Richemont Prototype Maker
- Seniority
- Mid-Level
- Industry
- Fashion, Apparel & Leather Goods
- Posted
- Apr 21, 2026
About Richemont
Richemont is a Swiss luxury goods conglomerate comprising renowned maisons across jewellery, watches, leather goods and fashion. The group is widely recognised for its emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship, atelier-based production and Maison-driven creative excellence. As an employer it attracts professionals who prioritise technical mastery, attention to detail and the preservation of heritage techniques within a global luxury context.
Richemont seeks a Prototype Maker in Scandicci, Italy — experienced sample maker for luxury fashion and leather goods.
Role & Responsibilities
- Translate design sketches and technical packages into physical prototypes and first samples for review.
- Construct garments and leather goods using hand-sewing and industrial techniques to luxury quality standards.
- Collaborate closely with designers, pattern makers and production teams to iterate fit, construction and finishes during fittings and wear tests.
- Adjust patterns and make on-the-fly modifications to resolve fit and construction issues, documenting changes for production.
- Maintain the sample room: organise works-in-progress, manage materials and components, and ensure equipment is serviceable.
- Perform quality checks on prototypes to validate materials, seams, linings, and hardware integration.
- Support small-run development and pre-production activities, including preparation of references for costing and manufacturability.
- Ensure accurate record-keeping of sample versions, measurements and technical notes for handover to manufacturing.
Qualifications
- Proven track record as a sample maker, prototipista or garment technician in luxury apparel or leather goods.
- Advanced hand-sewing and machine-sewing skills with experience in high-end finishes and complex constructions.
- Strong knowledge of materials, linings, interfacings and hardware used in luxury garments or accessories.
- Ability to read and interpret technical packs, patterns and measurement charts; competent in making pattern adjustments.
- Excellent eye for detail, manual dexterity and commitment to finishing standards consistent with haute manufacture.
- Reliable time-management and ability to work under tight development schedules while preserving quality.
Skills
Experience
Several years of hands-on experience producing prototypes and first samples within the luxury fashion or leather goods sector, with demonstrable examples of high-quality workmanship and collaboration with design and production teams.
Education
Vocational diploma, apprenticeship or professional training in fashion design, garment technology, pattern making or a related craft; equivalent on-the-job experience accepted.
Workplace
This position is based in Scandicci, Tuscany, Italy, within easy reach of Florence.
Culture
The working environment combines atelier-style, craft-focused practices with the rigour of luxury-house production standards. Teams value meticulous handcraft, cross-disciplinary collaboration between design and production, and a commitment to preserving artisanal techniques while meeting global quality expectations.
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 Richemont, 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 «Sample Maker», «Garment Technician», «Pattern Technician», «Prototype 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.