Near Taksim Meydanı, across from Haci Baba

Smart, cool and magnetizing - action movie heroes for modern Istanbul.

Here's a game for you: match the names with the movies.
Gökçe, Aybüke, and Nagehan
Yamakasi, La Dolcé Vita and Fifth Element

Sunny day at the Maçka Teleferik

Charismatic and musically talented, Barkın Engin chills out in basic black, laid back. Barkın is a guitar player and founding member of Replikas, one of the hottest rock bands coming out of Istanbul in years.
"Gece kadar rahatsız etmiyor."

At Emek Sineması on windy morning

These fun characters are actually two new members of our street team. Both are wearing second-hand coats, Zeynep's jacket is from Bulgaria and Eflan's is from stolen from her sister.

Near Dogzstar, behind Ara Café

I've seen Murat and Birtu around Beyoğlu for months and always wanted to photograph them. These guys remind me of myself 20 years ago. Dogzstar

At the gate of Ağa Camii

Urban sophisticated and casual, Caner possesses a worldly charm.

Near the embassy on Istiklâl

Emrah rocks a cultural mix of styles with Converse, headphones and sunglasses with traditional Tibetan and Central Asian garments and fabrics. I think it conveys a sense of serenity and inner peace. :-)

At the Gates of Galatasaray Lisé

Lefter and Anastasia are looking beautiful today in colorful ensembles. Originally from the Greek island of Crete, they spend much of their time in Istanbul. We talked about everything from food, culture and style.

The "Charlie's Angels" of Beyoğlu

Irem, Soliel and Emine of Mono, which is a cool, funky clothing shop by day and a nightclub after dark.

On Istiklal near Yesilçam Sinemasi

Cacharel is from DR Congo, speaks French, has a warm spirit and lots of style. I love the earth tones and stripe combinations between the scarf and pants. The shirt he has on under the jacket looks very cool, indeed!

At Aksanat Art Gallery in Taksim

Yasın and Tuğce looking sharp on a winter afternoon.

Near the Ağa Mosque, on the tramway tracks

Scandinavian Otto von Busch is wonderfully articulate and personable. He is a visiting professor at ITU and is affiliated with the upcoming Istanbul Biennale. Nice boots, Otto! :-)

Malik effendi in front of the Dutch Consulate

Followed by an angel near Asmalımescit

In Galata district, on the street of the music shops

Stylish José from Disturbed People knows how to mix a music set...

Windy day at the Tünel tramway stop

Deniz is the definition of cute.

Hayriye Caddesi, behind Galatasaray Lisé

Master chef Dilara Erbay is a champion at life. She juggles many hats, including executive chef at Cezayir, menu planning, catering affairs, and now full-time mom. Her cooking is absolutely divine! Mmmm...In the kitchen with head chef Zeki Eser.

Accomplished composer and musician Emre Aracı

His personality is polite, warm, charming and I wished I could have spent all afternoon talking.

The epitome of refined excellence. Comfortable fabrics that complement a man at his best, British-tailored Savile Row attire. Brilliant color combinations that work well with the day.

More info: Emre Aracı
To purchase music or listen to samples (I did both) follow this link.

Dreaming up new designs...

Garment designer Ebru Yeni taking a short break out in front of her atelier in Galatasaray. Ever the busy bee, I got a chance to interview her about designing for brand development. Read the full interview.

Today she is looking very cute in layered natural fabrics that are pleasing to the eye and sustain interest. Note the clever waistcoat cinch closure on the jacket.
I love it when, by coincidence, the ensemble matches the background.

Detail of handbag and boots:

At the Ortodox Katedral near Mısır Apartmanı

One of the partners at 360 Istanbul, Sashah Khan moves with a stylish clientèle. International nightlife figure and lover of the good life, looking sharp as always. Maybe going out for a spin in the convertible in the English countryside? Bravo Sash, I really dig this look!

Check out this video he made just for fun: get some Sashafaction!

Rainy day in front of Pag, in Nişantaşı

Fashion and handbag designer Ahmet Baytar has a great sense of humor and of style. Smooth charisma in a silk tuxedo jacket and faux leopard slip-ons. Tell us. Does the bird have a name?

Sleekly designed Pag is a multi-purpose space which serves as a clothing shop, bookstore, office and atelier. The Tiki/totem-inspired leather rucksack on display in the background is actually one of his pieces.

Inside the el-Hamra Han

A living doll, Buket is a familiar face around town. A bright, energetic spirit, she also has one of the coolest tattoos I have ever seen.

In Tünel, near the tea-makers

Talented performer Rodrigo Labarca looking dapper in a jacket he himself designed. Always carrying his own eclectic style, he is also a very interesting and fun person to talk to. We had a pleasant conversation about his work and lifestyle. Read the full interview.

(Again, the background matches the individual. Joy!)

Famous Kestaneci Sefer in Tesvikiye

Always cheerful and fun to socialize with, Sefer offers roasted chestnuts with a warm smile. I admire the design of his cart, scale and counterweights. In bomber hat, high-collar sweater, silk blazer and blue apron Sefer Bey is ready for action.

Entering the courtyard of Aznavour Passage

British super-girl Emma K. just recently moved here after living for two years in Prague. She is a bartender at 360 and is also a great new addition to our team. Things are moving fast in ’07, eh Em?

In Cihangir, near the flower sellers.

This stylish man was there during the founding years of the republic, lived through all the tumultuous eras in Turkish history, and can remember when Ataturk was forming a nation. Stunning to think of all the things those eyes have witnessed!
Selam aleykum, Zeki Amca.