GLOBE-TROTTER: Demet Muftuoglu

For Demet Muftuoglu, her fashion credentials have come full circle. After growing up in Istanbul, she forged her stylish path in New York City ? first studying at FIT, and then working as a buyer. Then ten years later, Demet was presented with the position of Art Director at Vakko, the oldest fashion label in Turkey. During her tenure at Vakko, she?s infused major designer relationships into the brand in a new way, working with Zac Posen to create the private label of Zac Posen @ Vakko, as well as styling all of the campaigns for the brand.

For Demet Muftuoglu, her fashion credentials have come full circle. After growing up in Istanbul, she forged her stylish path in New York City ? first studying at FIT, and then working as a buyer. Then ten years later, Demet was presented with the position of Art Director at Vakko, the oldest fashion label in Turkey. During her tenure at Vakko, she?s infused major designer relationships into the brand in a new way, working with Zac Posen to create the private label of Zac Posen @ Vakko, as well as styling all of the campaigns for the brand.

 

L-Atitude: After studying and living in New York, you returned to home to Turkey. What style inspiration or sentiments did you bring from New York?

 

Demet Muftuoglu: New York plays a big part in my life. As I travel a lot, every city I visit impresses me somehow; but NY?s glittering mystery along with simplicity manifests itself in all aspects of my life. I pursue timeless but impressive styles, this is my NY state of mind.

 

 

L: How do you define your style? How has it changed over the years and different cities you?ve called home?

 

DM: A feminine style that is slightly edgy at the same time. Can say I like timeless pieces the most. New York is where I call home.

 

 

 

 

L: While serving as the art director to Vakko, you brought younger designers to the company through V2K Designers ? why do you feel their creations were important to share with your customers? What is it about younger designers that you admire?

 

DM: Younger designers, their drive and determination amaze me. Their passion for life and creative pursuits is inspiring.  It?s part of my job to discover designers creative enough to lead fashion and introducing them to our customers makes me very happy.

 

 

L: What are five places that everyone must visit when traveling to Istanbul?

 

DM: Galata - Tunel, Kapali Carsi, Karakoy, Kandilli (where I live)

 

 

L: How does your passion for fashion translate into other areas of your life?

 

DM: Art and design always excite me. Fashion is in everything I do. It's the way of life.

 

L: What are five things you never leave home without?

 

DM: My blackberry, wallet, sunglasses, perfume and camera.

 

 

L: Who are three stylish individuals (living or deceased) that you?d love to spend time with?

 

DM: Keith Richards, Jane Birkin, and Brigitte Bardot

 

L: During July of 2010, you were the creative head of Istancool ? what did it mean for you to be a part of shaping the event? What do you hope for the future of Istancool?

 

DM: When Liberatum first approached me with the Istancool plans, it immediately made sense. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I fell in love straightaway with the artistic plans. Istancool would give the residents of Istanbul an excellent opportunity to engage with some of the most talented individuals working today in the arts and fashion worlds. A truly significant addition to the European Capital of Culture calendar? Whenever I travel abroad and see exhibitions and other mind-blowing creative shows, the yearning to bring similar ventures to Istanbul fills my mind strongly. And Istancool showed me that I did not have to look beyond.