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 a benefit beyond myself. I worked in the luxury fashion industry for many years, and during that time, I began to question production and consumption habits. I was wondering if a slower, more meaningful, and human-centered way of production was possible.

Yaru was born as a result of this search.

With an approach that centers local production, craftsmanship, and especially women's labor...

In line with your "thoughtful production" approach, could you talk about the process a piece goes through from the design stage to its final form?

Each piece is born from a need and a feeling.

It's less about "Which product should we make?" and more about "Which piece is truly needed?" We start with the question: What do you prefer? I often gravitate towards models that I use frequently in my own life.

In the design process, usability, feel, and long-term value are as important as form. Then, we bring the piece to life by working with local producers and women's cooperatives.

Our production numbers are limited.

Pieces are reproduced as they are sold out—some are not reproduced at all. The piece you buy remains unique to that time and to you. Like a precious memento.

In this process, attention and care are more important than speed. Everyone in our system, from our fabric suppliers to our producers, is very sensitive and respectful of nature and labor. This makes me very happy.

How do the natural textures and minimalist forms you prefer in your collections fill a gap in the modern woman's wardrobe?

Many wardrobes today consist of numerous pieces, but not all of these pieces are actually used.

Yaru's aim is to create a simpler, more functional, and timeless space within this excess.

Natural textures and minimalist forms offer pieces that are easy to combine, can be used for a long time, and gain value over time.

In a sense, it simplifies the question of "what will I wear?" instead of making it more difficult.

In your fabric choices, is your priority comfort or form?

We don't consider them separately.

A truly good piece should both feel good and look good. But our starting point is usually the touch.

The feeling a fabric leaves on the skin determines the relationship established with it.

That's why natural materials are essential for us.

The linen and raw textures that dominate your visuals evoke a Mediterranean spirit. How does the texture of this geography shape the DNA of your designs?

The geography we are in inevitably reflects in the designs.

Light, colors, a sense of naturalness…

The simplicity and naturalness of the Mediterranean hold an important place in Yaru's aesthetic.

A timeless approach, far from exaggeration, that breathes.

In the fast pace of modern city life, what are your "slowing down" rituals?

For me, slowing down is more about small moments than big things. Early mornings are my most precious moments of slowing down.

Walking, watching the sunrise over the Bosphorus, prepares me for a busy day.

In the tranquility of the morning, I try to close my eyes and listen to the birdsong.

Doing things without rushing, or meeting with friends without feeling like I have to catch up, just being in the moment, is very valuable to me.

Actually, Yaru itself is a space for slowing down, a reminder for me...

Today, the fashion world largely moves at a trend-driven pace. How would you describe Yaru's stance of "going against the current" and your effort to create a community that supports local production?

I see it more as an alternative than a counter-stance. Yaru tries to show that it's possible to produce less but more meaningfully.

Working with local producers, making women's labor visible, and keeping craftsmanship alive in a contemporary language form the basis of this approach. The pieces we produce are complementary pieces that can adapt to different eras without being tied to trends.

Regardless of whether a community forms or not, I believe this is a topic that needs to be discussed and considered.

After all, isn't a piece of clothing we wear more than just covering ourselves; it's a form of expression.

For a reader who embraces the philosophy of "less is more," what is the "key" piece in the Yaru wardrobe?

For me, the 'Timeless Skirt' from our collection is the answer.

It's a simple, comfortable, and powerful piece that can be used in different ways, times, and settings. You can wear this skirt to the beach in the morning and continue to a nice dinner in the evening. It's a one-size-fits-all style that you can easily wear in the city or on vacation, and lend to almost anyone when needed :)

It's one of the products that best reflects Yaru's approach.