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FRANCE / Paris: Introducing the Participants of Istanbul Apparel and Design Cluster
by Modem – Posted February 08 2015
© Modem

On the occasion of the Istanbul Apparel and Design Cluster, the Istanbul Ready-Made Garment Exporter Association, IHKIB, will bring to Paris 25 Turkish companies from February 9th to 12th, 2015.

Both, Turkish manufacturers and designers will participate in promoting mutual learning exchanges, international marketing and matchmaking activities in order to train and improve local firms for international competition. Throughout a 4-day schedule, the Cluster members will meet industry representatives of theInternational Fashion Academy (IFA Paris}, visit the trade-show Première Vision, and meet potential buyers.

The Turkish designers attending the Paris event are: Tuvanam, Aslı Güler, Nej, Mehtap Elaidi, Çiğdem Akın, Gamze Saraçoğlu, Zeynep Tosun, Özlem Kaya, and Simay Bülbül.


Tuvanam
Tuvana Büyükçınar, designer behind the brands Tuvanam and Tutti, studied Industrial Design at the Mimar Sinan University in Istanbul. After opening her first concept-store in 1999, she launched her own womenswear labels in 2005. Tuvanam’s success in Middle East countries quickly attracted the attention of important Western luxury retailers, such as Harrod’sin London and Bloomingdale’s in New York. In Europe, the designer is represented by Mona Ferrat Showroom, which will showcase her new collection during Paris Fashion Week, from March 5th to 8th, 2015.

Aslı Güler
Aslı Güler graduated in Architecture from the Middle East Technical University, and took part to Central Saint Martin’s School of Design training programs in London. After completing her education in 2000, she worked as a fashion designer for Inditex. In 2008, she established her eponymous label of women’s ready-to-wear.

Nej
Nejla Guvenc launched her own label — NEJ — in 2002, a fashion brand focused on organic materials and eco-friendly production techniques. In 2012, the United Cultures Organization elected her as the ambassador of fashion, art and peace.Nejla also works as a freelance fashion designer and consultant for international luxury brands, includingHugo Boss, among others.

Mehtap Elaidi
Mehtap Elaidi launched her own fashion brand in 2000, and opened her first atelier/concept-store soon after. She then opened a second shop and started to showcase her collections on international fairs. Mehtap Elaidi is also the president of the Turkish Fashion Designers Association, and is actively participating to the growth’s of Turkey’s fashion industry.

Çiğdem Akın
Çiğdem Akın established her eponymous brand in 2004. She soon opened two flagship-stores in Istanbul, and is sold by many other retailers in Turkey and worldwide. Akın started showcasing her collections in Paris at the Who’s Next fair in 2006.

Gamze Saraçoğlu
Gamze Saraçoğlu graduated from the Parson’s School of Design New York and completed her education at the London Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Design. She worked for Donna Karan in New York and at Beymen Club in Turkey, before establishing her own label — Gamze Saraçoğlu Fashion Design Studio — in 2005.

Zeynep Tosun
Zeynep Tosun studied Fashion Design at Instituto Marangoni in Milan, Italy. She has worked for Alberta Ferretti and currently runs her own ready-to-wear label, while developing her bespoke Couture line. In May 2015, Zeynep Tosun will launch a special collaboration with Luxottica.

Özlem Kaya
Özlem Kaya trained at the Mimar Sinan University, Faculty of Fine Arts, Department of Textile. She established her own atelier in 2004 and subsequently created her own eponymous womenswear label. Özlem Kaya is currently producing two collections per year and aims to tap European and American customers.

Simay Bülbül
Simay Bülbül studied fashion design in England and in the Netherlands. After winning the 2003 edition of the (Leather Design Contest} in Turkey, she decided to launch her own brand, and consequently opened her first flagship store in 2009. Her refined leather creations meet the tastes of a global clientele, from the Middle East, over to China and Russia.

Picture courtesy of Mehtap Elaidi - Spring/Summer 2015 collection.

© Modem