Diva Exclusive: June 2014

This month Diva Magazine releases an exclusive issue celebrating its 11th anniversary. As one of the most read lifestyle magazines of society, Diva has many successful milestones. And on this exclusive issue, I am very honored to be photographing the VIP interviews.

The first interview was with Haluk Ozyavuz, the successful businessman with a very distinctive gourmet taste. We had the photo-shoot in his mansion along with magnificent sea-food specialties cooked by him. It was a great pleasure to meet him and his lovely family. Our second interview was with talented Mahru Gürel, the member of famous Gürel Family. Besides her very busy schedule, she took her time off for the photo-shoot we held in Swissotel. Her sincerity and attractiveness was one of a kind. I feel very lucky to know her. And our final interview was with Basar Karcioglu, the owner of Kar Construction Group. He was very warm and welcoming at the photo-shoot which took place in Kar Residence.

Once again, I would like to thank the Diva Magazine for providing me this unique opportunity of incredibly joyful experience in their exclusive issue. Diva Exclusive will be available in stores on June 20th.

On Fashion & Style with Stylicious

This week on Stylicious, I have an interview with Yosi Levi on style and fashion. I've never acclaimed myself as a fashion evangelist, yet prefer basic casual style for almost every occasion. On the other hand, accessories and shoes of certain brands have always been a special interest of mine. In that sense, I would like to thank Yosi for asking me the face of his spotlight column for this week.

Prada is my initial choice for tote bags and shoes, while Louis Vuitton for holdalls along with belts. Louis Vuitton taiga belts are usually what I prefer for both casual and business outfit choices. I believe I am a big fan of Hermes belts. Their double sided use and minimalistic design gives me the flexibility to match them with almost every outfit. When it comes to pants, Levis 501 and Diesel jeans are my top choices. In time, I figured out that the shape and cut of 501 exactly fits my figure along with variety of color options. Another accessory that I usually have on me is a watch. Cerrutti, Calvin Klein and Swatch Classic series are my favorite design brands in this category. Cesare Paciotti for smart casual, while New Balance for sporty occasions are my top choices for shoes.

I believe that fashion is what we make out of it. Finding out the best style for yourself is the secret to look at your best for all occasions.

Exhibition Conception & Design

Getting ready for an exhibition is like working on a world-tour. The only difference is that you meet your audience once, and all the effort you spend becomes a relief on the opening night.

Revelation is my fourth exhibition; and unlike the previous ones, this time it's in Istanbul. This journey began with my visit to Ishtar Gate, located in the holly lands of Antu. By some ancient era theorists, it is assumed to be the place where humanity began. The secrets of our being and mysterious Anunnaki connection is said to lie over these lands. So, this was the inspiration for the concept of my new exhibition. Everything starts with a concept. A story with integrity, which outlines the nature and tonality of your work. Then comes working on details, like the cast, costumes, accessories, hair and make-up styles reflecting the concept. I usually sketch the frames on my mind before grabbing my camera for the photo-shoot. I believe this works well to discuss the above contents with different members of the crew, in order to get the right reflection for the final output. 

PPMs are important milestones for the exhibition. I usually have 3 major meetings; first one with the costume designer and stylist. In this one, I share the concept on my mind, and decide on the right kind of garments and accessories. Then comes the cast selection. I usually choose among the faces and bodies, that I believe best fits the story that I want to reflect. Then I search for the right spots, indoor or outdoor, for the photo-shoot. And the final meeting is with the whole team, preparing the line-up and discussing photo-shoot details. It's an exciting journey that keeps you busy for almost a month or more, depending on the complexity of the project.

Purgatorio by Cigdem Akın

Purgatorio Collection, designed by Cigdem Akın is the second episode of her trilogy, which will be presented on MBFW Istanbul on March 13th, 2014. Her whole concept is inspired by Dante's Divine Comedy, and her journey continues with purgatory, somewhere between hell and heaven.

Love, a theme throughout the Divine Comedy, is particularly important for the framing of the sin on the Mountain of Purgatory. While the love that flows from God is pure, it can become sinful as it flows through humanity. Souls arrive escorted by an angel, Dante explains that this reference to Israel leaving Egypt refers both to the redemption of Christ and to the conversion of the soul from the sorrow and misery of sin to the state of grace. Appropriately, therefore, it is Easter Sunday when Dante and Virgil arrive. 

Purgatorio is notable for demonstrating the medieval knowledge of a spherical Earth. During the poem, Dante discusses the different stars visible in the southern hemisphere, the altered position of the sun, and the various timezones of the Earth. At this stage it is, Dante says, sunset at Jerusalem, midnight on the River Ganges, and sunrise in Purgatory. All pieces of Akın's Purgatorio collection reflects heavy fabrics supported with hand-made vignettes contrasted by contemporary accessories.

Purgatorio by Cigdem Akın will debut in MBFW Istanbul at Antrepo 3 on March 13th, 2014.