About the Role
We are offering an opportunity for a Bridal & Couture Sample Machinist to join our Couture team on a full-time basis in our London office.
Responsibilities
- Study and understand design sketches, patterns, and specifications.
- Collaborate with Designers to clarify design concepts.
- Read garment patterns to ensure they match designer specifications.
- Work with various fabrics including silk satin, taffeta, duchesse, chiffon, velvet, sequins, lace, and lace border and inserts.
- Operate industrial sewing machines and other equipment to assemble garments.
- Sew and join fabric pieces with precision, focusing on seam allowances, stitching techniques, and finishing details.
- Add embellishments, trims, and decorative elements to garments.
- Pay close attention to fine details, such as hand stitching, to achieve high craftsmanship.
- Conduct quality checks throughout garment construction.
- Make necessary adjustments or corrections to achieve desired quality.
- Collaborate with the design and production team to address issues and ensure a smooth workflow.
- Produce prototypes and high-quality bespoke garments.
- Work efficiently to meet tight deadlines and production schedules.
- Prioritize tasks and manage time effectively for timely sample delivery.
Requirements
- A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience.
- Positive and proactive work attitude.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Available to work overtime during show periods.
Skills
- Understanding of design sketches, patterns, and specifications.
- Ability to collaborate with Designers.
- Garment pattern reading.
- Knowledge of fabric properties (silk satin, taffeta, duchesse, chiffon, velvet, sequins, lace, lace border and inserts).
- Proficiency in operating industrial sewing machines.
- Precision sewing and joining of fabric pieces.
- Attention to detail in seam allowances, stitching techniques, and finishing.
- Ability to add embellishments and trims.
- Expertise in fine details and hand stitching.
- Quality control and assessment.
- Garment adjustment and correction.
- Team collaboration.
- Prototype and bespoke garment production.
- Time management and prioritization.
- Efficiency in meeting deadlines.
Location
- London
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience
Benefits
- Staff discounts
- Health & Wellbeing support (includes Private Medical Health Insurance, EAP, Gym Discounts, Access to Financial Planning Service, etc.)
- Perkbox Discounts and Wellness Hub
- Cycle to work scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Pension Scheme
- Training and hands-on experience
- Opportunities to build new skills and gain valuable industry knowledge
About the Company
- Vivienne Westwood is one of the most iconic British fashion brands, renowned for its heritage, innovative design, and commitment to culture and activism.
- We care deeply about our people and the environment.
- Our core values — Gaia, Quality not Quantity, Activism, Culture & Heritage — guide us daily.
- If you share our passion for creativity, sustainability, and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.
Equal Opportunity
- Vivienne Westwood is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
- We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by local government laws.
