Геометрия на женствеността: Подписът на Nur Karaata

Модел: Nur Karaata Ugurlu @nurkaraata.ugurlu
Фотография: YAŞAR TURANLI @turanliyasar
Грим: MERAL KAFTANCI @meralkaftanci
Коса: Şükran Akoğlan @sukran_akoglan
Асистенти: Muratcan Şen @muratcan.sen; Aleyna @aleynnagurel; Fatma Sepetci @fatmaasepetcii
Стил: Yagmur Sefa @yagmursefa
Арт директор: Lara Mutlu @laramutlu
Бижута: BEE GODDESS @beegoddessjewellery
Рокли: NUR KARAATA @nurkaraata

Философията на дизайнерката Nur Karaata е нищо повече от забележителна – да превърне усещането за лято, градска елегантност и вечерна романтика в цялостен свят от материи, форми и цветове. Днес, брандът Nur Karaata е синоним на интелигентна женственост, внимателен лукс и свободолюбив дух. В това интервю тя ни повежда по пътя на своята десетгодишна модна вселена – със страст, дълбочина и безкрайна отдаденост към красотата в детайла.

Какво запали страстта ти към модния дизайн и как обучението в Лондонския колеж по мода оформи кариерата ти?

Страстта ми към модата винаги е била свързана с креативността и разказването на истории, но истинската искра дойде от съчетанието на образованието ми по интериорна архитектура и опита в медиите. Там развих усет към дизайна, цветовете и композицията, които естествено се пренесоха в модата. Работата ми в телевизията пък засили уменията ми за визуално разказване. В Лондонския колеж по мода успях да обединя всичко това в едно цялостно виждане – как модата, пространството и медиите си взаимодействат. Така постепенно преминах от блогърство към създаването на собствена марка.

Тази година празнуваш 10 години от създаването на Nur Karaata. Разкажи ни за пътя към основаването на бранда и за първото ти модно ревю през 2015 г.

Исках да създам бранд, който въплъщава елегантност, но остава достъпен за широк кръг от жени. Първото ми модно ревю през 2015 г. беше истинско предизвикателство – от организацията на събитието до завършването на самите модели, но всичко си заслужаваше, когато видях реакцията на публиката и професионалистите в индустрията. Тогава се роди истинската същност на бранда и се утвърди визията ми.

Кои са най-големите ти източници на вдъхновение в модата?

Най-много се вдъхновявам от пътуванията си и от арт изложбите, които посещавам. Пътуванията ми отварят вратите към различни култури, пейзажи и архитектурни чудеса – всичко това се отразява на начина, по който мисля за цвят, текстура и форма.
Харесва ми и как художниците използват линии, цветове и текстури, за да предадат емоция – и се стремя да вложа същата дълбочина в своите дизайни. За мен изложбите са място, в което намирам нови идеи и ги превръщам в дрехи, носещи истории.

Как би описала същността на бранда Nur Karaata?

Дизайните ни съчетават финес и функционалност – предлагаме модели, които се усещат луксозни, но са носими и достъпни. Залагаме на качествени платове, прецизна изработка и характерни принтове. Модата ни говори на езика на съвременната пътешественичка – жена, която търси едновременно комфорт и изисканост, независимо дали е на плажа, в града или в луксозен курорт.

Как балансираш различните линии на Nur Karaata – курортна, ски и вечерна – без да губиш единната идентичност на бранда?

Курортното облекло носи усещане за релакс и бягство от ежедневието, ски облеклото въплъщава приключението и красотата на зимата, а вечерното – елегантност и блясък. Обединявам всичко чрез характерните за Nur Karaata принтове, цветови палитри и постоянен фокус върху комфорта – така поддържам усещането за единен стил, независимо от сезона или повода.

Как създаваш разпознаваемите принтове на Nur Karaata и как влияеш на курортната мода в Турция и Близкия изток?

Творческият процес започва с вдъхновение от места, цветове и емоции, които ме докосват. След това скицирам идеи, експериментирам с цветови комбинации и форми. Когато достигнем до финален дизайн, мислим как той ще изглежда върху плат, така че принтовете не само да са красиви, но и да създават усещане за лукс при допир. Формирането на тенденции в курортната мода за пазари като Турция и Близкия изток изисква разбиране на местните вкусове и културни особености, като в същото време следим глобалните течения.

Брандът Nur Karaata се продава онлайн по цял свят и чрез утвърдени магазини. Как управляваш толкова широка и разнообразна дистрибуционна мрежа?

Това изисква внимателна стратегия, стабилни партньорства и отлично разбиране на нуждите на различните пазари. Поддържаме бранд присъствие – както онлайн, така и чрез физическите търговци – и се стремим да сме верни на ценностите си. Нашето онлайн присъствие ни позволява да сме в директен контакт с клиентите по целия свят. Разчитаме на екип от логистични експерти и ефективни платформи за електронна търговия, които гарантират, че всеки артикул достига до клиента навреме и в перфектно състояние.

