Lauren Carmen is a costume designer, maker, craftsperson and artist living in New York City. She comes to design through a life of dancing, having worked as a professional ballet dancer and Pilates instructor before diving more fully into the world of costume. Aiming to infuse her work with a general sense of “joie de vivre,” Carmen finds delight in the whimsy and humor of unexpected moments both in life and onstage, and is inspired by the beauty of the natural world, fantastic music and collaborating with other passionate, artistic minds. Drawing from her background, she uses her knowledge of the performers’ experience, bodies and onstage movement to impact audiences in a beautiful and meaningful way.