From Ottoman Caftans to Istanbul Fashion Week

Last week the Turkish Cultural Foundation announced an online gallery of caftans from the Style & Status exhibit praised in the Washington Post and the New York Times.

So I had a look.

 

16th Century Ottoman Caftan

Later I read this Zelfist post by Zehra Elif Taş questioning the designers chosen to show their collections this week at Istanbul Fashion Week. I asked her who she would like to see in the show, and this is what she responded.

Thinking from a Behind the Bazaar perspective, I was curious what connected the first event to the second; how are today's Turkish fashion designers influenced by what the Ottoman Empire left behind?

How's this?

 

17th Century Ottoman Caftan with Cintamani Motif

 Idil Tarzi Cintamani Print Dress

Or what about the designer Arzu Kaprol whose philosophy is:

"to express her enthusiasm within a context where many details reflect the mystery of the city and the Ottoman culture."

Maybe it's a good question for Zehra - Which of today's Turkish designers are most inspired by their past? Which collections best exhibit influences from Turkey's rich cultural heritage?


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{Caftan images from Style and Status}
{Cintamani print dress image from Idil Tarzi}
{Quote from Arzu Kaprol}