A special event organized by the Embassy of Turkey in Bulgaria made visible through fashion the long-standing shared memory between Istanbul and Sofia.
"This is the first cultural event organized at the Residence in the new year. This is a significant and inspiring start to our cultural program," said Ambassador Mehmet Sait in his welcoming speech.
Within the event, fashion designer Özlem Süer presented her special collection on the theme of “Istanbul – Sofia“, which told on stage in Sofia a story of childhood friendship, paths separated by migration and reunion years later. Dedicated to the designer's grandfather — who experienced just such a separation — the collection turned a personal memory into a shared story.
„After more than forty impressive fashion shows and stage appearances in world fashion capitals such as Paris, Milan, Tokyo, New York and Berlin, today Ms. Suer Alp is with us to present a collection reflecting the shared values and close spirit of two important cities — Istanbul and Sofia—, Ambassador Uyanik noted.
After the show, Özlem Suer summarized the essence of the collection: „The ‘Istanbul – Sofia’ collection tells a story not only about two cities, but also about memory, separation and reunion. With this collection I wished to bring together a personal family history and the shared emotions of two cultures on the same aesthetic foundation. To reinterpret the traces of the past in the language of today and to show that timeless elegance is possible was deeply meaningful to me.“
“Fashion is not just a way of dressing. It is a strong expression of cultural heritage, creativity and dialogue”, added Ambassador Uyanik. He pointed out that each look presented on the catwalk tells a story that connects Turkey and Bulgaria, past and future, friendship and fashion, and expressed his gratitude to Özlem Süer Alp and her team for this extraordinary experience.
Drawing inspiration from the mosaic of two cultures, the collection combined references to different eras within a timeless aesthetic. While the narrative unfolded through the texture of the materials, the language of the silhouettes and the strong intuition in the details, the color palette — built around ecru and black — offered a subtle transition from pearl tones to ivory, from off-white to matte and glossy shades of black.
Lace, silk, ribbons, taffeta and velvet defined the collection’s timeless vibe; empire lines, garçon (flapper) lengths, diagonal cuts, A-line and corsetry elements met a new generation of jacket shapes. Frock coats, double-breasted jackets with a “mona“ collar, as well as bomber jackets created a contemporary balance through traditional accents.
Ribbons, tassels, chokers made of natural pearls and a delicate lace veil that partially covered the face united past and future on one stage through layered styling. Smoothly pulled-back buns with ribbons exuded artistic simplicity, and the balance between warm and cool bases on a clean, minimalist look completed the refined spirit of the collection. The knitted shoes also stood out as a strong detail, carrying the traces of the era into the present.
Starting with lace and silk, the story developed — through a new generation of fabrics — towards a “quiet but assertive“ elegance. Walking the fine line between sophisticated everyday haute couture and prêt-à-couture, the collection declared a position that was restrained but strong; simple but decisive. As the silhouettes progressed, the lines became sharper, the textures — more pronounced, and the same measured elegance emerged as the defining “dress code“ of the evening.
>
