Galata's street of music shops

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

Cheers! :-)

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. let's 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 Miss B. 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.


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 Istanbul 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.

Backstage styling at Parkorman

The big outdoor festival season has begun and it was my first time to Parkorman. What a great place for a concert - situated in a forest with a large pool and lush green grass! It's a nice escape from the hectic pace of the city, without ever actually leaving it.

Anyway, in all the fun of that day I met Müge, who is looking very much what I would call summertime backstage style. So chill-out, comfortable and cool and I love the shades and hot sneaks.

The sun shines bright on Nisantası Meydanı

Esra Oflaz (of MTV Turkiye) on a beautiful day in in Nisantası.

Excerpt taken from a recent style watch article I did for Şamdan Plus:
"A very creative and sunny personality, Esra also definitely has style! Today looking every bit the masterpiece of style, we are absolutely dazzled by that belt. Wonderful shirt color and pattern. I am also curious about the jacket, even though not worn, I can see that it goes together with the shoes like a match made in heaven. Truly exciting fashion for a charming personality!"

By the stairs to Ludwig's place in Tunel

Fashion designer Onder Ozkan is definitely a talent to look out for. Always a stylish and friendly person and someone we admire very much at ISS. Thanks for all your help with our fashion shows, amigo.

Crushed satin-textured black denim jeans by, yes you guessed it: Onder.

Near Lokal and Sofyali in Tunel

This image is from our 2'debir photo shoot day. Her coat has such a great texture and shades of green - nice big buttons! Ipek Yaylacioglu is a creative photographer and also a styling wizard. See her fun gallery!

Style at the Kasimpasa street bazaar

I took this photo back on a chilly day in March while shopping for fresh foods in Kasimpasa. I thought I lost this great snapshot, but found it today. Hooraay!

Anyway, I think this nice guy, Kemal, is quite stylish and sporty-looking. Yes, you can find are style as well as spices at the markets in Istanbul.

Sunny Day at Galata Tower

Benan is looking very sweet on this most beautiful day. Summer must be here because all the jackets and coats are being left at home.

Benan is also a very talented young fashion designer here in Istanbul, photographed here on her way to Galata Moda. Her skirt is a lovely color of green and has such an interesting texture and natural flow to it.

Photographers photographed

Tolga and Merve chilling out on a Taksim backstreet. Smooth and relaxed, sporty and smart. Both are talented photographers, producing layout and styling for all the big fashion mags... very exciting work, indeed.

Merve has such a great ensemble today. How fun is that? Check the robot necklace, the sneaker shoe handbag and the cool vest.

Style on Meeting Day

Young fashion designer Eflan B. at Atlas Pasaji.

Detail of the shoes, which she customized herself with her icon.

She also gives workshops on how to customize your clothes and give them new life. So much fun! Photos here.

Today was meeting day:
İstanbul'da tarihi Cumhuriyet Mitingi

Near the Yapi Kredi Sanat Galeri

Aysu is a talented musician and performer and as you can see a wonderfully expressive dresser. Great shawl, boots, sunglasses and smile. Are those flowers for me?

A stylish pair on Istiklal Caddesi

These two positive and energetic girls were so much fun to talk to. They obviously have a talent for styling. On the left, I admire the gold Converse shoes, and actually it matched this wonderful gold-sequined tie she was wearing.

I really like this whole outfit. The skirt is hand-done and only 1 of 6 pieces like it in Istanbul. Nice color harmony and balance, together with the belt, handbag, headscarf and even those funky umbrellas they sell on the boulevard these days. I have one of the same color! :-)