My design process begins with defining a concept. First, I enter a phase where I reflect on the theme of the collection I want to create. At this stage, my sources of inspiration can vary sometimes it’s the Ottoman Era, sometimes a blooming garden, or even a painter’s collection or a specific artwork…
How does your design process begin? Can you tell us about your sources of inspiration and your creative journey?
My design process begins with defining a concept. First, I enter a phase where I reflect on the theme of the collection I want to create. At this stage, my sources of inspiration can vary sometimes it’s the Ottoman Era, sometimes a blooming garden, or even a painter’s collection or a specific artwork.
Once I’ve identified my source of inspiration, I begin building the collection in alignment with that vision.
As a designer, how has your style changed over time? How has your perspective on fashion and design evolved?
As a designer, my style has naturally evolved over time. These changes are closely tied to my journey of self-discovery. It’s a shared experience a path we all walk while searching and growing. Over time, our tastes and perspectives shift, and with that, our understanding of fashion begins to transform as well.
In my own journey, I’ve come to realize that I’ve gradually embraced a more minimalistic and refined style.
As a globally recognized brand, how do you promote Turkish fashion? What are your thoughts on Türkiye’s place in the global fashion industry?
I present my collections in many parts of the world, especially in major fashion capitals such as New York and Paris. As a Turkish designer, having the opportunity to participate in these arenas showcasing collections during both couture and ready-to-wear fashion weeks, and having our products sold in stores and department stores across various countries is incredibly valuable to me. I believe this success carries not only personal significance but also great meaning for Türkiye as a whole.
I believe we have brought fashion design in Türkiye to a highly advanced level. There is a significant difference between the perspective on design in 1991, when I first started my career, and today’s approach. Back then, Türkiye lacked a well-established design identity; it was a time when imported European products were often imitated. But today, we have our own designers, original creations, and brands that are recognized internationally. In this sense, I believe we’ve made remarkable progress.
In your past collections where you’ve blended traditional fabrics with modern touches, how do you achieve this balance?
Transforming traditional fabrics with modern touches has always been a great pleasure for me. In fact, this is a step we should have taken much earlier. If we don’t bring our original weaves and artisanal crafts into the present day, unfortunately, they risk fading away over time.
That’s why reinterpreting them through my own design perspective and approaching them with a fresh eye is a vital responsibility we, as designers, must take on. I truly believe that all of my fellow designers will, in time, give these natural materials the appreciation they deserve and help pass them on to future generations.
What can be done to further increase the global recognition of Turkish fashion? What role does the Dilek Hanif brand play in this effort?
There are many things that can be done to enhance the global visibility of Turkish fashion in a more distinct and powerful way. For this to happen, we need to be present internationally with the right teams and the right partners, and designers must be provided with the necessary resources throughout this process.
I have been pursuing these efforts within my own means for some time now; however, with broader support and greater opportunities, we could accomplish work that makes an even stronger impact.
At this point, it is essential to approach the matter with full professionalism and to support designers through the process of becoming structured businesses. It’s a fact that the journey doesn’t end with design alone the financial structure must also be integrated into this process. Today, every globally recognized brand has powerful investors and professional teams behind it.
What are the main obstacles preventing Turkish fashion designers from standing out in the global market, and how can they be overcome?
One of the biggest obstacles preventing Turkish fashion designers from standing out is financial limitations. It is truly not easy to take part in international platforms serious and sustainable budgets are required for that.
With the right steps and strategic investments made in the right people, this kind of success is certainly possible. However, it cannot be achieved alone it must be a team effort.
At the same time, how these efforts are marketed plays a critical role. Having a strong and effective marketing force behind the work is just as important as the work itself.
What advantages does Türkiye’s fashion industry particularly the ready-to-wear sector hold on a global scale?
Türkiye holds a remarkably strong position in the ready-to-wear sector. Today, we have a broad and highly capable local production infrastructure that manufactures for many major international brands. If we combine this production power with our own brands and designers, we can create a much stronger branding process in the global market.
Therefore, collaborations between large manufacturing companies and designers could serve as a highly impactful model, bringing significant momentum to the industry.
On the other hand, the government does provide support for exporters and the textile sector. However, these supports need to be directed more strategically especially by integrating designers into the process.
Actively involving designers in these initiatives is crucial to enhancing Türkiye’s global presence in the fashion industry.
Sustainable fashion has gained increasing importance in recent years. As Dilek Hanif, how do you integrate sustainability into your designs?
I have been interested in sustainable fashion for quite some time and strive to do my part in this field. Today, textile waste is one of the leading contributors to environmental issues, which places significant responsibility on both designers and manufacturers.
Personally, I pay special attention to fabric selection in my designs. I’ve also reduced the number of collections I produce each year cutting back from four collections annually to nearly half. Similarly, I focus on creating fewer but more refined and high-quality pieces.
My collections mostly consist of timeless garments, which allows me to offer designs made from quality fabrics that can be enjoyed for years, rather than encouraging overconsumption.
In addition to my personal work, I also design outerwear for corporate clients. Sustainability is a priority in these projects as well I make a conscious effort to use recyclable and eco-friendly materials.
In this way, I aim to promote the principles of sustainable fashion through both my individual and corporate projects.
Digitalization and sustainability trends are transforming the fashion world. How are you adapting to these changes?
Digitalization and sustainability are now at the forefront of everyone’s agenda. I make a conscious effort to actively incorporate both of these areas into my work whenever and wherever necessary.
Do you think Turkish fashion brands need to take greater responsibility in adopting eco-friendly production processes and using sustainable materials?
Turkish fashion brands absolutely need to place greater emphasis on eco-friendly products and the use of sustainable materials, and take ownership of this process. I’m pleased to observe that awareness in this area has begun to grow. In all the organizations I work with, I come across wonderful examples of this shift.
That’s why I remain hopeful for the future I truly believe that in the coming years, we’ll see a more sustainable textile industry that causes less harm to the environment.
As a female designer, what have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the fashion industry?
As a female designer, I’ve never faced difficulties on the creative side while trying to manage both the design and production processes. On the contrary, I believe that truly understanding women and their needs has given me a significant advantage. I trust my instincts when it comes to designing what is most functional, aesthetic, and appropriate for them.
However, the production and management side especially when I was running the brand on my own became an entirely separate area of responsibility. At that point, I had to wear not only the designer hat but also that of a businesswoman.
While I’ve always approached the design process with passion and joy, I would have certainly preferred to have someone else handle the financial and operational aspects. But since that wasn’t an option, I had to manage everything myself.
In the end, I do what needs to be done and I keep moving forward.
We are in a time where women are becoming increasingly visible in the Turkish fashion industry. What further steps do you think should be taken in this regard?
Women have already become much more visible across many sectors. The necessary steps are being taken, and progress is being made. I truly believe that from this point forward, women in Türkiye will achieve even greater things and have an even stronger presence in every field.