NGAIO THOMSEN
Auckland,AUK
Summary
Fashion stylist and designer with a strong eye for storytelling through clothing. Recent work in costume design has honed my ability to build character through wardrobe—researching, sourcing, and styling with intention. I bring a thoughtful, collaborative approach to each project, backed by current studies in sustainable fashion and a deep respect for cultural and historical context.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Design Assistant
Daylight moon
Devonport, Auckland
04.2025 - Current
- Supported daily operations of design and production processes.
Assisted with sampling, fittings, and production meetings to ensure timely delivery.
Collaborated with pattern maker to finalize designs and specifications.
Contributed to costing and garment specifications for accurate budgeting.
Facilitated communication across teams to enhance workflow efficiency.
Participated in bringing each collection from concept to completion.
Head of Costume
Vera Ellen
, Auckland
03.2025 - 04.2025
- Developed and implemented costume designs, including sketching, creating mood boards.
- Worked closely with the director and production team to create the visual look of a character through their wardrobe
- Sourced costumes from various sources, including vintage shops, costume rental companies and local small businesses.
- Managed costume fittings with actors, ensuring proper fit and making necessary alterations.
- Researched historical and cultural contexts for costumes when needed.
Creative Jewellery Maker
Sugar Online
, Auckland
01.2023 - 03.2025
- Created new jewelry designs and modified existing designs via manual and computer-assisted methods.
- Consulted with customers about desires and sizing needs for each piece.
- Created pieces by hand for private customers or use as prototypes.
- Assembled intricate findings such as clasps and settings into completed pieces of jewelry.
- Developed new techniques for the fabrication of unique designs based on customer specifications.
Workroom Assistant Internship
Crushes
11.2024 - 12.2024
- Participated in brainstorming sessions with other members of the design team to generate new ideas.
- Created new designs and iterations during marketing strategy sessions.
- Constructed and styled garments by hand and by machines.
Workroom Assistant / Designer Internship
Paris Georgia
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Created color palettes and fabric swatches for proposed designs.
- Assisted in the selection of fabrics, colors, trims, embellishments, and patterns.
- Managed household errands and other essential duties.
Sales Assistant
General Pants
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Assisted clients in selecting and purchasing fashion items that match their style preferences.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
- Performed floor moves, merchandising, display maintenance and housekeeping to keep sales areas well-stocked, organized and current.
- Created visual displays to showcase clothing, accessories and other fashion merchandise.
Education
Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design - SUSTAINABLE FASHION DESIGN, Fashion design and communication, Environmental/social sustainability strategy, Fashion history research and analyses, Sustainable business development strategy
WHITECLIFFE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND DESIGN
Auckland12-2025
Metalwork Workshop - Jewelry
Workshop 6
Auckland, NZ07-2025
Photoshop Course -
YOOBEE COLLEGE
Auckland, NZ07.2021
Skills
- Fashion design and communication
- Environmental/social sustainability strategy
- Fashion history research and analyses
- Sustainable business development strategy
- POS sales capabilities
- Client management skills
- Garment construction and fashion illustration
- Photoshop Course
- Styling
- Retail
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Pattern-making
- Fashion design
- Industrial sewing
- Online store management
- Shopify e-commerce platform
- Fit model
- Jewellery making
- Jewellery sales
- Creative thinking
- Project planning
- Collaboration
- Costume design
References
- Susan Barter, Lecturer; Sustainable Fashion Design, Whitecliffe College of Art and Design, susanb@whitecliffe.ac.nz
- Veronica Frankovich, Lecturer; Sustainable Fashion Design, Whitecliffe College of Art and Design, veronicaf@whitecliffe.ac.nz
- Ella Donovan, Founder of Sugar Online (current place of employment), 0221959703
- Rose Hope, Co-founder of Crushes
Timeline
Design Assistant
Daylight moon
04.2025 - Current
Head of Costume
Vera Ellen
03.2025 - 04.2025
Workroom Assistant Internship
Crushes
11.2024 - 12.2024
Workroom Assistant / Designer Internship
Paris Georgia
01.2024 - 04.2024
Creative Jewellery Maker
Sugar Online
01.2023 - 03.2025
Sales Assistant
General Pants
01.2021 - 01.2023
Bachelor of Sustainable Fashion Design - SUSTAINABLE FASHION DESIGN, Fashion design and communication, Environmental/social sustainability strategy, Fashion history research and analyses, Sustainable business development strategy
WHITECLIFFE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND DESIGN
Metalwork Workshop - Jewelry
Workshop 6
Photoshop Course -
YOOBEE COLLEGE
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