Available to hire
I’m Sonay Yilmaz, a motivated fashion designer and visual researcher based in Paris. I love turning ideas into wearable concepts and collaborative projects that resonate with audiences around the world.
With experience across design studios, backstage fashion weeks, and high-profile client work, I combine technical craft with trend-forward storytelling—from couture tailoring to set design and brand visuals. I’m always eager to explore new challenges and contribute positively to a team’s success.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Language
French
Fluent
English
Fluent
German
Advanced
Turkish
Advanced
Work Experience
Image and Projects Internship at Karl Lagerfeld
September 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026Worked with Caroline Lebar to develop the brand image, contributed to the Paris Hilton collaboration for Paris Fashion Week, and supported creative visualization on Karl Lagerfeld’s first architecture project in Europe.
Designer and Couturier at Youth of Paris / SONAY
October 1, 2023 - PresentDelivered design, conceptual development, and visual research for artists, agencies, and international brands (China, London, global). Created custom-made garments and executed design concepts from ideation to final pieces. Designed under own label Sonay for high-profile clients including Winnie Harlow, Ufo361, Eva Gutowski, Bloody Osiris, Youth of Paris, and Bktherula.
Assistant Designer at MM6 Maison Margiela | Mugler | Alexander Wang
March 1, 2023 - September 1, 2023Assisted in design and collection development, including conceptual work, colour/material research, and design execution. Created technical drawings, including for the shoes of the costumes for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour 2023 (Mugler). Contributed to seasonal concepts, mood boards, and collection proposals, supporting the translation of creative ideas into finished garments. Conducted research to inform design decisions and ensure alignment with brand aesthetics.
Tailoring Assistant at Atelier Tailor’d
September 1, 2023 - June 1, 2025Developed strong expertise in leatherwork, applying specialised adhesives, precise cutting, and advanced shaping techniques. Skilled in the use of artisanal tools (e.g., hammers, presses, edge tools) tailored to the requirements of each material. Maintained a high standard of precision and perfection, ensuring durability, finish, and alignment with luxury craftsmanship excellence.
Sales Assistant at Kenzo
August 1, 2022 - October 1, 2022Overview of sales strategies and merchandise presentation. Experience working at the cash register and in the stockroom, with improved communication skills through customer interaction.
Designer at Pierre Paris Design
May 1, 2022 - June 1, 2022Designed covers and flyers using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
Intern at Alexandro Fratelli
March 1, 2022 - March 1, 2022Provided assistance backstage during Fashion Week runway show.
Intern at Christophe Guillarmé
March 1, 2022 - March 1, 2022Provided assistance backstage during Fashion Week runway show.
Intern at Y/Project
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022Provided assistance backstage during Fashion Week runway show.
Senior Customer Account Manager at Vente-Unique
June 1, 2021 - October 1, 2021Developed strong teamwork skills and the ability to manage sensitive client situations professionally.
Gastronomy - Staff at Zum Wilder Mann
September 1, 2017 - September 1, 2018Gained customer service experience in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
Image and Projekts Internship at Karl Lagerfeld
September 1, 2025 - March 1, 2026Internship focusing on image building and visualisation for the Paris Hilton collaboration for Paris Fashion Week; involved in creative direction and visualization for Karl Lagerfeld’s first architecture project in Europe.
Designer and Couturier at Youthofparis / SONAY
October 1, 2023 - PresentDelivered design, conceptual development, and visual research for artists, agencies, and international brands; created custom garments and worked under own label Sonay for high-profile clients including Winnie Harlow, Ufo361, Eva Gutowski, Bloody Osiris, Youth of Paris, and Bktherula.
Internship at Christophe Guillarmé
March 1, 2022 - March 1, 2022Provided backstage assistance during Fashion Week runway show.
Internship at Y/Project
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022Provided backstage assistance during Fashion Week runway show.
Part-Time Job in Gastronomy at Zum Wilder Mann
September 1, 2017 - September 1, 2018Gastronomy role; contributed to customer service and food preparation.
Education
Bachelor’s in Fashion Design at ESMOD Paris
September 1, 2021 - July 1, 2025Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing & Innovation Management at CNAM
September 1, 2024 - April 15, 2026French Language Course Niveau B2 at ILS Basel
September 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021High School Diploma - Specialisation in Financial Management at Kaufmännische Schule Lörrach
September 1, 2017 - July 1, 2020Bachelor's in Fashion Design at ESMOD Paris
September 1, 2021 - July 1, 2025Bachelor's Degree in Marketing & Innovation Management at Le CNAM
September 1, 2024 - April 15, 2026French Language - Niveau B2 at ILS Basel
September 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021High School Diploma - Specialisation in Financial Management at Kaufmännische Schule Lörrach
September 1, 2017 - July 1, 2020Qualifications
Adidas Contest Winner - APPEL DE TALENTS 2023
January 11, 2030 - April 15, 2026ESMOD Contest Winner - Design and Metawear
January 11, 2030 - April 15, 2026Industry Experience
Retail, Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Other, Education
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
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