Christian Dior Senior CAD Patternmaker (Draping or Tailoring)
About Christian Dior
Christian Dior Couture is an iconic French maison renowned for haute couture and luxury ready-to-wear. As part of the broader Dior family within the LVMH group, the house combines artisanal savoir‑faire with creative direction to produce garments of the highest quality in its ateliers and production studios.
Christian Dior Couture — Paris: Hiring a Senior CAD Patternmaker (Draping or Tailoring) for Ready‑to‑Wear ateliers. Full‑time, on-site role.
Role & Responsibilities
- Develop and translate creative sketches into accurate patterns by draping (toile) and flat patternmaking according to specialty (draped or tailored).
- Produce, modify and correct patterns and toiles; perform detailed flat pattern alterations and toile adjustments.
- Prepare and complete technical documentation: manual tech sheets with assembly sections, piece breakdowns and nomenclatures within PLM.
- Work closely with toilemakers, cutters, sewers, workshop leads, technicians and external suppliers to ensure correct transposition to production and adherence to artistic intent.
- Ensure garment quality through rigorous checks of patterns and prototypes and provide technical information required for production tech packs.
- Respect project timelines and production schedules; adapt to the pace of seasonal collections and modulation systems.
- Contribute to knowledge transfer by training and supporting apprentices, new hires and junior patternmakers.
Qualifications
- Vocational qualification in fashion or patternmaking (CAP/BEP) or a professional baccalaureate in Fashion/Patternmaking (CAD/DAO).
- Proven high‑end patternmaking experience — typically 8–10 years in a similar luxury or couture/ready‑to‑wear environment (ideally 10+ years).
- Expert command of CAD patternmaking and PLM systems; strong proficiency with MODARIS LECTRA.
- Deep knowledge of fabrics, textile behaviour and garment construction; experience with both draping (flou) and tailored assemblies is valued.
- Excellent eye for detail, precision, patience and strong problem‑solving aptitude.
- Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, autonomy and adaptability to collection rhythms; flexibility for occasional travel for fittings or events.
- Fluent French; professional English is an asset.
Skills
Experience
Minimum 8–10 years of proven patternmaking experience in a luxury couture or ready-to-wear production environment; experience with both draping and tailored techniques preferred.
Education
Vocational diploma (CAP/BEP) or Baccalaureate in Fashion / Patternmaking (CAD/DAO) or equivalent professional qualification.
Workplace
This position is based in Paris, Île-de-France, France.
Culture
The maison combines atelier-based craftsmanship with creative excellence, demanding meticulous attention to detail and respect for artisanal techniques. The workplace values transmission of savoir‑faire, collaboration between technical and creative teams, and a commitment to high standards and diversity.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Christian Dior, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Senior Patternmaker (CAD/PLM)», «Senior Draping Patternmaker», «Senior Tailoring Patternmaker», «Lead Apparel CAD Pattern Technician», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.