FROM TURKEY TO LONDON FASHION WEEK

Photo: Marc Aitken

Bora Asku, a London based Turkish designer who stunned LFW with an eccentric twist on his heritage. This story starts in 1886, when his muse for this SS/18 collection was born; Lady Mirhi Musfik. Her tale is intricate but in short, Mirhi was the first Turkish contemporary female painter. Her love for art took her to Milan, Paris, and it has lived on to grace London Fashion Week.
Throughout this collection, we can see the link to Turkey, with delicate silks, brightly coloured textures and detailed head-pieces.

40'S BLUE

                                                             

To me, these two pieces are about precision. The first gown is really made with love, a dusty pink base 40's style dress, then set beautifully on top is layers of 40's blue mesh, detailed with love hearts, leaves and lines. Tied together with a quirky silver head piece, and finally modernized with striped slide on's- this look is a showstopper. 

Secondly we see a piece with similar themes, but this look sports a high pink neckline, giving a "Victoriana"twist to the look. Paired with lace gloves, panel socks, and black brogues.. Classically stunning. 

ROYAL RED

This colour a huge trend for SS/18. Nonetheless, it is also the proud colour of Turkey, and famously used by them for silks. The structure of this dress is one to marvel at. From the sharp shoulders, to the Peter Pan collar, bow tied waist and mesh hem. Not only is it true to the runway style, I feel it could be easily transported to the wardrobe for events and parties.

PRECIOUS PINKS

In these two pieces, we can truly see the ode to Mihri's art. The dresses fall magically and have an essence of royalty to them. Each pink used is different, the first dress displaying pastel coral and sharp rose, they compliment each other and are placed in a detailed fashion. 

Following this, we see more of a strawberry pink, layered with precise polka dots, making a fun and innocent gown. I am in awe of the jacket used for the second piece, a transparent white cropped blazer, it pulls everything together without taking away from the main attraction.

Painted by Mihri Musfik in 1911

POWERFULLY PINSTRIPED

The more I see this collection, the more I fall in love with Bora and Mihiri. In this piece my eyes are drawn straight to the neckline, which is accented with a red tie. This neckline is seen in many of Mihri's portraits, and is resemblant of the time. Bora Asku has taken art, trend and history and created this power suit. This look is one to remember. 

A CONCLUSION

After looking into a collection, I feel so much respect for designers and their craft. When you first look at a piece you see clothes, when you look deeper you see a design, a story and a talent. I look forward to seeing more of Bora Asku and his collections in the future. What will be his new theme, who will be his new muse and when can i go to one of his shows? We shall see. 

-All photos skillfully taken by Marc Aitken