A Day in the Life of a Pour Moi Designer
Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a Designer? Find out what a day in the life of a Designer is truly like. We sat down with our nightwear, beachwear and clothing Designer, Jessie Debben to talk all things design and what inspired her to get into the industry. She also shares all the advice you need if you are thinking of starting a career as a designer.
What goes on in the day-to-day job as a Designer?
It varies depending on where we are at within the design process. The process begins with trend research, this helps us determine the look, colour palette and print direction that we feel is right for our customer for the new season. We then discuss the design direction within the business and start to design and build the range alongside the buying team. This is followed by a ‘sketch and swatch’, this is where we get together with management and buyers to go through our initial designs and fabric sourcing for the season. Once designs have been finalised and pulled together into monthly ranges, we begin briefing out our designs and prints to the factories. Samples then come back, and we fit them in house.
How did you get into the industry? Who and what inspired you?
It was a combination of things; I really loved buying Vogue as a teen. I am a 90s baby so this was before Instagram was a thing and I would keep ring bound folders of all my favourite carefully cut out fashion editorials and spend ages sketching up my own designs. I also come from a long line of crafty women and grew up sewing and knitting with my mum, nan and my sisters.
I started my career with a diploma in art & design at Wiltshire college and then followed that up with a degree in fashion & textiles under Bath Spa. I was recommended for my first job as assistant designer on accessories and nightwear by one of my tutors, when a previous student reached out when they were hiring at the brand she worked at.
What inspires your designs?
Ultimately our customer, they are so colourful, fun and glamorous, so I look at themes that I think would appeal to them.
What has been your career highlight?
It has to be seeing someone wearing one of my designs. I saw a lady wearing one of our dresses whilst at a drag brunch and she looked amazing, I was too shy to tell her I’d designed it though! I also create prints from scratch and pull out the old pencils and paintbrushes. Seeing a garment and print you’ve designed come together is one of my favourite moments.
What was your biggest learning curve?
Every day is a school day, working in design, it takes a lot of different ways of thinking from being technical by briefing out measurements and understanding garment construction, to pushing your creativity when designing and creating prints. I feel I’m frequently being tested and improving.
What are the most important factors to consider when designing clothing, nightwear or beachwear?
Anyone in the office will hear us say the words fit and flatter on repeat, the design has to make you look and feel good and also be practical of course!
What should women be looking for when buying clothing, nightwear or beachwear?
I think it’s important to go for styles that are timeless and good quality, that will make you look and feel good and you therefore know you’ll love for a long time.
What advice would you give someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
If you want to learn how to do something, ask lots of questions and take the time to teach yourself new things.I would recommend using Illustrator and Photoshop as much as you can, teach yourself how to CAD (computer aided design) and put prints into repeat and also sew and pattern cut as much as you can. In my experience it has really helped my understanding of garment construction and fabric capabilities.
Lastly, what do you love about working for Pour Moi?
We have grown a lot in the past couple of years but as a company and as a brand we have remained people minded at the centre of everything we do. We also know how to have a lot of fun!