In the early years of my fashion journey, I focused on bespoke pieces and limited collections. Back then, my designs were more niche and deeply personal. Over time, especially with the expansion into exports, the collections grew and their stories deepened…
How have your designs evolved from the beginning of your career to today?
In the early years of my fashion journey, I focused on bespoke pieces and limited collections. Back then, my designs were more niche and deeply personal. Over time, especially with the expansion into exports, the collections grew and their stories deepened. Today, I create timeless and original pieces that can accompany a woman throughout her day from the first light of morning into the night. Balancing functionality and aesthetics, creating designs that resonate with a broader audience has become my priority.
How do you observe the transformation within the fashion industry? What trends do you think have been on the rise in recent years?
Fashion today is shaped not only by aesthetics, but also by speed, technology, and social change. With the influence of social media, trends spread instantly, and consumer habits have shifted radically. The culture of fast consumption has accelerated fashion cycles, but it has also led to a devaluation of garments. While fast fashion continues to rise, there is also a growing awareness and selectivity among consumers.
Technology plays a major role in the future of fashion. 3D-printed garments, sustainable materials, and digital fashion are pushing the industry into a new era.
In line with the theme “Path to Change,” how do you, as a fashion designer, adapt to these industry transformations?
To avoid getting lost in change and to truly make a difference, I focus on creating timeless designs with character rather than chasing fleeting trends. Fashion is no longer just about style; it’s a form of storytelling. And to tell that story well, one must be open to transformation but remain true to one’s originality.
For you, is fashion merely an aesthetic field, or does it also offer a platform for social change?
For me, fashion is far beyond aesthetics it’s a powerful form of expression, and at times, even a tool for resistance. A garment isn’t just something that covers the body; it reflects identity, stance, and the values we believe in.
That’s where social change begins. Through fashion, we can question norms, celebrate diversity, and break molds. With every collection, I try to tell a story sometimes aiming to give voice to the unseen.
What role do sustainability and ethical values play in your designs? How do you internalize this shift?
Sustainability isn’t just a trend for me it’s at the core of my design philosophy. Respect for nature and labor is a priority in every piece I create.
For instance, the “Çulha” collection is a tangible reflection of this approach. It featured handwoven natural fabrics brought to life by women’s labor. It was both environmentally conscious and supportive of women’s employment during the production process. I believe fashion isn’t just about what we wear, but also how and by whom it’s made.
How do you think fashion will evolve in the coming years, and how do you plan to contribute to that transformation?
Fashion is shifting away from speed toward functionality and sustainability. Thanks to technology, fabrics that don’t stain, don’t cause sweating, and are long lasting will stand out. Consumers will make more conscious choices with fewer but higher quality pieces. I aim to contribute to this shift by creating timeless and durable designs. Fashion should no longer be momentary it should carry long-term value.
Can you share a personal memory that deeply inspired or influenced your journey of transformation?
Creating a collection in collaboration with Barbie, my childhood dream, was an unforgettable experience. I played with Barbie passionately as a child, and even raised my own children with her. Working with such an iconic brand, especially for their 60th anniversary, and presenting a collection that resonated around the world, was truly special. Collaborating with a brand that holds such meaning in my life was one of the most inspiring moments of my design journey.
Do you believe there should be more women designers and entrepreneurs in the fashion industry?
Absolutely! Even though fashion is largely inspired and led by women, decision making in the industry is still dominated by men. The rise of more women designers and entrepreneurs would not only make fashion more inclusive but also more visionary. Women sharing their stories from their own perspectives adds a deeper and more original layer to the industry.
If so, what are the barriers to this change?
The business world still largely operates within a maledominated leadership model, and women often face limited opportunities for advancement. Additionally, women’s roles in the workforce are often undervalued or insufficiently recognized. For real change, we need more equal opportunities, support systems, and strong networks that empower women.
What are your thoughts on the impact of technology in fashion? How has digitalization changed your design process?
Technology has drastically accelerated the design process. In the past, every design had to be hand drawn, sampled, sent to the client, and then reworked based on feedback. It was a time consuming loop.
With digitalization, we can now present a design in a virtual format without producing a sample, and get instant approvals. This has been a game changer, especially for export operations. It’s much more efficient in terms of both time and cost. We can present finished products faster and manage production and marketing simultaneously. I can confidently say that technology has given us speed without limiting creativity.
Do you think fashion should reflect not just appearance, but also the inner world of a person?
Absolutely. Fashion is not just about outer appearance it’s a form of self-expression. The colors we wear, the fabrics we choose, even how we style ourselves that day is deeply connected to our mood and energy. For instance, materials like natural linen carry strong energy; their texture and feel on the skin can genuinely affect how we feel.
I believe people, consciously or unconsciously, reflect their inner world through their clothing. Out of thousands of garments, the one you choose says something about you. It reveals how you see yourself and the image you want to project. Sometimes it changes depending on your work or your environment but at its core, fashion is the reflection of the soul.
How do you connect inner transformation with outer appearance in your designs?
I believe everything we create has a soul. When we design, we’re not just making a product we’re conveying a feeling, an energy. When a woman wears a piece, it affects not only how she looks, but also how she feels. A design that touches someone’s inner world expresses much more than appearance. That’s why I always try to embed a story, a feeling into each piece because fashion is as much about how we feel as it is about how we look.
Has there been a turning point in your journey as a designer that challenged or transformed you?
The biggest turning point was when I left the corporate world and decided to carve my own path. Starting my own brand was not just a career move it was a full identity journey.
Now, I’m at a new phase of that journey. We’ve been exporting for years, but now we’re opening our own boutique in France, positioning our brand on an international level in a more permanent way. This step isn’t just about business it’s about deepening the identity of the brand and expanding its vision. Meeting a new culture while staying true to our roots is something I find incredibly exciting.
What’s the most important advice you’d give to young designers or anyone looking to build a career in fashion?
The most important thing is to work hard, be resilient, and never give up. Design takes patience, time, and a lot of trial and error. It’s not about staying on the path it’s about being on the journey. Because design is a constantly evolving process.
It’s also essential to stay engaged with the world observe people, life, culture. Inspiration is everywhere, but to see it, you need to keep your eyes, mind, and heart open. If you truly want to say something through your designs, you need to understand yourself deeply and then continue creating without ever letting go of that truth.