Hello
I'm thrilled to have you here. My name is Cevren (Gunger) Sarayoglu, and I'm a passionate costume designer based in the vibrant cultural hub of Turkey. With over 28 years dedicated to the enchanting world of costume design, I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to craft characters and narratives through the transformative power of clothing.
Through this blog, I aim to share the wealth of knowledge and experience I've gathered over the years. From insightful articles on costume history to behind-the-scenes glimpses into my creative process, I hope to ignite your curiosity and passion for the art of costume design.
My Story
Since the dawn of my childhood, creativity has been my guiding light and design my eternal muse. As a young girl, my sketches danced with visions of glamorous attire, setting the stage for a lifelong love affair with the art of costume design.
My journey officially began at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts in Istanbul, where I immersed myself in the realms of Stage and Costume Design. Even in those formative college years, I eagerly embraced opportunities to contribute to the world of entertainment, serving as a set dresser, wardrobe manager, and a budding costume designer for TV shows and films.
Venturing further into the realm of knowledge, I pursued a master's degree at Northern Illinois University in the USA. Here, amidst the bustling energy of the in-house costume shop, I honed my craft, assisting in the creation of intricate costumes while also lending my own unique vision to design projects.
Returning home to Turkey, my passion for costume design flourished as I took on the role of residential costume designer at The Turkish State Theater. Over the years, I've had the honor of weaving tales through clothing for over fifty theatrical productions -either as an in-house designer and a freelance costume designer for other theater companies-, each one a testament to my unwavering dedication to the craft.
Though life's journey led me to embrace the joys of motherhood, my passion for design never waned. With the same fervor that defines my creative spirit, I returned to the spotlight as a full-time designer, leaving my mark on the stage productions and television series.
Among the highlights of my career are my contributions to Netflix's captivating docu-drama series, including "The Rise of Empires: Ottoman, Season 1 and 2", "Midnight at The Pera Palace, Sason and 2" and the riveting "Testament: Moses," shot in Morocco. These projects ignited my soul, reminding me of the boundless possibilities that exist within the world of costume storytelling.
Beyond the confines of the stage and screen, I find solace in the strokes of a paintbrush, joining exhibitions and allowing my artistic spirit to roam free. For me, painting is not merely a hobby—it's a soulful expression of creativity that mirrors the passion I pour into my costume designs.
With every stitch, brushstroke, and creative endeavor, I am driven by an unyielding passion to design—to breathe life into characters, evoke emotions, and leave an indelible mark on the canvas of storytelling.