Как се промени животът ти – лично и професионално – през годините, в които се развиваш като дизайнер?

Модата ме научи как да изразявам себе си и колко мощна може да бъде креативността, когато ѝ се довериш. С всяка колекция се учех да следвам интуицията си, да рискувам и да заявявам себе си в една динамична индустрия. Преодоляването на трудности ме направи по-устойчива и адаптивна. В професионален план изграждането на бранд от нулата ми показа как да балансирам между творчество и стратегия – от дизайна до маркетинга и връзката с клиентите.

Ако можеше да дадеш един съвет на млади и начинаещи дизайнери, какъв би бил той?

Никога не спирайте да учите и да експериментирате. Модата е непрекъснато движение – нови идеи, нови технологии, нови вдъхновения. Останете любопитни и отворени към промяната. И също – бъдете търпеливи със себе си. Успехът не идва веднага, но постоянството винаги се възнаграждава. Най-важното е да останете верни на себе си – на своя глас и своята визия. Светът на модата е огромен, но винаги има място за тези, които внасят нещо свое и истински различно.

The Geometry of Femininity: Nur Karaata’s Signature

The philosophy of designer Nur Karaata is nothing short of remarkable – to transform the feeling of summer, urban elegance, and evening romance into an entire world of fabrics, shapes, and colors. Today, the Nur Karaata brand is synonymous with intelligent femininity, considered luxury, and a free-spirited attitude. In this interview, she takes us on a journey through her ten-year fashion universe – with passion, depth, and an unwavering dedication to the beauty found in every detail.

What sparked your passion for fashion design, and how did studying at the London College of Fashion shape your career?

My passion for fashion design has always been intertwined with my love for creativity and storytelling, but it was the fusion of my background in Interior Architecture and my experiences in media that truly sparked my path in the industry. Initially, I pursued a Bachelor's degree in Interior Architecture, where I developed a strong eye for design, color theory, and spatial composition. This architectural approach to design translated seamlessly into fashion, where I could create pieces that not only looked beautiful but also had a structural, functional aspect to them.

During my time at university, I also had the opportunity to work on several TV shows, which were an incredible learning experience. Being involved in the production of these shows not only strengthened my skills in visual storytelling and styling but also gave me invaluable exposure to the behind-the-scenes world of the fashion and media industries. 

Studying at the London College of Fashion was a crucial step in refining my vision. The program helped me merge my architectural design skills with the art of fashion. It pushed me to think about design holistically, how fashion, spaces and media interact and influence one another. The knowledge and connections I gained there gave me the confidence to transition from blogging to creating my own brand, and it solidified my place in the industry as both a designer and a content creator.

As you proudly celebrate the 10th anniversary of Nur Karaata in the fashion industry this year, could you share the journey behind establishing the brand and the experience of holding your first fashion show in 2015?

The journey to establishing Nur Karaata started with a deep understanding of the market's need for stylish yet functional luxury fashion. I wanted to create a brand that embodied sophistication while remaining approachable for a wide range of women. In 2015, I held my first fashion show, which was an incredible milestone. The show allowed me to present the brand's identity to the world for the first time. The process was filled with challenge , organizing the event to finalizing the designs.But it was all worth it when I saw the response from both industry professionals and customers. It marked the beginning of my brand's identity and solidified my vision.

Who or what are your greatest inspirations in the world of fashion? 

My greatest inspirations in the world of fashion come from my travels and the art exhibitions I visit. Traveling exposes me to diverse cultures, landscapes and architectural marvels, all of which influence my design process. These experiences shape how I think about color, texture and form in my collections, allowing me to bring different global elements into my designs.

Art exhibitions also play a significant role in my inspiration. Whether it's the fluid shapes of contemporary sculptures or the timeless beauty of classical paintings, art constantly challenges my perceptions of beauty and form. I often find myself inspired by the way artists use lines, colors, and textures to convey emotion and I try to incorporate that same depth into my fashion designs. The connection between visual art and fashion feels so natural to me, and I use exhibitions as a space to explore new ideas that I can transform into wearable pieces.

How would you describe the essence of the Nur Karaata brand?

The essence of the Nur Karaata brand lies in creating timeless yet modern pieces that evoke a sense of effortless luxury and sophistication. Our designs are all about blending elegance with functionality, offering pieces that feel luxurious but are also approachable and wearable. We prioritize high-quality fabrics, intricate craftsmanship, and unique prints that make every piece special. Whether it's for a day by the sea or an evening out, we aim to make women feel confident and elegant, without compromising comfort. 

The designs speak to the modern traveler, someone who seeks both luxury and practicality, whether on a beach, in the city or at a high-end resort.

