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A Journal of Curated Culture and Storytelling - Art, Travel, People, Wellness and Culture
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House of Silk
What is the first thing a House of Silk woman/man feels when they wake up in the morning? A feeling of having a day of their own. For me, the best part of the morning is that when you open your eyes, the first thing that comes to mind isn't a 'to-do list,' but your own comfort. That little privilege actually sets the tone for the rest of the day. What detail seals the sense of 'effortless elegance' in your designs? That elegance doesn't come from a single detail or fabric; it
Jul 223 min read


Chez
You proudly carry the phrase "a Fethiye brand." How did the story of Chez La Vie Eatery begin in Fethiye? What drove you to this city and to bring this concept to life? We came to Fethiye in 2017 with a classic Istanbul escape to a small town story. Shortly after settling here, the pandemic began. Our children were newly born, and we really needed to establish a business that would meet basic consumer needs. That's how we found our first shop in Karagözler; one day, while pas
Jul 165 min read


Dandy
The City's New Summer Destination Istanbul redefines summer every season. This time, one of the addresses that sets the rhythm of the city is Dandy. Bringing together gastronomy, music, and social life in the same atmosphere, the venue goes beyond a classic restaurant experience, transforming into a modern city gathering that extends from sunset to late into the night. Embracing an understanding of effortless luxury, Dandy, with its unpretentious yet characterful style, takes
Jul 122 min read


Pant Along
How did the name "Pant Along" come about? How does this name reflect the spirit of the brand? The idea for Pant Along emerged in 2019 while filming the TV series "Sefirin Kızı" (The Ambassador's Daughter) in Bodrum. I always wanted to combine it with my own industry; I had a desire to find a business idea that would allow me to effectively use creativity and visual arts, and do it with passion. I was considering leaving this field, but I evaluated my possibilities and started
Jul 115 min read


Mini Taverna
Mini Taverna, located right behind Cozy, seems at first glance like a continuation of the same story. From the very beginning, how did you envision differentiating these two brands? Before starting the Cozy project, my dream was to create two separate concepts offering distinct and unique experiences within a single villa. Actually, I didn't want a sharp separation; I wanted to showcase a different character and style of the same identity. The word "Mini" at first glance seem
Jul 83 min read


Lu Gelato
How do you adapt to today's modern gastronomic world and changing consumer habits while preserving a 35-year-old history? What is the biggest common link between the Italian gelato concept of the past and today's Lu Gelato? For us, Lu Gelato's connection to the past is not just a production method, but a perspective. In traditional Italian gelato culture, patience, good raw materials, and craftsmanship are very important. We preserve this understanding while adapting it to th
Jul 85 min read


Mehmet Korkmaz
Today celebrates the birthday of Mehmet Korkmaz, a powerful name in the Haute Couture scene. He is the only Turkish designer to have received the Entrepreneur of the Year award from the European Business Council in London and the European Achievement Quality Award from ESQR (European Society for Quality Research) in Switzerland. “It’s impossible to draw sharp lines between fashion and art. Haute couture is a field where craftsmanship and creativity meet at their highest point
Jun 281 min read


Basakla
Designed in London | Does the duality of "Crafted in Istanbul" create a conflict of identities or an enrichment in the creative process? How do London's rule-breaking avant-garde vision and Istanbul's impeccable textile discipline reconcile at the design table? London is a very important stepping stone for us to expand globally. However, we don't define our design philosophy solely through London. When I first came to London, I experienced a serious cultural shock because the
Jun 274 min read


Sanat Galerilerine Gitmek Neden Terapi Gibi Hissettiriyor?
Have you ever imagined yourself wandering through an art gallery after a busy day? An environment where phone notifications are silenced, time slows down a bit, and your attention is focused solely on the artwork in front of you. Perhaps this is precisely why art galleries feel like therapy to so many people. Modern life is surrounded by a constant flow of information. Social media, news, and daily responsibilities occupy our minds almost incessantly. Art galleries, however,
Jun 171 min read


Istanbul is best enjoyed at night
Istanbul is one of the rare cities where life goes on 24/7. We live in this city, but how many of us take advantage of this feature? Maybe you're scrolling through your phone screen on a Friday night, feeling bored. It's evening, you've shaken off the day's fatigue. You're thinking, "Should I go out tonight?" when our article pops up and takes away all your doubts. We've prepared a Friday night itinerary on the European side of Istanbul that will leave you with no questions.
Jun 172 min read


