Co-Founder & Creative Director (Luxury Fashion Venture)

Co-Founder & Creative Director (Equity Partnership)

**Brussels · Amsterdam · Paris · Geneva · London Hybrid** **Founding Team Opportunity Equity-Based**

Company Description

Hercynia is a European luxury movement house inspired by the ancient Hercynian mountain formation that shaped the landscapes of Europe, from Belgium to Romania.

We create intelligently engineered movementwear for women who view movement as a lifelong practice rather than a temporary pursuit. Our design philosophy draws inspiration from the textile intelligence of Dobrogea, an ancient region at the crossroads of the Black Sea and the Danube Delta. Traditional construction methods, garment geometry, natural fibres, and compression principles inform how we design.

Our long-term ambition is to build a European luxury house that begins with movementwear and evolves into a complete wardrobe for women who value permanence over trend.

As an early-stage venture, Hercynia offers the opportunity to shape not only products, but the very foundations of a brand. We value craftsmanship, curiosity, thoughtful decision-making, and long-term thinking over rapid growth at any cost.

Role Description

This is a founding-level opportunity for a Co-Founder & Creative Director.

We are seeking a partner who will own the product and creative dimension of the business and transform the Hercynia philosophy into garments, experiences, and objects people genuinely desire.

You will define the creative vision of the brand, oversee product development, guide collection creation from concept to production, and help shape every customer-facing touchpoint. You will work closely with the founder on positioning, growth strategy, supplier relationships, and long-term brand building.

Initially, this role requires approximately 1–2 days per week alongside existing professional commitments, with increasing involvement as the company progresses.

Responsibilities

Product Development

• Translate brand philosophy into commercially viable products
• Lead collection development from concept through production
• Participate in fabric sourcing and supplier selection
• Guide technical design, fit development, and quality standards
• Build relationships with manufacturers and production partners

Creative Direction

• Define and evolve the visual identity of Hercynia
• Direct photography, campaign aesthetics, and storytelling
• Ensure consistency across all brand touchpoints
• Develop the long-term creative language of the house

Brand Building

• Help shape positioning and customer experience
• Participate in relationships with founding customers, partners, and collaborators
• Represent the brand in relevant industry, media, and community settings
• Contribute to strategic decisions as a member of the founding team

Qualifications

We are less interested in credentials than in judgement, taste, and the ability to build.

Ideal candidates bring deep expertise in at least one of the following areas and meaningful exposure to the others:

• Creative Direction, Fashion Design, Art Direction, or Brand Design
• Product Development and Garment Construction
• Luxury, Premium, or Direct-to-Consumer Brand Building
• Fashion Entrepreneurship or Startup Experience

Additional qualities include:

• Strong aesthetic judgement and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities
• Ability to work independently in an early-stage environment
• Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution
• Comfort making decisions with limited information
• Experience working with European suppliers or manufacturers is a strong advantage

What We Are Looking For

A Strong Creative Point of View

You can build a coherent creative world and clearly articulate why something feels right, timeless, and desirable.

Comfort With Exclusivity

You understand that luxury is often created through restraint, consistency, craftsmanship, and careful distribution.

European Cultural Intelligence

You appreciate Europe’s cultural diversity and understand how heritage can be translated into contemporary products.

Affinity for Eastern European Heritage

You do not need to be Romanian, but the cultural richness and craftsmanship traditions of Eastern Europe should genuinely resonate with you.

Relationship-Oriented Mindset

You enjoy building authentic relationships with customers, suppliers, collaborators, and partners.

**Long-Term Thinking…