Elif Nihan Darcan
New York,T?RK?YE
Summary
Fashion Design graduate of the dual degree program between the Fashion Institute of Technology and Istanbul Technical University, with hands-on experience across creative design, technical development, garment construction, and apparel production. Experienced in developing garments from concept to final construction, including research, technical flats, tech pack development, fabric sourcing, draping, patternmaking, fittings, and sample development. Experience across both atelier and production environments has built a practical understanding of fit, construction, quality, and the processes involved in translating a design into a finished product.
Overview
1
1
Certification
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-Founder & Designer (Remote)
The Jiggy Brand
Istanbul, Turkiye
07.2023 - Current
- Co-develop jewelry and accessory collections from initial concept and research through design development, prototyping, and refinement.
- Design functional jewelry with a focus on form, proportion, wearability, and the relationship between accessories, garments, and the body.
- Develop and refine prototypes through material exploration, jewelry fabrication, and wax-carving techniques, while researching finishes and production methods for final execution.
- Coordinate production planning, including material sourcing, supplier research, sampling, costing considerations, and production timelines.
- Contribute to marketing planning and brand positioning, including target customer research, competitive analysis, product launches, and content direction.
- Collaborate on the brand’s visual identity, styling, product presentation, and overall creative direction to maintain a consistent brand language.
Assistant Fashion Designer
Take a Bee Studio
Istanbul, Turkiye
08.2024 - 08.2025
- Developed tech packs and technical flats in Adobe Illustrator, including measurements, construction details, stitching, trims, and specifications for sampling and production.
- Applied draping or flat patternmaking techniques depending on the construction and silhouette of each style, developing and refining garment shapes, proportions, and fit throughout the sampling process.
- Translated designs, patterns, and draped forms into physical samples through cutting, sewing, and garment construction.
- Participated in sample reviews and fittings, evaluating fit, proportion, fabric behavior, and construction to make adjustments that ensured optimal appearance before production.
- Followed garments throughout the production process, from fabric preparation and cutting to sewing, finishing, pressing, quality control, and final packaging.
- Contributed to garment development, sampling, and production for multiple client fashion brands, and enhanced expertise across various stages of apparel manufacturing.
- Worked across both the creative and technical sides of garment development, and developed a strong understanding of how a design moves from initial development to a production-ready garment.
- Developed fashion illustrations in Procreate to effectively communicate design ideas, silhouettes, proportions, colors, and garment details.
- Researched fabrics, trims, and materials for different styles, considering weight, drape, texture, construction requirements, and suitability for each design.
Assistant Ballet Teacher
Meltem Darcan Cizgi Ballet School
Istanbul, Turkiye
09.2017 - 08.2025
- Trained students in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus and Vaganova-based classical ballet technique across various age groups and proficiency levels.
- Prepared students for Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations, ensuring proficiency in syllabus requirements, technical accuracy, musicality, and performance quality.
- Taught and demonstrated classical ballet technique, terminology, posture, alignment, coordination, musicality, and movement quality, including barre, center work, and allegro.
- Provided individualized corrections and technical guidance to strengthen students’ execution, body awareness, and overall progression.
- Assisted with choreography, rehearsals, and stage performance preparation, helping students develop confidence and performance skills.
- Monitored student development and collaborated with the head instructor to plan lessons and address individual areas for improvement.
- Trained students in the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) syllabus and Vaganova-based classical ballet technique across various age groups and proficiency levels.
Intern
Begum Bridal Design House
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Facilitated client fittings by taking measurements, evaluating fit, and preparing garments for alterations and final adjustments, ensuring client satisfaction.
- Assisted with bridal gown fittings, alterations, garment preparation, and finishing throughout the atelier process.
- Worked with a range of bridal fabrics and construction techniques, strengthening skills in sewing, draping, tailoring, garment fitting, and finishing.
- Learned and applied hand-finishing and embellishment techniques used in bridalwear, including hand-stitching, embroidery application, appliqué work, and veil finishing.
- Worked with embroidered fabrics and decorative motifs, assisting with the placement, cutting, pressing, and application of detailed elements.
- Styled bridal gowns, veils, and eveningwear for client appointments, showroom displays, photoshoots, and collection presentations, enhancing visual appeal.
- Managed product information for online listings and inventory, including garment measurements, sizing, fabric details, and product descriptions.
- Enhanced visual merchandising and brand presentation through showroom displays, press materials, collection preparation, and social media content, supporting marketing initiatives.
Ballet Teacher
FMV Isik Schools Nisantasi Campus
Istanbul, Turkiye
09.2019 - 06.2020
- Introduced kindergarten students to the fundamentals of classical ballet through age-appropriate, play-based instruction.
- Designed engaging movement games tailored to young children’s attention spans and developmental needs, gradually introducing ballet technique through creative play.
- Taught basic ballet positions and movements, including proper placement of the arms, hands, legs, and feet, while developing coordination, balance, and body awareness.
- Incorporated age-appropriate stretching and flexibility exercises into lessons, emphasizing safe technique and supporting flexibility and mobility development from an early age.
- Developed musicality and rhythm by teaching students to listen and respond to music, recognize beats, count musical phrases, and connect movement to different rhythms.
- Introduced ballet as a form of artistic expression and storytelling, teaching students to use facial expressions, gestures, and movement to communicate emotions, characters, and narratives.
- Combined music, storytelling, imaginative exercises, and movement to encourage creativity and build confidence in artistic expression.
- Applied the skills developed in class to both ballet and modern dance choreographies, allowing students to explore different movement qualities and performance styles.
- Prepared and guided students through choreographed performances, combining technique, musicality, expression, and storytelling.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Istanbul Technical University
Istanbul, Turkiye05-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, NY05-2026
Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate Level - Royal Academy of Dance And Vaganova Ballet Technique Education
Meltem Darcan Cizgi Ballet School
Istanbul, Turkiye06-2018
Skills
Design & Product Development
Fashion Design & Concept Development Fashion Research & Trend Forecasting Fashion Illustration & Sketching Technical Flats Tech Pack Development Fabric Sourcing & Textile Selection Color & Material Development Sample Development Prototyping
Patternmaking & Construction
Patternmaking Draping Garment Construction Garment Fitting Sewing & Tailoring Structured Garment Construction Fabric Manipulation Garment Finishing
Production & Technical
Fit & Sample Evaluation Measurement & Specification Apparel Production Process Quality Control Production Follow-Up PLM
Jewelry & Accessory Fabrication
Jewelry Fabrication Wax Carving Metalworking Soldering Sawing & Piercing Filing & Finishing Polishing
Software
Adobe Illustrator Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign Procreate CLO 3D Gerber AccuMark Lectra Kaledo (Style, Print, Weave & Knit) Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Certification
Royal Academy of Dance, (Primary, Grade 2, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Intermediate)
LANGUAGES
Turkish — Native
English — Professional Working Proficiency
Timeline
Assistant Fashion Designer
Take a Bee Studio
08.2024 - 08.2025
Intern
Begum Bridal Design House
09.2023 - 12.2023
Co-Founder & Designer (Remote)
The Jiggy Brand
07.2023 - Current
Ballet Teacher
FMV Isik Schools Nisantasi Campus
09.2019 - 06.2020
Assistant Ballet Teacher
Meltem Darcan Cizgi Ballet School
09.2017 - 08.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Istanbul Technical University
Bachelor of Arts - Fashion Design
Fashion Institute of Technology
Royal Academy of Dance Intermediate Level - Royal Academy of Dance And Vaganova Ballet Technique Education
Meltem Darcan Cizgi Ballet School