Istanbul is not only a bridge between the east and west, it is also a city that harbours both modernity and tradition. With layers of tradition, it is a city that is keen on leaping forward. There is a buzzing energy in Istanbul that is struggling to reconcile its past with its aspirations for the future.
In a city that is so vastly rich, designers have a lot to play with. Fabrics, colours, sounds, aromas from so many ethnic backgrounds and historical eras still live side by side in our daily lives. Maybe on a piece of china, or on piece of fabric, or as a part of an old song, they are “there” to reveal themselves and make themselves remembered.
There are three unique brands that have successfully reconciled heritage with the modern and made the past a part of our daily lives in the most practical and aesthetic way.
Gönül Paksoy has been designing clothes, shoes, jewellery and other accessories that draw their inspiration from our heritage for decades. What is wonderful is that her designs feel so contemporary. One feels proud to have them and wear them as a badge of honour of our rich heritage with all its diversities and even paradoxes. You can visit her store in Nisantası.
Pieces from Gönül Paksoy collection
Gönül Paksoy store in Nisantasi
One other brand I appreciate deeply is Armaggan. Armaggan has revived traditional designs and reinterpreted them creating wonderful collections of ‘Kaftans’, night gowns and even wedding dresses drawing its inspiration from traditional forms but moving them forward to “here and now”. They are a delight to look at. Armaggan’s store in Sultanahmet has closed but the store in Nisantası offers a wide range of options for those who are looking for something unique under the sun in a world that has been dominated by mass production.
From the Armaggan Collection
One last brand that deserves an applause is Kutnia. It is originally a brand from Gaziantep that has revived a traditional fabric: kutnu and has created contemporary collections with this age old fabric. Kutnu was originally a precious fabric for the Ottoman royal family and high ranking families of the Empire.
Now, it is here to stay with us. Kutnia has recently opened a store in Nisantası which allows us to see its wide range of inspirational designs which are both casual and special.
From the Kutnia Collection
Kutnia’s silk collections are a delight to look at as well deriving their inspirations from local Gaziantep cuisine and roman mosaics located in current Gaziantep: a marvellous combination.
