Memories of last summer (from the archive)

Ha ha ha! So it is the middle of winter, and we are posting photos of people wearing t-shirts and mini-skirts. What is up with that?!?
Apologies for letting the blog slip in recent months, but we have been really buried with organizing the fashion shows, events and forming a company. ISS has grown so much over the last year... Anyway, we will do our best to keep everything up-to-date, :-) well... right after these gems from last summer:One of my personal favorites, this photo says it all about the carefree style on great summer days. Merve Tuna just before sunset, at Radar Live on the Black Sea coast.

Taking a break, backstage at The Hall. Mustafa abi! My cool amigo, always great to see you when I'm on a visit to the homebase mekân. (Photo also featured in TimeOut Istanbul Magazine, October edition)

The beauty of Beyoğlu's backstreets is amazing in the late summer, lots of staircases and hanging plants. Ideal for a photo shoot! Perpetually stylish designer Melis Binay only adds to the beauty of the location. The two outfits pictured here she made herself, by hand.

Our very own editor-at-large and chief of everything cool Seraphima, near Babylon. All rise!

Talented amigas Ebru and Zeynep having fun on the boulevard. See you at the Factory. :-)

Wonderfully fun Nuray at the Galata outdoor cinema space. Great place it was and good times for sure, eh? Tres chic, cnm.

And one more from Nuray, about a month later with her buddy, that I took for the October issue of 2'debir Magazine. Super style, ya! Vintage shirt is truly one-of-a-kind, and so is she.

Galatasaray afro chillin'.

Fashion editor Buket Baydar on a Nişantaşı afternoon stroll. Gotta love the shades!

Life on Istiklâl, two street-wise angels in front of the sugar shop. Summer days, gone bye bye. Love the pink shoelaces, here's to keepin' it real...

One of our top-models Alex Borisov, who is definitely headed for the big-time someday. (Alex: call Hedi Slimane right this minute! He needs you.)

Serra smiles lovely for Istanbul. We love your wicked style, yo.

Risa brings Tokyo style to Istanbul. Cool overalls and shoulder tattoo.

On a shopping mission, we run into Ozlem! So fun to see her again. She was one of my first style photos, way back in the beginning of ISS.

Galata's street of music shops

Two of our favorite Sahane* runway models, Cemre and Gozde.

We love you! :-)

The music that tames me…

Yaprak, talented pianist, at the famous Galatasaray Lisesi gates.

A future star in the making

Lovely Gül, cleverly captured on a Cihangir side street. Outfit designed by Berrin Akyuz.

Jose strikes again! On Istiklal near the old Catholic Church.

Rock n’ Roll weekend

Now THIS is a party! Freestyle fun at Rock N'Coke.

A visit from Denmark

Clever and kick-back, Zuhal is a wonderfully talented photographer, conceptual artist and amiga. Near the Galata artspace on a charmed August evening.

Summer styles of Beyoglu

Summer styles of Nisantasi

*some of our stars*

From the archive: I have been wanting to post these photos for some time now and will dedicate the moment to these emerging fashion designers, who have contributed so much to the ISS project and on the runways at our Sahane* parties.

Here they are, on various backstreets of Beyoğlu, in different seasons:

Sema Keleş and Benan Bal in wintertime layers and textures. Such a great design duo, keep an eye out for them.


Selay Guleç dishes out style like it was natural. Canim cigerim heyecanliyiiz.


Beste Gurel in early Spring, near the Greek Ortodox Catedral in Taksim.


Aysu and Serena, who perform, sing and dance as well as design.


Veronika of 1001 brings the flavors of Berlin style to Istanbul, as well as her fun clothing lines.

Thanks to all of you for your support!

Sporty in Ortaköy

I've noticed a trend this summer with colorful Brazilian combinations of yellow and green, as well as the large beaded necklaces and jewelry. Duygu is a technical designer who makes this look sporty and fun.

Caribbean rhythms and cool summer grooves

Hans and Julian bring the sounds of the streets from the Dominican Republic to Istanbul. I spotted them returning from Galipdede Caddesi, the famous avenue of the music shops.

The look of a designer

Seda is wonderfully “one woman.” She actually designed this piece, the light-cloth black overcoat, that to me is reminiscent of Côte d'Azur romanticism ala Vadim-era lux cinema. A stop at Deriden in Ortaköy is like uncovering a treasure, the downstairs floor is home to an incredible collection of Galipolli war memorabilia, a truly rewarding experience to behold. She also designed this space, and is a top source for knowledge on the subject.

Detail of the sleeve and a fantasy ring in blue.

On the upper level at Galata space

Melisa brings color and charm to this historic place. Her dress is so vibrant with it's flower motifs and colorful hues of the fabric. She also models for us on the runways of our Şahane parties.

Elegant poise in front of IKSV building

Freestyle folk music

Two friendly street performers playing for a crowd of watchers on Istiklal. Earthy and elemental, simple and comfortable. These traditional pants, called salvar, are making a comeback into local fashions at many levels.

Modern island style from Turkey and the UK

Bahar and Tom look as if they are on their way to the beach. With the current heat wave, we all want to go with you. Is there room in the car?

Galataspace a wonderful place

Talented photographer Can Su Boğuslu with her friend Buğce on the rope at Galataspace on a sunny afternoon looking stylish. So much fun!

Buğce actually designed and created this "toy" outfit and Can Su is also does fantastic street photography as seen here:

Dream with the fishes

Fun and creative Merve Tuna is active as a conceptual artist and non-mainstream fashion designer. Seeing her always makes me feel happy. Today Merve is all about simplicity, going with sort of an Audrey Hepburn meets Nurse Betty look.

Style at the Money Exchange

Istanbul is made up of so many different cultures. Super-lovely and such a sweet person, Nellie comes from Kazakhstan, which is of course Central Asia. The eye-pleasing blue of her dress complements her hair and vice-versa, and the layering of the skirts are wonderfully timeless.

Jazzy man of Beyoğlu

Istanbul also is well-known for it's colorful eccentrics. I have actually been wanting to photograph this nice gentleman for some time, as I always see him out dressed so jazzy. Admire the alligator shoes, 90° cigarillo holder and lapel pins.

Red is the color of my heart

Alev is today's star of the boulevard in color coordination and chic accessories. I like how the graphic on her shirt matches her own appearance: vibrant and free-spirited. Such a fun ensemble - stylish and noticeable.

A rose and a smile in Tunel Square

Hüride's outfit is really cute, as well as the handbag... I like the pattern and the shoulder-strap design and how the hemline of the skirt is done with black mesh trim. Did she do that herself, I wonder? It finishes the overall look with a nice texture.

Summerstyle in Galata

On the famous street of the instrument shops, Gözde of Gözde Music pauses for a break. The whimsical colors and flowerbed patterns of her dress add festivity to her lovely smile. I especially enjoy the soft-denim elf boots. Gozde plays a song of style!

Istanbul or Tijuana?

Hint: Çarli (Charlie) no habla Español.