Design Development Partner
Location: Remote within PST hours, based in North America (either Canada or the US).
Commitment: Part-Time | Flexible Hours | Internship or Freelance
About Maison Em
Maison Em is building a new kind of bridalwear experience; one that centers on ease, elegance, and self-expression for people who don’t see themselves in the traditional bridal space. We design dresses for modern love stories: elopements, second weddings, intimate ceremonies, and everything in between.
Role Overview
We are seeking a creative, hands-on Design Development Partner to support the development of our foundational bridal collection. This role focuses on transforming creative concepts into wearable, technically sound garments through mockups, pattern development, fit testing, and construction experimentation. You will work closely with the founder to shape silhouette, fit, structure, and material strategy while helping define Maison Em’s early production and design systems.
Your Piece of the Puzzle:
Design Development
Collaborate directly with the founder to refine three core dress concepts.
Translate conceptual design direction into feasible garment structures.
Offer creative input on silhouette, proportion, and styling decisions.
Participate in fittings, reviews, and design iteration sessions.
Pattern, Fit & Mockups
Assist in creating and adjusting patterns for test garments and mockups.
Build or support muslin/toile mockups to evaluate fit, structure, and movement.
Test internal construction methods, including corsetry, boning, facings, waist shaping, and volume engineering.
Provide fit feedback and propose adjustments to improve comfort, support, and wearability.
Fabric & Material Exploration
Research and test fabrics for drape, comfort, sustainability, and cost feasibility.
Compare silk, linen blends, Tencel blends, and alternative materials.
Evaluate how material choices impact fit, movement, structure, and production cost.
Documentation & Design Systems
Document pattern changes, construction notes, and fit feedback.
Support the creation of Maison Em’s internal fit standards and design reference notes.
Help define repeatable construction methods for future small-batch production.
Feasibility & Production Readiness
Contribute to cost-conscious design decisions without compromising quality.
Identify opportunities to simplify construction for small-batch manufacturing.
Support the development of scalable production strategies and workflows.
This Role Might Be Right If You Have:
Technical Design Expertise: Proven experience in patternmaking, draping, and garment construction, specifically within bridal, eveningwear, or structured apparel.
Material Knowledge: Strong understanding of fabric properties, including how different weights and weaves affect drape and structural integrity.
Startup Mindset: Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment and a willingness to iterate quickly.
Sustainability Focus: A genuine interest in sustainable fashion practices and low-waste design.
Communication: Excellent communication skills for collaborating remotely and documenting technical design specifications.
How to Apply:
This is an exciting and unique opportunity to build a company from the ground up with a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and positive impact. If you’re ready to dive into the startup world and contribute to a mission-driven brand, we’d love to hear from you!
To apply, please send the following to hello {at} maisonem [dot] studio:
Resume & Portfolio: Please include a portfolio of your work that highlights your technical design, patternmaking, or construction skills.
Personal Introduction: An informal letter or video telling us about yourself: your personal and professional background, your interests, why you’re drawn to this design development role, and what excites you about joining Maison Em.
Mission Alignment: Tell us why you’re passionate about sustainable fashion, what unique skills you bring to the table, and how your experience aligns with our mission.
Location: Please confirm your current location
We're especially interested in people who approach fashion with a creative problem-solving mindset and care deeply about building meaningful, modern products. There’s no perfect profile. If this excites you, reach out to us! We can't wait to talk to you!