Design Industry Placement 2026

Here at Mint Velvet we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of industry talent. We have an exciting opportunity for a paid student placement within our Design team. Based out of our head office in High Wycombe and starting in August/September 2026, we’re offering an undergraduate placement lasting 10-12 months. So, if you’re looking for the chance to gain invaluable work experience across fashion design as part of your year in industry, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

Mint Velvet began when founders Liz Houghton and Lisa Agar-Rea set out to create an unfailingly chic collection of contemporary, great quality staples and elevated fits that they felt were missing from their wardrobes. Feeling frustrated that they couldn’t find anything they wanted to wear, or the great customer service they craved, they started fusing relaxed comfort with glamorous yet wearable fashion trends. Relaxed Glamour was born.

As collaborative creatives, we take untold pride in our work, designing with heart and soul. We want to be a force for good and are committed to becoming a more circular and responsible business, from the fabrics we choose to our considered processes. We are an agile and growing business, and we work hard to create an environment which allows for growth and progression, balanced with the support and flexibility needed to meet the challenge of a high-performance culture.

Our leadership teams and founders sit amongst the teams and encourage a culture of balance and passion. MV is a very special place, and our values are anchored by three main pillars: people, planet, and community.

Our values

With Soul. Courage & Resilience. Passion & Drive. Entrepreneurial Spirit. Collaborative.

The role

You’ll be supporting a welcoming team of Designers at a range of levels, so it will be a great opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills. Tasks you can expect to support on include (but not limited to):

• Carrying out specific area research to assist the wider Design team
• Assisting the designers in organisational tasks
• Preparing for design brainstorms, collating mood boards to illustrate new trends and design ideas for move-ons
• Supporting the Design team to influence product development by constantly reviewing a variety of inspirational sources (including blogs, Pinterest, Instagram, magazines, fashion press, films and more) to keep abreast of current, seasonal and new trends
• Researching and visiting inspirational shops, markets, print and fabric fairs, competitors and fashion forward trend lead businesses for inspiration, buying
• Managing colour standards across the design team - buying relevant samples, pulling together mood boards and managing colour standards after range builds
• Supporting on print & embellishment art works

What you'll have

To join our vibrant and fast-growing business as a placement student in our Design team:

• We’re looking for someone organised and proactive, who cares about delivering work to a high standard
• You’ll be eager to learn and comfortable to have a go, with the guidance of the team around you
• We’d particularly love to hear from students who connect with our Mint Velvet brand values
• You will be studying a relevant degree and interested in a career within Fashion Design
• You will be looking for a 10-12 month placement in the industry
• You will be open to working full-time, Monday-Friday in our High Wycombe head office

You'll be rewarded with

• Competitive starting salary and great career prospects in a fast-paced and growing business
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays and an additional day off on your birthday
• Access to Smart Health - providing a range of services such as private GP appointments, mental health support, nutritional advice and more
• Life assurance
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• 50% staff discount
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Free Parking
• Early pay day finish - we finish at 3pm every pay day Friday
• Bespoke induction support and ongoing development to help you thrive in your new role
• In-house performance coaches for all levels
• A welcoming and inspiring work-environment, including regular socials and team events

About Mint Velvet

In 2009, co-founders Liz, Lisa and Jane came up with the idea for Mint Velvet over cups of fresh mint tea at Liz’s kitchen table. After years of not finding what they wanted to wear on the high street, the trio had outgrown the fast fashion brands dominating the retail space and wanted the latest trends translated in a relaxed way. The concept of ‘Relaxed Glamour’ was born: easy, effortless clothing that can be slipped on to create a luxe look on even the busiest of days.

Known for our easy shapes, beautiful prints and flattering fits, all with thoughtful finishing touches, Mint Velvet’s unique handwriting is synonymous with everyday luxury and quality. The range has also expanded to include accessories, activewear, homeware and gifts – all with our signature Relaxed Glamour aesthetic.

After a whirlwind of success in the first couple of years, we now have stores nationwide, a thriving website and partnerships with premium department stores. As we enter the next exciting phase of our journey, we’re on the lookout for exceptional people to join us and help continue the legacy of our ambitious brand growth, with the same energy and passion we’ve had since the beginning. We operate in a professional but non-corporate way and believe that a strong team is greater than a team of strong people (and everyone takes their turn to pitch in and make the tea!).