About Company
Haute Baso is a celebrated Rwandan lifestyle brand renowned for its exquisite handcrafted apparel, accessories, and home decor. Founded on the principles of celebrating African heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary design, Haute Baso tells stories through its unique creations. We are committed to empowering local artisans, promoting sustainable practices, and showcasing the beauty of Rwandan artistry to a global audience. Our flagship boutique in Kigali serves as a vibrant hub where tradition meets modernity, offering an immersive experience that highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Rwanda. We believe in fostering a collaborative and inspiring environment where creativity flourishes, and every team member contributes to our mission of redefining African luxury. Joining Haute Baso means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to making a significant impact in the fashion and design landscape, both locally and internationally. We are a brand that values authenticity, innovation, and community.
Job Description
Are you a passionate and creative individual with a flair for fashion and a dedication to exceptional customer service? Haute Baso is seeking a dynamic Fashion Designer & Boutique Staff member to join our esteemed team in Kigali. This multifaceted role is perfect for someone who thrives in a vibrant retail environment and possesses a strong foundation in fashion design principles. As a key member of our boutique team, you will be instrumental in bringing our brand vision to life, both through supporting our design processes and by directly engaging with our valued clientele. You will play a crucial role in assisting with design conceptualization, material selection, and garment development, ensuring that every piece reflects Haute Baso’s signature aesthetic and quality standards. This involves collaborating closely with our lead designers, contributing fresh ideas, and helping to manage the product lifecycle from initial sketch to final production. Simultaneously, you will be the face of our brand within our flagship boutique. This involves providing personalized styling advice, demonstrating in-depth product knowledge, managing sales transactions, and curating an inviting and inspiring atmosphere for our customers. You will be responsible for visual merchandising, ensuring that our displays are always fresh, engaging, and reflective of the Haute Baso brand identity. Your daily tasks will also include managing inventory, processing new arrivals, and maintaining the pristine appearance of the boutique. This position offers a unique opportunity to blend your design talents with your passion for retail, contributing to a brand that champions Rwandan craftsmanship and innovative design. We are looking for a proactive individual who is eager to learn, adapt, and grow within a supportive and inspiring creative space. Your ability to connect with customers, understand their needs, and articulate the story behind our designs will be paramount to your success in enriching the client experience and driving sales.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist lead designers in all stages of the fashion design process, from conceptualization and sketching to pattern making and sample development.
- Conduct research on fashion trends, fabrics, and embellishments to inform new collections and ensure market relevance.
- Provide exceptional customer service, including personalized styling advice, product demonstrations, and in-depth knowledge of Haute Baso collections.
- Manage sales transactions, process payments, and handle customer inquiries and concerns with professionalism.
- Execute visual merchandising strategies, ensuring appealing and consistent product displays that reflect brand aesthetics.
- Assist with inventory management, including receiving new stock, tagging, organizing, and conducting regular stock counts.
- Maintain the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the boutique environment.
- Contribute to marketing efforts by actively engaging with customers and promoting brand stories and events.
- Collaborate with the production team to ensure quality control and timely delivery of garments.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in fashion design principles, sketching, and garment construction.
- Strong understanding of fabrics, textiles, and their applications.
- Proven experience in a retail sales or customer service role, preferably within a fashion boutique.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with fluency in English.
- A keen eye for aesthetics, detail, and visual merchandising.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced creative environment.
- Basic knowledge of inventory management and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Textiles, or a related field.
- Prior experience working with African textiles or artisanal fashion.
- Fluency in Kinyarwanda and/or French.
- Experience with design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop).
- A portfolio demonstrating design capabilities and creative vision.
Perks & Benefits
- Opportunity to work in a leading Rwandan fashion brand.
- Vibrant and inspiring creative work environment.
- Professional development and growth opportunities.
- Employee discount on Haute Baso products.
- Contribution to a brand with a strong social and cultural impact.
- Collaborative and supportive team culture.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive CV, a cover letter outlining their passion for fashion and retail, and a link to their portfolio (if applicable). Please encourage applicants to click on the link below to apply for the job.