
Austin Collins
@austincollins
Fashion designer and customer support professional in Cork; created bespoke costumes and won an Irish-language sustainable fashion competition.
What I'm looking for
I designed bespoke costumes as a self-employed Fashion Designer, including looks for Fionnuala Jay’s Flop Culture podcast tour and comedy show, Bureau De Change. I also collaborated with Irish drag artist Paul Ryder on a custom look for the Gay and Lesbian Awards.
At Cork Opera House, I collaborated with the Costume Designer and Costume Supervisor on productions including Cinderella, Summer Revels Variety Show, and Jack and the Beanstalk. I contributed to costume construction and maintenance, and supported backstage costume changes during live performances.
I won FIBÍN Media’s Irish-language sustainable fashion design competition, creating complete looks from reused and second-hand materials. I also assisted Colin Horgan across fashion shows and studio projects, contributing to pattern work, sewing, and the Spring/Summer 2023 collection.
In my current customer administration and customer service roles, I support SUSI applicants and provide customer support in Irish. I’ve also run Caife Cléire, a family café where I handled day-to-day operations, and I’m fluent in Irish and English.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Customer Administration
Abtran
Apr 2026 - Present (6 months)
Provided customer support and managed applicant files for SUSI, handling daily correspondence in a busy office environment with focus on accuracy and clear communication.
Volunteer
Sexual Health Clinic
Oct 2025 - Present (1 year)
Training to administer rapid HIV testing in clinical settings, with planned outreach in universities and LGBTQ+ community spaces.
Delivered high-quality customer support in Irish via phone and digital channels, resolving issues and developing strong communication and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.
Fashion Designer
Self Employed
Oct 2024 - May 2025 (7 months)
Designed and delivered bespoke commissioned costumes for high-profile clients, including Irish podcaster Fionnuala Jay and drag artist Paul Ryder, developing expertise in concept design and tailoring.
Costume Maker
Cork Opera House
Oct 2023 - Jan 2025 (1 year 3 months)
Collaborated on costume design, construction, and maintenance for high-profile productions, managing rapid costume changes and ensuring continuity during live performances.
Supported daily office operations through data entry, document organisation, and record management using Microsoft Office and internal systems.
Sustainable Fashion Show Contestant
FIBÍN Media
Mar 2024 - May 2024 (2 months)
Winner of an Irish-language TV design competition, creating complete fashion looks from reused materials under two-day deadlines.
Fashion Design Intern
Colin Horgan
May 2022 - Sep 2022 (4 months)
Assisted Irish fashion designer Colin Horgan across fashion shows and studio projects, supporting garment preparation, fittings, and pattern cutting.
Cafe Owner
Caife Cléire
Mar 2021 - Sep 2021 (6 months)
Founded and managed a family café, overseeing operations including branding, supplier management, finance, and social media marketing.
Shop Assistant
Wild Design Collective
Jun 2019 - Dec 2020 (1 year 6 months)
Managed sales, customer service, and till operations at a sustainable art and design store, assisting with stock management and store presentation.
English Language Teacher
Marble Education
Sep 2016 - Dec 2016 (3 months)
Prepared and delivered English lessons to young children during a teaching placement in North China, developing communication and classroom management skills.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
NUI Galway
Higher Diploma, Applied Irish
2025 -
Pursuing a Higher Diploma in Applied Irish (Level 8), developing advanced written and spoken Irish skills.
Limerick Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Arts (Honours), Fashion Design
2019 - 2023
Earned a B.A. (Honours) in Fashion Design, gaining expertise in design processes, applied textiles, and sustainability.
Coláiste an Phiarsaigh
Leaving Certificate, General Studies
2013 - 2019
Completed secondary education, earning a Leaving Certificate.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Salary expectations
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