Who are your design influences?
As a designer from Turkey, I draw deep inspiration from the Mesopotamian heritage reflected in our grandmothers' wardrobes, the delicate lace that adorns our homes, and the ancient glass enamel accessories that still retain their brilliance. Every woman living in the beautiful land of Anatolia inherits these traditions. The continuation of symbols and production methods from ancient times without creating waste is not new to this region. Adapting these traditions to everyday life is incredibly fulfilling. Each day, women here are rebirthing and redefining ourselves through these enduring crafts and cultural practices.
How important is sustainability in your designs?
Sustainability is central to our designs, driven by three main goals: uplifting disadvantaged women, reducing waste, and protecting local heritage. We prioritize transforming recycled or salvaged materials rather than using new products. We aim for the lowest possible carbon emissions, from packaging to shipping, and create designs that avoid the use of dyes. These goals are interconnected; addressing women's rights is also an environmental issue, and both must be tackled together. Therefore, as we create, we must respect and embrace what already exists.
What's the most sustainable material you've ever used in a design?
The most sustainable material I've ever used came from a pivotal experience with waste fabrics. While sourcing materials for our first bags, I visited the Trakya region of Türkiye, known for its textile production for major fashion companies. There, I met a key textile producer and asked to purchase their leftover fabrics—typically 3-5 cm wide strips discarded as waste. Despite his skepticism, believing no one would want bags made from such 'garbage,' I persisted. I loaded 800 kg of these scraps into my relatively small car and drove home, confident that there was a large community who adored preloved materials as much as I did. From the beginning, we have been committed to using what others discard and giving it new life.
What's the biggest trend you see in fashion right now?
The biggest trend I see in fashion right now is a shift away from trends themselves. Embracing a sustainable approach, resisting fast fashion, and utilizing pre-loved materials are becoming central to fashion design. I hope this movement towards conscious and enduring fashion will shape the future of the industry.
How do you stay inspired?
I stay inspired through our work with (as of now) 36 women who face barriers to accessing the workforce. Some have childcare responsibilities, others are restricted by patriarchal norms or logistical challenges. Empowering them financially and psychologically, and witnessing their transformation, is my main inspiration. Their unique perspectives and creative ideas also greatly influence our designs.
