Trend Design Assistant - Brands

Job Description

Working Pattern:
Typically 5 days in the office, with core hours flexible between 8am-6pm.

We are seeking a Trend Design Assistant to support our Trend Forecaster across a diverse portfolio of fashion and sports brands. This is a dynamic, fast-paced role covering Womenswear, Menswear and Kidswear, with the opportunity to develop ownership in a key category.

You will play a vital role in identifying emerging trends, analysing the market, and supporting the delivery of commercially relevant trend insights to design and buying teams.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone highly trend-aware, creatively curious and commercially minded, looking to grow within a forward-thinking fashion environment.

• Support global retail and trend research under the direction of the Trend Forecaster
• Monitor catwalks, street style, retail, and social media for emerging trends
• Download, categorise and analyse catwalk and street style imagery
• Compile weekly updates on key shows, cultural moments and industry news
• Save and archive editorials, campaigns and relevant visual research
• Attend industry talks and exhibitions where relevant, feeding back key insights
• Assist with ad hoc research projects as required

• Contribute to monthly competitor shop reports (in-store and online)
• Provide regular cross-gender updates to buying teams
• Track and report on social media trends, including key hashtags, films, TV and cultural influences

• Maintain and update the fashion and cultural calendar, including trade shows, exhibitions, key events and relevant cultural releases

• Opportunity to take ownership of Menswear, Sportswear or Kidswear as a focus area, developing trend insight within that category while supporting the Womenswear forecaster

You are highly trend-aware with a strong creative eye and the ability to connect cultural shifts to commercial product opportunities. You thrive in a fast-paced environment, work flexibly, and bring genuine passion for the fashion industry.

• A strong understanding of current and emerging fashion trends
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of the high street and competitive landscape
• Excellent visual research skills and attention to detail
• The ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Strong communication and presentation skills

• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator
• Strong visual research and sourcing skills
• A good eye for styling and trend direction
• Womenswear experience

• Experience producing film clips, GIFs or audiovisual presentations
• Knowledge of AI tools and programs
• Data analysis skills
• A passion for Menswear, Sportswear or Kidswear

All applications must come with a trend focused portfolio! Any submitted without one will not be considered.

Your portfolio should prove you’re already living in 2027, showcasing deep‑dive research into AW26 and beyond. We need a visual storyteller who can spot a micro‑trend at a glance and turn it into a must‑have product. Show us your forecast, bring your AW26/SS27 concepts to the table!

Candidates wishing to apply who would require sponsorship for this role will be required to meet the Home Office sponsorship requirements. For further information please see:

We encourage early applications for our roles, as our recruitment process begins as soon as the role is advertised. If we successfully fill the position, this advert may close earlier than planned.

You know Next, but did you know we’re a FTSE‑100 retail company employing over 35,000 people across the UK and Ireland? We’re the UK’s 2nd largest fashion retailer and for Kidswear we’re the market leader. At the last count we have over 500 stores, plus the Next Online and it’s now possible to buy on‑line from over 70 countries around the world!

So we’ve gone global!

• 25% off most NEXT, MADE, Lipsy, Gap and Victoria's Secret products (when purchased through NEXT)
• Company performance based bonus
• Sharesave scheme
• On‑site Nursery available; OFSTED outstanding in all areas
• 10% off most partner…