Alaïa Materials Buyer — Ready-to-Wear Collection

Alaia is a Parisian couture and ready-to-wear fashion house celebrated for its sculptural silhouettes, meticulous tailoring and artisanal savoir‑faire. The brand operates with an emphasis on craftsmanship, close collaboration between design and production, and a discreet, atelier‑driven approach to luxury fashion.

1. Source and procure fabrics, trims and ancillary materials for the Ready‑to‑Wear collection while respecting creative intent and seasonal mood boards.
2. Identify, evaluate and develop suppliers and mills; negotiate commercial terms, lead times and minimums to achieve cost and quality targets.
3. Manage purchase orders, delivery schedules and supplier performance to ensure timely receipt of materials for sampling and production.
4. Coordinate cross‑functionally with design, technical design and production teams to translate design requirements into material specifications and lab dips.
5. Oversee quality control and testing of incoming materials; manage non‑conformances and corrective actions with suppliers.
6. Maintain and update fabric libraries, sourcing archives and material cost databases; monitor market trends and sustainable material innovations.
7. Represent the brand at trade shows and supplier visits to broaden the vendor network and secure exclusive developments when appropriate.

1. Strong knowledge of textile constructions, finishes, trims and garment applications relevant to womenswear RTW.
2. Proven negotiation skills and commercial acumen with the ability to manage price breakdowns and margin impact.
3. Excellent organisational skills with experience managing multiple seasonal projects and complex delivery calendars.
4. Ability to read and interpret technical packs, lab dips and quality reports; familiarity with fabric testing protocols.
5. Professional poise for supplier relationships and cross‑departmental collaboration in a creative environment.

1. Fabric sourcing and supplier development
2. Materials specification and lab dip coordination
3. Commercial negotiation and costing
4. Quality control and material testing oversight
5. Seasonal planning and delivery management
6. Trend and textile knowledge (wovens, knits, stretch, specialty finishes)
7. Cross‑functional collaboration with design and production
8. Supplier performance management

3–5 years of buying or sourcing experience in luxury fashion or premium apparel, with direct responsibility for fabrics and trims for women’s ready‑to‑wear collections. Experience working with European and Mediterranean mills is an advantage.

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in textiles, fashion design, sourcing, supply chain, business or a related discipline.

Alaia cultivates a workshop‑style culture that prizes craftsmanship, close teamwork and attention to detail. The workplace values creative integrity and discreet professionalism, with sourcing and production closely aligned to the house’s artisanal standards.