather accessories designer, Maroquinier designer

Conceives and develops luxury accessories such as handbags, wallets and belts. Leads the creative process from research to sketches, selecting materials and hardware while collaborating with prototypists and artisans.

Leather goods prototypist

Also known as: Model Maker, Prototype Maker, Sample Maker

Turns handbag and accessory designs into physical prototypes. Creates templates, assembles mock ups, and crafts final prototypes in leather and hardware, adjusting details until ready for production.

Pattern Making & Development

Also known as: Patternmaker, Modéliste, Technical Pattern Cutter

Translates fashion designer sketches into precise templates for garment construction. Drafts patterns using paper or CAD software, engineering each piece to ensure proper fit, drape and movement.

Product developer

Also known as: Technical Developer, Product Manager, Development Specialist

Manages product development from initial idea through prototypes to manufacturing. Links designers, suppliers and production teams to ensure technical feasibility, material sourcing and quality standards.

Textile Design

Textile designer

Also known as: Fabric designer, Print designer, Surface pattern designer, Color material designer

Creates patterns, prints and fabric designs for luxury fashion products. Develops repeat patterns and motifs through hand or digital sketches, working with mills to ensure production maintains quality and detail.

What luxury design interviews assess

Design interviews in luxury brands focus on portfolio quality, creative vision and technical expertise. You'll present your work while explaining your design philosophy, inspiration sources and problem-solving approach. Expect discussions about balancing creativity with commercial viability, understanding of luxury craftsmanship standards and knowledge of the brand's aesthetic evolution. Technical skills in CAD software, pattern making or 3D modeling are often tested through practical assignments.

Portfolio requirements for luxury roles

Your portfolio should demonstrate versatility while showing cohesive aesthetic sensibility. Include sketches, technical drawings, finished products and mood boards. Highlight projects that showcase material knowledge, construction techniques and attention to detail. For accessories or leather goods roles, include examples of functional design solutions. Creative directors need to show brand strategy work and team leadership examples. Always tailor your portfolio to reflect the specific brand's style and values.

Understanding luxury design culture

Luxury design houses value heritage and innovation equally. Research the brand's archives, signature techniques and iconic pieces. Know the current creative director's vision and recent collection themes. Be prepared to discuss how traditional craftsmanship integrates with modern design trends. Show awareness of sustainability challenges in luxury production. Demonstrate respect for artisan collaboration and understand the lengthy development process from concept to runway to retail.