Ian Bernhard

Available to hire

I am a highly creative, motivated and detail-oriented fashion design professional with a passion for innovation and a track record of leadership and teamwork.

About

I am a highly creative, motivated and detail-oriented fashion design professional with a passion for innovation and a track record of leadership and teamwork. I enjoy turning concepts into commercially viable products while maintaining integrity and a solution-focused mindset.

Over the years I have led design for Deadly Ponies (Accessories, Apparel and Footwear) and built bespoke couture work for performers, while collaborating with international manufacturers and creative partners. I’m always eager to learn, adapt, and manage multiple projects from concept through to production and in-store presentation.

  • Joined September 2025

Industry experience

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Media & Entertainment
  • Professional Services
  • Other
  • Consumer Goods

Projects · 1

Work experience· 16 roles

Design Lead - Accessories, Apparel and Footwear · Deadly PoniesApr 2025 – Sep 2025 · 6 mos

Led the design department in developing seasonal collections from concept to store, aligning with brand direction and market trends. Managed on-site teams and liaised with international manufacturers, tanneries and suppliers to ensure quality, on-time delivery and KPI achievement. Directed product strategy, budgeting and cross-functional collaboration with marketing, while supporting the marketing team in campaigns in the absence of a Team Lead.

Bespoke Garment and Costume Designer · FreelanceApr 2025 – Sep 2025 · 6 mos

Design and construction of bespoke performance garments, headpieces, corsetry, beading, painting and garment sculpting for Burlesque and Drag performers. Responsible for concept to fittings, tailoring, and engineering of appearance wear.

Design Lead - Accessories, Apparel and Footwear · Deadly PoniesApr 2025 – Sep 2025 · 6 mos

Led the Design Department in developing seasonal collections from concept to store, aligning with the brand direction and trend-driven target market research. Managed on-site design teams and coordinated with international suppliers to ensure KPI and budget targets were met. Drove product strategy through data-driven analysis, presented seasons to stakeholders and direct-to-consumer channels, and supported Marketing leadership in the absence of a Team Lead.

Bespoke Garment and Costume Designer · FreelanceApr 2025 – Sep 2025 · 6 mos
Designer - Accessories, Apparel and Footwear · Deadly PoniesMay 2023 – Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 5 mos
Designer - Accessories, Apparel and Footwear · Deadly PoniesMay 2023 – Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 5 mos
Junior Designer - Accessories, Apparel and Jewellery · Deadly PoniesSep 2020 – Sep 2025 · 5 yrs 1 mo
Junior Designer - Accessories, Apparel and Jewellery · Deadly PoniesSep 2020 – Sep 2025 · 5 yrs 1 mo

Education

Bachelor of Design Honours · Auckland University of Technology2030 – 2016
Bachelor of Design · Auckland University of Technology2012 – 2014

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