Hi, I’m Erika Erlenbach, a textiles and apparel professional with a strong foundation in fabric science, garment construction, and material performance, supported by hands-on production experience in high-volume entertainment and apparel environments. I’ve assisted with fabric selection, evaluated material performance, and supported quality and production readiness across the product lifecycle. I bring a fabric-first mindset, strong organizational skills, and a growing focus on sustainable materials and responsible sourcing practices. I enjoy collaborating with design, production, and technical teams to ensure garments meet performance, quality, and timeline requirements, across multiple productions and installations.

Erika Erlenbach

Hi, I’m Erika Erlenbach, a textiles and apparel professional with a strong foundation in fabric science, garment construction, and material performance, supported by hands-on production experience in high-volume entertainment and apparel environments. I’ve assisted with fabric selection, evaluated material performance, and supported quality and production readiness across the product lifecycle. I bring a fabric-first mindset, strong organizational skills, and a growing focus on sustainable materials and responsible sourcing practices. I enjoy collaborating with design, production, and technical teams to ensure garments meet performance, quality, and timeline requirements, across multiple productions and installations.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Erika Erlenbach, a textiles and apparel professional with a strong foundation in fabric science, garment construction, and material performance, supported by hands-on production experience in high-volume entertainment and apparel environments. I’ve assisted with fabric selection, evaluated material performance, and supported quality and production readiness across the product lifecycle.

I bring a fabric-first mindset, strong organizational skills, and a growing focus on sustainable materials and responsible sourcing practices. I enjoy collaborating with design, production, and technical teams to ensure garments meet performance, quality, and timeline requirements, across multiple productions and installations.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Costume Technician at Royal Caribbean International
June 1, 2019 - Present
Supported production shows and parades on Allure of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas; assisted with costume maintenance, fittings, alterations, and on-site prep for shows including Anchors Aweigh Parade, One Sky Theater, and Aqua 80s.
Seamstress at Cathryn's Bridal Boutique
May 1, 2016 - Present
Created custom fits for women's special occasion dresses; performed alterations (hand beading, take-ins, hems, and fit fixes); steamed and prepped garments; front-of-house fittings.
Volunteer at Central Michigan University – Costume Shop
February 1, 2019 - June 1, 2019
Volunteer support for the Vibrator Play; led a mass cleaning and refurbishment of costume storage and preservation.
Intern at Emily Kotarski Bridal
May 1, 2018 - July 1, 2018
Aided head designer in the design process and development of custom bridal dresses; attended client meetings; sourced fabrics and notions; created patterns, muslin mock-ups, fit sessions, and hand embellishments; learned couture techniques and small business basics.
Floor Manager at Fresh Produce
May 1, 2018 - August 1, 2018
Led a team in a high-traffic store to create the ultimate customer experience; built rapport with staff and customers; promoted alterations to support sales; prepped stock and paperwork; set up visual displays; handled cash and closing.
Wardrobe Head / Lead Stitcher at RWS Entertainment Group
September 1, 2022 - Present
Supported fabric selection and material evaluation for large-scale apparel and costume productions across multiple global brands. Evaluated fabrics for durability, stretch, comfort, colorfastness, and wear under repeated use and laundering. Identified fabric defects, dye inconsistencies, and construction risks; supported quality control reviews and repair strategies. Collaborated with design, production, and technical teams to ensure garments met performance, quality, and timeline requirements. Supported production readiness by tracking garment status, material usage, and development needs across production cycles.
Wardrobe Artist / Costume Builder at Jean Ann Ryan Productions
October 1, 2024 - Present
Built and constructed performance garments from pattern through final execution for large-scale entertainment productions. Assisted with fabric and trim selection based on movement, durability, comfort, and aesthetic requirements. Evaluated fabric behavior during fittings and rehearsals, providing feedback on stretch, wear, and construction methods. Supported quality and consistency across multiple installs and cast rotations.
Wardrobe Artist / Costume Builder at Virgin Voyages Entertainment
March 1, 2024 - Present
Supported garment construction, rebuilding, and maintenance for onboard theatrical productions. Assisted with fabric choices and material adjustments to improve garment durability and performance in high-movement environments. Evaluated fabric wear and construction integrity during repeated performances and laundering cycles. Supported production timelines and garment readiness across multiple installs.
Costume Technician / Apparel Production Support at Royal Caribbean International
June 1, 2019 - March 1, 2025
Supported development and maintenance of performance apparel and costumes for Aqua, Ice, Theater, and Parade productions. Assisted in evaluating fabric performance in demanding environments involving water, movement, heat, and frequent laundering. Contributed to quality control efforts by monitoring material wear, structural integrity, and construction durability. Supported cross-functional coordination to meet installation and launch deadlines.
Wardrobe Assistant / Assistant Wardrobe Supervisor at Troika Entertainment (First National Tour – Tootsie)
September 1, 2021 - August 31, 2022
Supported wardrobe operations for a national touring production, including garment readiness, maintenance workflows, and quick-change logistics. Assisted in training local teams and maintaining consistent quality standards across tour locations. Supported garment repair and replacement processes to ensure performance-ready apparel.
Lead Seamstress at Catherine’s Bridal Boutique
May 1, 2016 - July 1, 2020
Executed garment alterations, fittings, and reconstructions for bridal and special occasion apparel. Evaluated fabric behavior, construction methods, and fit considerations to support customization and longevity. Supported training of team members on advanced sewing and fitting techniques.
Design & Product Development Intern at Emily Kotarski Bridal
May 1, 2018 - July 1, 2018
Collaborated on the design and development of custom bridal garments. Assisted with material sourcing, pattern development, and creation of client-facing tech packs including materials, pricing, and construction notes. Supported small-batch production workflows and quality review processes.

Education

Bachelor of Applied Arts at Central Michigan University
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2019
Bachelor of Applied Arts – Fashion Design at Central Michigan University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2019

Qualifications

Avant Garde Award
January 11, 2030 - February 23, 2026
Cindy Hales Scholarship
January 11, 2030 - February 23, 2026
Design Publication - Charleston Wedding Magazine
January 11, 2030 - February 23, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Retail, Manufacturing, Consumer Goods, Professional Services