Can you please tell us about yourself? Give the details about your career and education?
I was born in Istanbul on 05/08/1948. I graduated from the Royal Academy of Art – pattern and design program, in 1971. In the the years 1972-75 I worked as a stylist on garments. All my designs carry traces of old Anatolian Civilization.
What are the most important reasons that you chose this profession and how did you discover your interest in fashion?
When I was 5 years old I discovered fabrics and colors. My words are fabric, color, line … My clothes represent my characteristics and with the way I express myself, trying to establish a reallity-based and elegant bridge from past to present.
I see that your designs are based on the Ottoman Empire. Why did you choose this style?
I am a member of an Ottoman family. That’s why I always have connections with Ottomans. I always try to use that kind of Ottoman style in my designs.
Is there any place that expresses you and your designs?
Anatolia
Do you have a source of inspiration? If yes, what?
At first my family and, more broadly, all the fertile lands of Anatolian Designs that carry the traces of old Anatolian Civilization
Are there any places which you feel confortable?
Cihangir, Cezayir sokak ( I have my workshop there.)
If you had a chance to change your life, what would you change?
I wanted something that fortunately I managed to do this in life.
How do you interpret the turkish fashion ? Where are we in the sector?
In the last 10 years we have achieved a lot. Strong young designers are starting to grow well.
Who is the most successful and promising designers?
I find Hüseyin Çağlayan and Ümit Ünal successful.
Do you have anything to say to young designers? Which experiences do you want to mention to them?
My advice to young designers is to claim their habitats and patterns of land inspired by the joint with the west.
