Even though Turkey has just begun to make its mark in the fashion world, it certainly has an abundance of stops for the style-conscious masses who are not afraid to put down some rather notable monetary figures. From its epic department stores to up-and-coming designers and their boutiques, we travel from shopping malls to cobble stoned side streets to present you with the best.
Beymen
When Turkey’s prime luxury department store Beymen opened a 10,000-square meter space in Zorlu Center (Istanbul’s most upscale shopping center) the fashion conscious rushed to its doors. From top international brands to its in-house designs, you’ll especially fawn over their beautiful collection of shoes. The gargantuan space has everything from menswear to womenswear, ready-to-wear to couture, accessories to books; so be prepared to enthusiastically browse for an extended period of time. Zorlu Center, Koru Sokak No.2, Zincirlikuyu, +90 212 306 33 00
Vakko
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Vakko ZORLU CENTER, İstanbul | Courtesy of Vakko
Turkey’s first luxury fashion brand, Vakko began its life as a hat shop in 1934 opening its first store in Beyoğlu in 1962. Far from its hat making days, Vakko is famous for its own line of ready-to-wear and couture fashion, 100% silk scarves with bold colors and motifs, and even its own chocolate. The Zorlu Center branch has an especially dramatic presence, with a black and white checkered floor that acts like a museum with gorgeous objects on display you can actually purchase.
Represented in both Milan and Paris, Dilek Hanif chose to stay close to her Turkish roots by keeping her atelier in Istanbul. In a beautiful apartment located in Nişantaşı, the city’s fashion neighborhood, you can browse through her latest collection, which always abides to a more classic aesthetic. With both ready-to-wear and haute couture, Hanif’s clean lines and subtle embellishments speak of a matured style with unique touches. Maçka Caddesi No.37/2 Teşvikiye, +90 212 219 37 23
With showrooms in Istanbul and Paris, Arzu Kaprol has made quite a name for herself since the beginning of her career in the 90s. You’ll find bold creations that don’t shy away from asymmetry, sharp geometric cuts, and an overall futuristic demeanor. Not to say Kaprol’s clothes are too brave to be worn on a regular basis, but they definitely add a little somethin’ somethin’ to life’s daily grind. Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak Kamondo Apartmanı No.22 Galata, +90 212 252 75 71
Fey
It comes as no surprise that the owner of this gorgeous boutique used to serve as publishing director of Marie Claire Turkey. Fatoş Yalın’s collection of clothes at Fey are entirely reminiscent of Italian films of the 1960s, with flowing skirts in bright colors, button down shirts tied at the waist, vintage jewelry, colorful capri pants, and leather bags with silk scarves wrapped around their handles. You’ll not only find creations by famous Turkish designers but also hand picked vintage pieces from all over the world. Mim Kemal Oke No.9, Nişantaşı, +90 212 219 87 24
Photo courtesy of Fey
Gönül Paksoy
We’re hesitant to call Gönül Paksoy’s design clothing because they are more along the lines of veritable art pieces with a definite nod to the past. Only using hand-dyed and hand-sown fabrics, the striking collection seems to be inspired by the garments worn by Sufi dervishes, flowing and playing with the intricate details of traditional fabrics. If your fashion sense leans toward costume like apparitions that will definitely turn heads, Paksoy is your gal. Atiye Sokak Genç Apt. No.1/3-4, Nişantaşı, +90 212 236 02 09
