Chantelle Gerrard

With more than 15 years' experience in the industry,  I specialise in the design, supervision, and fabrication of costumes for film, theatre, and one-off commissions.  On-going collaborations with multiple directors and companies reflect my reliability, impeccable time management, multi-tasking skills, and adaptability to varying environments and teams.  I can deliver highly skilled work in a short period of time.  I stay within tight budgets, have an eye for colour and textures both on stage and screen, and create costumes that fit the given brief in every way.  I have many years' experience in managing teams and workrooms, costuming for large productions in excess of 40 cast members.  I was the Head of Wardrobe for Pop-Up Globe from 2015-2019.

As Head Designer for over 70 stage productions in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, I have worked for both large touring companies and independent productions.  My film credits include the Underworld movie franchise and the television series Game of Thrones.  I enjoyed seven years as Head of Costume Design and Construction for Tim Bray Productions, a professional theatre company based in Auckland.  I have also been a dresser for large scale theatre productions and NZ Opera, an opera singer (lead soprano) on tour with two companies between 2009-2013, and a costumed interpreter at the Auckland Museum. I know first hand how costumes should move on actors and singers.

I am passionate about anything that involves history, fabric, and the arts.  My greatest love is historical costume, so I have self-funded numerous trips between New Zealand and the UK to further my research.  The examination of centuries-old garments and documents has been invaluable in developing my understanding of historical costume in context.  As a costume designer this puts me in the unique position of intimately understanding how to fully outfit an actor for their performance in terms of comfort, durability, and aesthetics.

I look forward to hearing from you.