TRAINEE / INTERN - Design & Production Assistant (Apparel)

Trainee Position with Strawberry – Fashion Design & Manufacturing

WARNING: THIS IS FOR GRADUATED AND READY FOR FULL-TIME WORK - LONG TERM CAREER ONLY - THIS IS NOT A SUMMER INTERNSHIP OR JUST TO LEARN SOME SKILLS.

Strawberry is a Los Angeles-based fashion brand blending high-end style with wearable designs. Our clothing showcases handcrafted details, vibrant colors, and bold silhouettes, celebrating individuality for a diverse audience of tastemakers. We’re committed to making beautiful fashion accessible beyond the runway.

We’re seeking a driven TRAINEE for a full-time, on-site role in Fashion Design & Manufacturing at our Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) headquarters. This traineeship is designed to immerse you in end-to-end product development and manufacturing management, with the goal of growing into a long-term, full-time career at Strawberry.

We’re only looking for individuals who genuinely want to learn our ways, help grow Strawberry, and commit to a minimum 2–3 year stay with the brand. This is a serious opportunity for someone ready to invest in a long-term future with us.

We’re looking for the diamond in the rough — someone who goes above and beyond, thinks strategically, works harder, and has the work ethic to match.

WE ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN TRAINING INDIVIDUALS WITH INCREDIBLE NATURAL RAW SKILLS LOOKING FOR A LONG-TERM CAREER. NO GUARANTEE OF EMPLOYMENT AFTER TRAINEESHIP.

WARNING: THIS IS FOR GRADUATED AND READY FOR FULL TIME WORK - LONG TERM CAREER ONLY - THIS IS NOT A SUMMER INTERNSHIP OR JUST TO LEARN SOME SKILLS.

(80% Manufacturing & Production Management Focus)

• Manage full product development cycle from A to Z: initial tech packs, sampling, Prototype 1, revised Prototype 2, salesman samples, color selection, fit checks, and final approvals.
• Oversee sampling and production timelines to ensure collections are completed on time for trade shows and bulk seasonal orders.
• Handle late-night calls and coordination with overseas manufacturing partners to resolve issues and keep production on schedule.
• Aid in design changes and technical adjustments during development.
• Track and manage multiple styles simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Conduct fit checks, quality control reviews, and ensure consistency across samples and production runs.
• Support the design team with tech pack creation, specification updates, and vendor communication.
• Develop systems to improve efficiency in product development and manufacturing processes.
• Assist with pre-trade show collection preparation and post-show production ramp-up.
• Additional manufacturing and operations projects as needed.

Design Support Tasks: (Secondary Focus – 0-20% of Job)

• Contribute to creative brainstorming and design iteration.
• Help with mood boards, trend research, and color/story development.
• Support styling and presentation of collections for buyers and trade shows.

• Must have graduated (degree in Fashion Design, Production, Merchandising, or related field preferred).
• Able to work full-time, in-person in DTLA.
• Located in Los Angeles or able to relocate shortly.
• Strong desire to learn our processes, help grow Strawberry, and commit to a minimum 2–3 year stay.
• Ready for a long-term career with opportunities for advancement.
• Raw intelligence and unstoppable willpower to meet tight deadlines and manage complex production flows.

• Strong technical knowledge of garment construction, tech packs, and manufacturing processes.
• Passion for fashion with a detail-oriented, solutions-driven mindset.
• Experience or strong understanding of overseas production and vendor management.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (including comfort with international calls outside regular hours).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Excel, and Google Suite is a plus.
• Previous internship or experience in design/production is highly valued.

• Compensation: $20/hour during traineeship, with potential for full-time salaried roles at a much higher base & bonus potential.
• $1500 BONUS AT 6 MONTH MARK POSSIBLE IF GOOD PERFORMANCE.
• TRAINEESHIP LASTS 2–3 MONTHS — THEN TRANSITION TO FULL-TIME ROLE / FULL-TIME PAY (based on performance).
• Location: Full-time, in-person at our DTLA office.
• Career Path: This role is a stepping stone to a permanent, long-term position with significant growth opportunities at Strawberry.

If you’re ready to bring your intelligence, grit, and passion to a brand that celebrates bold individuality — and you’re serious about mastering fashion manufacturing from start to finish while committing long-term — we want to hear from you! Apply today and let’s build something extraordinary together.