I am a detail-oriented fashion designer with hands-on experience in menswear and womenswear, pattern development, and garment construction across global markets. Trained in Milan and currently based in California, I have a track record of delivering seasonal collections, technical sketches, and cross-functional visual storytelling for runway, cultural, and performance-based applications. I am passionate about classic American denimwear, functional design, and inclusive aesthetics. I have facilitated visual literacy and interpretation workshops for K–12 students, developed a capsule costume collection for avant-garde musicians and dancers, and collaborated closely with performers and lighting designers to integrate garment function with stage performance. I have delivered tech-ready sketches and prototypes in Illustrator, supported menswear and womenswear teams in fittings and backstage coordination, and gained firsthand exposure to denim and tailored pieces from heritage Italian brands.

Lia Nguyen

I am a detail-oriented fashion designer with hands-on experience in menswear and womenswear, pattern development, and garment construction across global markets. Trained in Milan and currently based in California, I have a track record of delivering seasonal collections, technical sketches, and cross-functional visual storytelling for runway, cultural, and performance-based applications. I am passionate about classic American denimwear, functional design, and inclusive aesthetics. I have facilitated visual literacy and interpretation workshops for K–12 students, developed a capsule costume collection for avant-garde musicians and dancers, and collaborated closely with performers and lighting designers to integrate garment function with stage performance. I have delivered tech-ready sketches and prototypes in Illustrator, supported menswear and womenswear teams in fittings and backstage coordination, and gained firsthand exposure to denim and tailored pieces from heritage Italian brands.

Available to hire

I am a detail-oriented fashion designer with hands-on experience in menswear and womenswear, pattern development, and garment construction across global markets. Trained in Milan and currently based in California, I have a track record of delivering seasonal collections, technical sketches, and cross-functional visual storytelling for runway, cultural, and performance-based applications. I am passionate about classic American denimwear, functional design, and inclusive aesthetics.

I have facilitated visual literacy and interpretation workshops for K–12 students, developed a capsule costume collection for avant-garde musicians and dancers, and collaborated closely with performers and lighting designers to integrate garment function with stage performance. I have delivered tech-ready sketches and prototypes in Illustrator, supported menswear and womenswear teams in fittings and backstage coordination, and gained firsthand exposure to denim and tailored pieces from heritage Italian brands.

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Language

Vietnamese
Advanced
English
Fluent
Italian
Advanced

Work Experience

Docent at San Jose Museum of Art
February 1, 2024 - Present
Led visual literacy workshops, developed didactic programming for K–12 audiences, and conducted tours.
Lead Creative Team at VietBay
March 1, 2023 - Present
Led creative team for projects and events; collaborated with performers and production teams to align visuals with brand and performance.
Fashion Designer at Divertimento Ensemble
January 31, 2023 - October 15, 2025
Developed capsule collection for avant-garde musicians and dancers; ensured fit, material selection, and function; collaborated with performers for performance-based garments.
Runner-up, Chi ha la stoffa (Italian Fashion Design TV Show) at Chi ha la stoffa
October 1, 2022 - October 15, 2025
National fashion design competition finalist featured on live broadcast; completed 6 live-timed creative challenges under extreme pressure; demonstrated adaptability, aesthetic range, and creative agility on camera.
Runway Assistant at Milan Fashion Week
February 1, 2021 - October 15, 2025
Assisted runway shows; backstage coordination; gained exposure to denim and tailored pieces; supported designers during fittings and show prep.

Education

BA Financial Economics at University of Leicester, UK
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2015
BA Fashion Design at Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, Milan, Italy
January 11, 2030 - October 15, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Manufacturing, Professional Services