Alaïa Component & Embroidery Developer
Alaia in Paris seeks a Component & Embroidery Developer to lead trims and embroidery development from concept to production.
Overview
Alaïa is a Paris-based couture house renowned for sculptural silhouettes and exacting artisanal craftsmanship. The maison combines atelier-led savoir‑faire with contemporary prêt‑à‑porter, maintaining close collaboration between design, workshops and production partners to realise highly finished garments.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop and qualify embroidery, appliqué and trim concepts from design brief to production-ready components, ensuring fidelity to creative intent.
- Produce detailed technical specifications, construction notes and assembly instructions for embroideries and trims; prepare tech packs for suppliers and ateliers.
- Coordinate prototype sampling and fit trials with internal ateliers and external suppliers, managing timelines, cost targets and quality checkpoints.
- Define materials, threads, beads, sequins and backing supports; validate colour matching, stitch density and stability under wear/care conditions.
- Conduct quality control on samples and production runs, raise and track corrective actions, and ensure compliance with brand finishing standards.
- Maintain and expand a component library and archive of embroidery techniques, suppliers and stitching recipes for future collections.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with design, patternmaking, procurement and production planning to align feasibility, lead times and costings.
Qualifications
- Proven track record in high-end or couture-level embroidery and trim development, preferably within a luxury fashion maison or specialised atelier.
- Excellent technical knowledge of hand and machine embroidery techniques (e.g., tambour, sequin, beadwork, cordonnet, chenille) and trim assembly.
- Ability to interpret design sketches and translate them into detailed technical specifications and reproducible production processes.
- Strong communication skills with experience liaising directly with ateliers, external suppliers and cross-functional teams.
- Fluent command of practical quality standards and sample approval procedures used in luxury garment production.
Skills
Experience
Typically 3–6 years of hands-on experience in embroidery, trims or embellishment development within couture, luxury ready-to-wear, or specialised embroidery ateliers; proven experience managing sampling cycles and supplier qualifications.
Education
Diploma or degree in fashion design, textiles, apparel technology or equivalent vocational training with specialised coursework or apprenticeship in embroidery/ornamentation.
Workplace
The role is situated in Paris, Île-de-France, France. There are currently 3.348 open positions in Paris on Cerulean, with 49 added recently. Within Île-de-France, Cerulean currently features 3.762 open roles, including 64 recent additions. Across France, Cerulean lists 4.319 open roles — 78 of them newly added.
Culture
Alaïa fosters an atelier-driven culture where meticulous craftsmanship and close collaboration between creative and production teams are central. The workplace values technical excellence, discretion and a respect for traditional handwork alongside innovation in materials and techniques.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.