Minimalism or Maximalism? Which Aesthetic Approaches You More?
In recent years, two distinct lifestyles have emerged on social media: minimalism and maximalism. On one hand, there are simple colors, empty spaces, and few possessions; on the other, bold patterns, vibrant colors, and spaces filled with details that reflect personality. So, which one resonates more with you? Minimalism is based on the idea that "less is more." The goal of this approach is not only to own fewer possessions but also to reduce mental clutter. Light colors, org
Jun 171 min read


Coze Bodrum
How did the idea for Coze Bodrum first come about? Coze was actually more of a lifestyle than a business idea. We wanted to create a place where the sea, good food, friendly people, and a simple aesthetic came together. We set out with the dream of sharing the atmosphere where we feel at home with our guests. What does the motto “Family & Friends” truly mean to you? For us, this motto is not just a slogan. We want everyone who comes to Coze to feel more like a host than a gue
Jun 172 min read


Ruzy
How did your artistic practice change after moving to Istanbul? In what ways did the city’s layered history and physical texture begin to seep into your work? I think the first way Istanbul changed the work was materially. I began experimenting with the stuff around me, like baklava trays, insulation boards, car paint, industrial varnishes, pigments, things like that. These things already felt like they had a story or a purpose before I even touched them. Then there’s the pac
Jun 1510 min read


ilaerg
How do you concretize the definition of "functional art" for ilaerg? How do you strike a balance between an object being viewed as a work of art and being used in daily life? We can form emotional connections with any object. Not just with things that are meaningful to us, but also with things that everyone needs. Some we simply admire, while others exist because they make our lives easier. I explore how this connection takes shape around daily rituals, and the balance betwee
Jun 114 min read


Bar Gabriel
When choosing the name Bar Gabriel, was “Gabriel” a character trait or a state of mind for you? Gabriel is my son's name. That's the origin of the name, actually. His name comes from a football player I used to like a long time ago. But what we're trying to create here today is to leave him with something he'll be proud of when he grows up. We want Gabriel to be able to look back and say, "This bore my name." Bar Gabriel positions itself as a "neighborhood bar," but it also h
Jun 84 min read


Sunset Patmos
Patmos Island is known for its mystical atmosphere and tranquility. How did the idea for sunset.patmos come about, and what was your main motivation behind choosing this special island? The story began when we met Nikitas, who told me, (Thomas), about a hotel he planned to open in Patmos. At first, Patmos was a bit of a “no-go” for me, as it was the island I used to visit with my ex-girlfriend for five years. I didn’t even mention the project to my partners, Rafael Wallon Bro
Jun 44 min read


Batts
Your designs are characterized by a sharp and refined silhouette. What are your go-to golden rules when deciding whether a piece embodies the "BATTS aesthetic"? This is mostly an internal decision, related to feelings. It's not about trying to attract attention, but about making itself felt in the details. Silhouette is also very important here. Patterns come into play; a beautiful pattern doesn't mean it will look the same on every similar product. Every design and fabric co
May 294 min read


700Gr
Where does the name “700Gr” come from? Is this name a measure or a manifesto for you? The name 700Gr came about when we initially envisioned the place as a “bakery.” While experimenting with the grammages of the bread, this name was born and became very popular over time. Thus, it stuck as “700Gr”; fundamentally, it's a name derived from bread. How does 700Gr create a space that stands against the fast pace of Istanbul? We create a space that is not noisy, but rather intimate
May 272 min read


Yaru
Could you share the name Yaru and your story of embarking on this slow lifestyle journey with us? For me, Yaru represents a simple yet powerful feeling. Also, the name Yaru means "to give" in Japanese. This meaning perfectly reflects the brand's starting point. When I founded Yaru, my aim wasn't just to produce, but also to create and share value. To contribute to local production, support women's labor, and create a small space for the continuity of craftsmanship. To provide
May 254 min read


Begum Guney
A Creative Mind, A Timeless Space: Begüm Güney Begüm Güney, who embraces design and art not just as a profession but as a holistic life practice, brings her visionary perspective to her personal sanctuary: the historic Jones Apartment in the heart of Cihangir. The high ceilings and lived-in atmosphere of this century-old building, constructed in 1892 in England, combine with Güney's modern and bold aesthetic to create an eclectic masterpiece. In her world, decoration is not a
May 232 min read
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