What's your favorite thing about being a fashion designer?
My favorite thing about being a fashion designer is the ability to take an idea, something that starts as a thought in my mind, and turn it into something real that people can wear. I love transforming a simple shirt into something unique—making it fit better, adding a detail no one else has thought of, and creating something that feels personal. It’s incredibly rewarding to see something I designed in a small New York apartment now being worn out in the world, by different people, even celebrities.
But the best part is seeing how people light up when they wear NUS. It’s about more than just looking good—I want people to feel confident, empowered, and proud when they put on our clothes. Watching someone strut through New York wearing something I created and knowing they feel amazing in it is truly the most fulfilling part of my job.
What's your favorite fashion city?
It has to be New York. There’s just something about the energy here that excites me. I love people-watching and seeing how New Yorkers put together pieces of clothing you’d never think would work—but they somehow pull it off with so much confidence. The uniqueness of New York is what makes it so special. No one cares what you’re wearing or what anyone else thinks—everyone’s in their own world, expressing themselves in their own way, and that freedom is contagious.
Walking through the city, I’m constantly inspired by what I see. It’s the bravery, the fearlessness of New York that sparks something in me, pushing me to be more creative and bold in my designs. The individuality of this city, the way people embrace their own style without holding back—that’s what I love most. It makes me want to keep creating clothes that empower people to feel the same way.
What's your favorite fashion magazine?
I have to say Vogue. Vogue has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. The idea of being featured in such an iconic magazine still gives me chills. Fun fact—my name actually appeared in Vogue Turkey when I was interning there. I wrote a feature, and it wasn’t common practice to put an intern’s name in the print magazine, but they made an exception, and it was one of the best moments of my life.
Being featured in Vogue on a larger scale is still a huge dream of mine—it would probably make me go crazy! Vogue represents the pinnacle of fashion, and having a place within its pages would be a full-circle moment for me.
How do you handle creative blocks?
This is always a tough one because, naturally, when you hit a creative block, the instinct is to push harder and work through it. But I’ve learned that sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a break. When I feel stuck, I like to step outside, go for a walk, or treat myself to something small like an iced latte. It helps me get out of my own head and stop overthinking whatever problem I’m trying to solve.
Once I stop forcing it, the ideas often come naturally. So, for me, it’s about keeping my body busy while giving my mind the space to reset. That’s when creativity tends to flow again.
What's next for you in your fashion design career?
Right now, I’m really excited about the elevation of NUS. As I evolve, the brand is evolving with me, and we’re in the process of expanding our offerings in ways we haven’t explored before. It’s been such a fun—and sometimes nerve-wracking—experience to create new products that push the boundaries of what we’ve done so far.
I’m excited to see where this journey takes us, and one of my dreams is to open a showroom where we can really showcase our designs. For now, it’s all about growth, experimentation, and continuing to offer pieces that reflect the brand’s elevated, yet playful, aesthetic.
