Thanks to Paper-Doll, I view hundreds of collections a season. While there are always those that are in a league of their own, it isn't often that I can pick a clear favourite. This season it was easy. I got an email from a young Turkish designer Burce Bekrek introducing me to her first collection. Absolute perfection! I'm waiting with bated breath for the upcoming season. Burce Bekrek was kind enough to participate in our designer interview series.

How did you get into fashion design?
I born into fashion and textile world actually. My father is a textile businessman. He established Burce Textile in 1993 and since then works hard to help supply the world’s demand in both yarn and cotton woven fabrics. The company works with many large brands. As a child, I attended ballet school. The behind the scenes costume design world played a big factor in me choosing this job.

What is the first thing you designed (personally or professionally)
The first thing that I designed was a top which was designed from a stocking. I was 6 years old and used that top at my ballet classes.

When did you launch your own label?
December 2010

What inspires you / your work?
I get my inspiration from psychology, the human moods and philosophy. This job is a tool for me and I am using it as a bridge to reflect myself and communicate with other people. I share my story, my mood and my philosophy through my designs.

Describe your current collection.
The collection’s name is Intro/Versa - it means “introverted”. This is the story of an introverted woman. There are two lines under the collection - 63 pieces which can be combined to create different styles under a general total look. A woman can use these garments as a bridge between their business and social lives.

Two lines, one is black the other one is powder pink. Through the black line I am telling the story of an introverted woman who behaves mannishly and has a powerful, masculine style in a world where males have been able to dominate and lead in business -- until now ;)

The powder pink line is the sign that even though the woman is strong in the man’s world, she still has a fragile soul and she is a woman! So, the handmade cords which turns from inside to outside and changes from the dark into pastel colors reflect this mood.

What is your favourite piece from your current collection?
The cashmere coat which can be worn in 4 different ways. (Pictured above).

Did you have a personal soundtrack or a favourite album that you listened to while working on this collection?
All of the albums of Cole Porter and Billie Holiday

What area of your work do you enjoy the most?
The atelier part. The part where the drawings and the lines turns to reality.

What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
There is no stopping in Fashion world. You have to be fast and visionary. So, running both physically and mentally is so difficult.

What is the most surprising thing that has happened to you as a designer?
When I established this brand, one day a designer who was my icon while I studied came to my showroom and bought my first designs. It was both surprising and also pleasing.

If you could collaborate with any designer / artist / musician / etc. on a single project, who would it be and what would you do?
If Cole Porter was alive I would like to design the costumes for a musical which he did. Nowadays I dream of designing a capsule collection for Opening Ceremony. Who knows? Maybe in the future ;)

If you could design a wardrobe for any one person (past/present/real/fictional), who would it be?
Kate Lanphear!

How would you describe your own personal style?
My personal style changes according to my mood! But if I was not feeling different every day, I would probably be minimal till the end of my life.

What is your favourite item in your personal wardrobe?
My Jil Sander bag

Where do you shop for clothes when you're not wearing your own designs?
Everywhere. It does not matter if it’s from a brand or from a local market.

What is on your current fashion wishlist?
A vintage Chanel bag which I saw at Yukiko Paris- Marais.

What fashion trend would you not be caught dead in?
I don’t worry about the trends. It’s about how they are being adapted. But I can say honestly I have never seen a good adaptation with those UGGly Ugg boots. They are unacceptable by my side.

What is the one item that every woman should have in her closet?
A little black dress.

What is your favourite thing about the city you live in?
Living in Istanbul makes me feeling so lucky as a designer. Istanbul is a huge opportunity for designers. This city is inspiring; it is like a muse for us. This city’s looking to the East but running to the West. Being in the middle of everything feeds Istanbul. The historical aspects and modernization feed my creative process and inspires me. Everything is new and developing in Istanbul. It is perfect to be a part of these developments and exciting events.

Istanbul is like an amusement park. It is possible to find stress, entertainment, horrors and excitement in Istanbul. In short, it is possible to find everything in this city. Istanbul offers a huge world of imagination.
It is like a roller coaster for me.

If you couldn't be a fashion designer, what other area of interest would you like to explore?
I would be a costume designer for the opera, ballet and other performing arts.

What is next for your label?
I have just started to sell at "Midnight Express" Stores, which is the best Concept Store in Istanbul. Starting in August I am going to have a collaboration with a big company in Istanbul for an online commerce project. There are ongoing collaborations with celebrities for TV. And for next September I am trying to be at the famous department stores with this collection.

Of course the spring summer collection is on the way. We are now working on a concept with the writer and philosopher Ozan Önen that will surprise a little bit.

Visit: Burce Bekrek