Designer Emre Erdemoğlu explores timeless classical interpretations of sartorial creations and for spring took inspiration from retro pilot clothes of the 1920s-1950s. A graduate from the Department of Fashion Design in the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dokuz Eylül University, Emre also studied styling at the Istanbul Fashion Academy and worked for several magazines. He also presented the 2014 Summer collection at Pitti Uomo Fair. Erdemoğlu currently lives and works in Istanbul. We caught up with Emre as part of our series discovering talents from Fashion Week Instanbul.

You showed your last collection at Fashion Week Istanbul, I imagine that you always wanted to be a designer. When did you know that’s what you wanted?

I woke up one morning and the newspapers were talking about my fashion show and the award I received with big headlines. I was getting congratulatory messages and phone calls. It’s nice to be proud of oneself. It feels good to get applause at the end of my work.
What could be better than people like your brand?

Tell us about the SS22 collection you recently showed at Fashion Week Istanbul?

My 2022 Fall-Winter collection was inspired by the first structurally balanced aircraft in history, the general structure of the aircraft and old pilot clothes. The collection contains important details used in aviation history. The pilot photos in the albums that were taken out of the chest gave my collection its soul. I wanted to go on such a journey in this collection because of my interest in uniforms. My interest in old planes, costumes and accessories used in all processes of aviation history triggered me to prepare my “Wing” collection.

Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?

I can say that the claret red cloak look is my favorite piece. I think it reflects the spirit of the collection well. The suit inside is also a cool piece in military form, which refers to the past.

What is your starting point when working on a collection?

The priority is always the target audience for me; I create a bond between the characters in the story I created and my target audience. First, I prepare my “Concept Board”. Before determining the theme of the season I prepared, I create my keywords. That’s why it becomes the language of all my collections… They have something to say, something to tell… It tastes like a story…

Looking ahead, what are your plans going forward?

My “WING” collection is still very fresh. It turned out to be an enjoyable job. Frankly, I’m excited about it right now. On the other hand, I started a brand new collection. I am in a very beautiful story right now. It is a beautiful process. As the collection begins, I spend a lot of time in my studio. I am in a deep, passionate, emotional process. Again, I am preparing a collection with a soul.

I am entering a brand new process regarding my own brand, in fact, a healthy process begins for designers. I think that the value of handicraft, art and craft will increase in the renewed world. We are entering a period in which special sewing, quality fabric and product will gain more added value. We are in the process of renewal and structuring. In this process, it will teach us a new understanding of the world and what we should do.

And finally, what was the best piece of advice you have been given?

“Write your own story.” When I first started this business, it was the advice of an elder that I loved very much. This word has always been a guide for me. I’ve always progressed in my own way, feeding on my own stories, so…

 

Take a look at the collection below: