
About Us
About Us
Talosia Design: The Visionaries Behind the Brand
The story of Talosia Design is more than a fashion chronicle; it is the intersection of two remarkable lives spanning continentsโfrom Ireland to Tuvaluโto build a legacy of creativity, resilience, and community. Founded in 2011, the brand is the result of a partnership built on trust, shared struggle, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Together, James and Talosia have designed a future defined by beauty, inclusion, and hope.
A Partnership of Purpose, Leading the Industry into 2026, together, James and Talosia have dressed celebrities for the Pacific Music Awards, Pacific Fusion Fashion,Taste of Pasifika produced high-stakes Fashion for Charity galas, and survived the betrayals of the business world to emerge stronger. Today, Talosia Design has evolved into a multi-disciplinary powerhouse:
Creative Services
Strategic & Media Services
High-Fashion Design & Couture
Temp Media Production (Authentic Voices)
Bespoke Pattern Making
Business Change & Strategic Advice
Runway Choreography & Modeling
Event Management & Production
Creative Mentorship
Guest Speaking & MC Services
Fashion For Charity
The journey continues! As of 2025, Talosia and James are spending the next few years abroad, beginning in Australia. This is a season for building new knowledge and gaining invaluable life experience. After 15 years of hard work, they are finally taking the time to grow, reset, and realign their goals. Both feel a deep sense of pride in their New Zealand heritage and, though they are embracing this time away, they look forward to bringing everything they’ve learned back home to NZ in the future.
From our hearts to yours we want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey over the years. Whether you have supported us, worked alongside us, or helped us find our way, you are part of the Talosia Design legacy and no matter where we go we hope to keep adding people to our family and brand.
We will always remember where we come from. At the end of the day, we are all just people.
Life can be challenging, and we have all faced our share of hurdles โ but we believe that itโs not about how we fall; itโs about how we get back up. Be kind and be good.
Creative Director Fashion | Media | Visionary Direction
Talosia Saulo Haulangi
About
Talosia Saulo Haulangi
Creative Director & Master Artisan
Born in Noumea, Tuvalu, and arriving in Auckland at age 14, Talosiaโs journey from a young immigrant to a high-fashion icon is a testament to technical mastery and relentless drive.
The Technical Pedigree: A rare artisan who “thinks in fabric,” Talosiaโs elite training as a Junior Pattern Maker for the legendary Marilyn SaintyโNew Zealandโs matriarch of minimalismโprovided a foundation in clean, precise tailoring.
The Industry Engine: Before launching his own label, Talosia was the hidden force behind top brands like Zambesi, Max Fashion, and DJ Station, mastering the balance between high-end couture and commercial success.
Talosiaโs influence extends far beyond the atelier. He has dressed celebrities for the Pacific Music Awards, Pacific Fusion Fashion, and Taste of Pasifika, solidifying his reputation as a premier name in South Pacific design.
As the visionary mastermind behind numerous high-profile events, Talosia has always prioritized community impact. Through the launch of Fashion for Charity, he has produced high-stakes galas that raised vital funds for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
More than just a designer, Talosia possesses a comprehensive mastery of the industry:
Creative Direction & Runway Production: Orchestrating world-class fashion experiences from concept to choreography.
Mentorship: Using his technical expertise to help young designers build their skill sets and launch their own brands.
Career Development: Identifying and nurturing raw talent, helping many models launch successful careers in the global fashion industry.
Darwin & Beyond: Since being in Darwin, Top End of Australia, Talosia has been a catalyst for fashion innovation, serving as the Lead Choreographer for Darwin Fashion Week 2025 and mentoring the next generation of Pacific designers.
Digital Media Pioneer: Through TempNZ Media Production, he is now a leading voice in fashion content, hosting a weekly podcast sharing visionary insights on design and culture.
Brand Architect & Strategic Growth Specialist
James Alexander Laverty
About
James Alexander Laverty
The Architect of Influence & Advocate for the Vulnerable
Moving from Ireland to New Zealand in 1999, Jamesโs 27-year career has been defined by one mission: building communities and creating brands that demand attention.
From transforming The Chocolate Cake Company into a national success to managing the heartbeat of Aucklandโs nightlife for 15 years, James has long been a confidant to the elite. His guest lists have included everyone from Sir Ian McKellen and former PM Helen Clark to a host of local celebrities.
With a deep-rooted background in community service, James successfully leveraged his political ties and grassroots experience to build a formidable business reputation. He has specialised in taking well-known brands and turning them into profitable icons with enduring public profiles. His expertise spans a vast array of sectorsโincluding Retail, Fashion, Charity, Plumbing, Design, and Hospitalityโgiving him a uniquely versatile edge in todayโs market.James has the gift and vision of seeing something and can look at any brand
The Gift of Care-giving: Having lost both parents in their 60’s and 70’s, James considers it his life’s greatest blessing to have spent 15 years as the caregiver for Nola Otto. They became family, and James walked with her until just four weeks before her 90th birthday.
Advocacy for the Aging: Through caring for Nola, James gained a profound, firsthand understanding of the gaps in aged care and the challenges of dementia. He became a fierce advocate for those left without support, using his voice to ensure that the elderly are treated with the dignity and safety they deserve. Nola gave James a sense of purpose during his darkest moments, teaching him that every life is vital.
Social Leadership: As a founder of Auckland Rainbow Pride, James was instrumental in returning the Pride Parade to Ponsonby Road. His work with the New Zealand Police on Diversity and Inclusion and the Safety within Schools program for schools.
The Strategic Builder: James is the force who turned a creative vision into an international corporate identity. On January 11, 2011, he recognised the untapped genius in Talosiaโs designs and branded the name, putting the vision on the map.