Throughout his 11 years at Noa Brands’ Fusion line, Dardanes has helped many well-known retailers to personify their brands through mannequin creation. He works with brands to integrate representation into their store strategy, from sizing to skin tones to adaptability. Dardanes’ largest project so far has been Old Navy’s full-form mannequin rollout, for which Fusion produced a range of mannequins representing their strong stance on inclusive sizing. At the beginning of the pandemic, Dardanes led Project Covid Halo, pivoting Noa’s manufacturing from mannequins to medical face shields within a few weeks to help fill the need for PPE. In a short period of time, he coordinated Fusion’s departments to design and create the shield; ensure it was tested with local hospitals; developed a website for the program; and started delivering the shields to healthcare workers.
PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PAST YEAR
I decided to go back to school when the pandemic hit; it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m a year into getting my MBA with a focus on management for sustainability. Surviving a year of a pandemic, work and school is the achievement I’m most proud of!
A PIECE OF MEDIA THAT INSPIRED ME RECENTLY
I love the Yellowtrace website and social media platforms. It’s an online design publication that shares the best in art, architecture, travel and interior design. All of the people and projects they profile are simply incredible. There’s a sustainability component to many of the projects, which is also an interest of mine.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME
I’m an avid gardener. I’ve been gardening since I was in elementary school.
Play Video
