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About us

KnitWell Group, a specialty retail operating company, comprises some of the most iconic brands in America – Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant, and Talbots. Individually, our brands are unique and strong. Together, we are powerful.

Our common thread is our commitment to create exceptional products, provide memorable experiences, and achieve superior results. Our associates are innovators who thrive through collaboration and are dedicated to excellence. At the heart of it all are the customers we serve. We are dedicated to creating fashion that not only looks good but also makes our customers feel good.

About The Role

The Brand Styling Lead for Ann Taylor is the leader of the styling team and is responsible for directing and helping to execute seasonal styling direction across all brands and shoots as well as managing team workflow. As the Brand Styling Lead, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual identity of Ann Taylor's women's clothing across marketing channels. You will lead a team, collaborating closely with cross-functional partners to execute compelling styling concepts that resonate with our target audience. From photo shoots to digital campaigns, you will ensure that every piece of clothing tells a cohesive and aspirational story, reflecting the essence of the Ann Taylor brand.

Seasonal Process:

• This role plays an integral part of the Ann Taylor product lifecycle process, partnering seasonally with design, merchandising, and visual leads to help identify and create compelling product stories and looks to drive the season.

Editorial Shoots:

• The Brand Styling Lead partners with her team to style a high number of shoots on an ongoing basis: seasonal campaigns, monthly editorial on-figure and stills, stills, and video, and more across Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Factory.

Team Management and Workflow:

• The individual in this role must be comfortable managing the team’s workflow, partnering with project management and production in order to facilitate workload, track upcoming styleouts, shoots, samples deadlines, and more.  The ideal leader will be passionate about details, prepared to constantly troubleshoot challenges, and feel comfortable re-evaluating priorities amidst shifting schedules and business and creative needs. Must have an unrelenting positive spirit and can-do attitude in order to keep the Ann Taylor styling process moving forward seamlessly. 

• This person needs to be highly creative while having a strong understanding of the brand and target customer. The stylist must have exceptional taste with the ability to execute the brand styling ID while being competent and confident in their own creative problem solving. A team player with a collaborative approach to work is essential.

The impact you can have

• Lead the styling team and work in the direction and execution of styling across all channels: seasonal campaign, monthly editorials (on-figure and stills), social (on-figure, stills, and video), e-commerce, and other seasonal initiatives as the business requires

• Lead and mentor a team, providing guidance and feedback to elevate their skills and creativity.

• Develop seasonal styling concepts and guidelines in alignment with brand vision and marketing objectives.

• Partner with CFT leaders in the development of seasonal product stories and looks during product lifecycle development meetings - Use these product stories to help direct the seasonal samples order

• Collaborate with the marketing, creative, and product teams to plan and execute styling for various channels, including e-commerce, lend influencer content and styling ideas, email campaigns, and print collateral.

• Manage the end-to-end styling process, from conceptualization and mood board creation to on-set direction and post-production review.

• Collaborate with photo producers and art directors prior to and on-set to ensure all product needs are communicated and prioritized.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitor activities, and customer preferences to continuously innovate and enhance Ann Taylor's styling approach.

• Uphold brand standards and ensure consistency in styling across all touchpoints, maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.

• With styling team, liaise with sample managers and assistants to ensure the most up to date samples and products are available to style with and shoot. Participate in product hand-offs, rack reviews, and merchandising product briefings.

• Communicate with and brief freelance stylists to ensure clarity on styling direction and expectations.

You’ll bring to the role

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Styling, Merchandising or a related field of study.

• 8+ years of experience in styling and on-set experience, with a focus on women's clothing.

• In-depth knowledge of fashion and industry trends

• Proven track record of leading styling teams and delivering impactful results in a fast-paced retail environment.

• Strong creative vision and ability to translate concepts into compelling visual narratives.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and inspire cross-functional teams.

• Detail-oriented mindset with a passion for staying ahead of fashion trends and consumer preferences.

• Ability to thrive in a deadline-driven environment and adapt to changing priorities.

• Proficiency in Mac Systems, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) and other styling tools/software.

Benefits At KnitWell Group

• Merchandise discount at our brands: 50% off regular-priced merchandise at Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant & Talbots (in store and online) 

• Support for your individual development plus career mobility within our family of brands   

• A culture of giving back – local volunteer opportunities, annual donation and volunteer match to eligible nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic activities to support our communities*  

• Medical, dental, vision insurance & 401(K) retirement* 

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Time off – paid time off & holidays*

The target salary range for this role is: $120K - $140K

Any job offer will consider factors such your qualifications, relevant experience, and skills. Eligibility of certain benefits and associate programs are subject to employment type and role.

This position works in a hybrid model, with 3-4 days per week worked in our NYC office.

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Location:

Times Square Tower-ANN-New York, NY 10036

Position Type:

Regular/Full time

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Company is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified people at all levels. It is our policy in all personnel actions to ensure that all associates and potential associates are evaluated on the basis of qualifications and ability without regard to sex (including pregnancy), race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability that can reasonably be accommodated without undue hardship, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected classification under federal, state, or local law. We do not discriminate in any of our employment policies and practices. All associates are expected to follow these principles in all relationships with other associates, applicants, or others with whom we do business.