Nur Karaata caters to diverse categories like Resort Wear, Ski, and Notte. How do you balance these distinct product groups while maintaining a cohesive brand identity?

Balancing different categories like Resort Wear, Ski and Notte requires a clear understanding of the core values of the brand. Each collection reflects the same attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to luxurious yet functional fashion, but we tailor the designs to fit the specific needs of each segment. While Resort Wear evokes relaxation and escapism, Ski represents adventure and the beauty of winter and Notte exudes evening glamour. I ensure that each collection is connected through the use of signature prints, color palettes and an emphasis on comfort, making sure they align with the overarching identity of Nur Karaata.

Nur Karaata brand is known for its unique prints. What is your creative process behind designing these prints and shaping Resort Swim trends in Turkey and the Middle East?

My creative process begins with an exploration of the places, colors, and emotions that inspire me. I study the surroundings, textures, and patterns that I see during my travels or in my day-to-day life. From there, I sketch ideas and experiment with color combinations and shapes. Once the print designs are finalized, we focus on how they'll translate into fabric, ensuring that the prints not only look beautiful but also feel luxurious. 

Shaping Resort Swim trends in Turkey and the Middle East is about understanding the cultural preferences and needs of these markets while staying ahead of global trends. Whether it's a vibrant, eye-catching pattern or a more subtle, sophisticated design, we ensure that the prints we create resonate with the sensibilities of the modern traveler in these regions.

How do you stay ahead of trends while keeping the brand's designs timeless and distinctive?

Staying ahead of trends involves constant research and staying in tune with global fashion movements. However, I always strive to maintain a balance by focusing on timeless elements in design, such as elegant cuts and high-quality fabrics. I believe that while trends come and go, the essence of good design is everlasting. My goal is to create pieces that are both forward-thinking and classic, something that can be worn for many years and never look outdated.

Nur Karaata sells products online worldwide and through well-known stores . How do you manage such a broad and diverse distribution network effectively?

Managing a global distribution network requires a combination of strategic partnerships, clear communication, and a strong understanding of market demands. We ensure that our brand presence is maintained consistently, aligning with the values of both the brand and the retailer. Our online presence also helps us connect directly with customers around the world, which is vital in understanding their preferences and delivering exceptional service. We rely on a reliable logistics team and efficient e-commerce platforms to make sure our products reach customers smoothly and promptly.

What challenges have you faced in expanding your brand globally, and how did you overcome them?

Expanding globally comes with many challenges, including understanding different cultural preferences, navigating international regulations and ensuring consistent product quality across different markets. One of the key challenges was establishing a brand presence in countries with established local fashion cultures. We overcame this by focusing on authenticity and staying true to our brand identity while adapting our marketing strategies to suit each market. By building relationships with local influencers and retailers, we were able to create strong foundations for growth in various regions.

How has your journey in fashion design impacted you personally and professionally over the years?

My journey in fashion design has been nothing short of transformative, both personally and professionally. On a personal level, it has deepened my understanding of creativity and self-expression. Fashion has taught me to embrace my individuality and to constantly challenge myself to push boundaries. It's been a process of self-discovery, learning to trust my instincts, and finding my voice in an ever-evolving industry. The challenges and triumphs along the way have also shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable person. Fashion design has become a way for me to channel my emotions, inspirations and experiences into something tangible that can connect with others.

Professionally, my journey has been incredibly rewarding but also demanding. The pursuit of building a brand from the ground up has taught me valuable lessons in business, design and the importance of perseverance. I've had to balance creativity with strategy, understanding not only the aesthetics of design but also how to market it, how to manage production, and how to create a brand that resonates with my audience. Each collection, each step in growing my brand, has added to my skill set and broadened my perspective on what it takes to succeed in fashion.

We know that Nur Karaata is available on the Harrods , MyWardrobe platform. How do you view the importance of renting clothes as a sustainable practice for the environment?

Renting clothes is an incredibly important and sustainable step towards addressing the environmental challenges of the fashion industry. Fast fashion has had a significant impact on our planet, contributing to waste and overproduction. By embracing the rental model, we are helping to shift the mindset towards a more sustainable way of enjoying fashion.

By offering the option to rent clothes, we provide an opportunity for people to enjoy premium fashion in a more eco-friendly way, making luxury accessible without the waste. It's not just about giving people the opportunity to wear beautiful pieces; it's about fostering a culture of conscious consumption, where quality over quantity prevails.

If Nur Karaata Uğurlu could give one piece of advice to aspiring designers, what would it be?  

My advice would be to never stop learning and experimenting. Fashion is constantly evolving. It's important to stay curious and embrace new ideas. 

Also, be patient with yourself, success takes time and persistence is key. 

Most importantly, stay authentic to your voice and vision. The world of fashion is vast, but there's room for those who bring something unique to the table.