People with Style Value their Things

Solveig, Psychology Student

Shirt: Asos

Cardigan: Zara

Skirt: Topshop

Boots: Kauf Dich glücklich

Bag: Uterqüe

Click here to know more about what trend Solveig will never follow...

It It seems to me like yesterday -  my first time. I can remember all the details: December 2008, Munich, a grey smooth leather Coccinelle bag - my first high quality handbag. I still love this bag like the very first day. I could not help thinking of this when Solveig told me, eye shining, the story of her new designer bag: A beautiful brown Uterqüe bowling bag with suede and smooth leather inserts. Solveig saw the bag when she was on holiday with her family and it was love at first sight. She couldn't get it out of her head and went back to the store. This Uterqüe bag is the first high quality bag she could call her own. Solveig is valuing the bag a lot and I can sense that. I believe people with style value their things.

The Magic of the Unexpected

Jasmin, Fashion Fotography Student

Dress: Charity Shop London

Belt: Flea Market London

Boots: Bianco

Cardigan: Carin Wester

Click here to read what trend Jasmin will never follow...

To be honest, I didn't plan to post during my Christmas holidays until I saw Jasmin and her sister sitting on my in-law's couch. Jasmin's style is unique. I never saw her wearing trousers before. She prefers beautiful dresses and she loves to look for special pieces. Jasmin found her antique, metal belt on a flea market in London. Not in the fancy corner, but at the shabby end. She is still enjoying this unexpected found a lot. It's amazing how a simple belt can modify an outfit. Interesting belts add character and contrast to your outfit. Jasmin's story bring me to the conclusion that nothing adds more versatility to your closet for so little investment as a belt. I am also impressed by her style understanding: Allways looking for unique pieces and enjoying the magic of the unexpected found. 

Your Style can Speak Volumes about You - before You even open Your Mouth

Ece, Mathematics Student

Leopard Cap: Zara

Scarf: Gap

Dufflecoat: Miss Selfridge

Jeans: Zara

Shoes: Bershka

Bag: Accessorize

Click here to read what trend Ece will never follow...

The secret of wearing an animal based pattern fashion trend successfully is to relate the volume of pattern to your personality. This is exactly what Ece is doing. She is mixing her leopard cap with an orange dufflecoat, blue jeans and studded boots. I wanted her to become part of Imprimoloco because I love the fresh mood in her outfit which reflects her personality. When we talked about Ece's story it became quite clear that she enjoys fashion. She loves experimenting with different patterns and materials. For her, fashion is not about trends and brands. It's about fun. I can see that! Your clothing style can speak volumes about you before you even open your mouth.

I Shall Stay Until the Wind Changes

Gözde, Lawyer

Hat: Park Bravo

Coat: Zara

Bag: Ipekyol

Boots: Boutique in Kadiköy 

Click here to read what trend Gözde will never follow...

Today I have to correct myself! Last week I made the claim that not many women could wear a hat. Yesterday I learned that this is not true! Dressed elegantly with a perfect matching hat, Gözde attracted my attention. She reminded me of Mary Poppins: Her elegant and clean look, her special hat and the laced boots. Only the magic umbrella was missing. Gözde's style is influenced by the twenties. I can clearly see that and especially her hat leaves no doubt. Woman's fashion in the roaring twenties was all about elegance. And again Gözde makes me think of Mary Poppins when she said:"I shall stay until the wind changes."

These shoes are so Mary Poppins, aren't they?!

A Great Hat Speaks for Itself

Oya, Veterinarian

Hat: Esprit

Glasses: Tommy Hilfiger

Scarf: Promod

Coat: Ipekyol

Boots: Dr.Martens

Click here here, if you want to know what trend Oya will never follow...

A hat makes a fashion statement about the person who wears the hat. Even if hats are fashionable at the moment you won't find many people - especially women - who really could wear a hat. The most important thing about wearing hats is that you have to feel confident and comfortable with the hat you are wearing. Oya is one of those women who make a positive statement by wearing a classic hat. That's why I wanted her to become part of Imprimoloco. She has been wearing her hat for four years now, every winter. Oya tried hard to find a new one, but no other hat fits the same. "Fashion is kind of communication. It's a language without words. A great hat speaks for itself." Unknown Author.

It's All about Thinking Outside the Obvious Box

Ceylan, Style Editor for ALL Magazine

Bobble Hat: Zara

Scarf: Marks&Spencer

Coat: Topshop

Cardigan: Vintage, Milan

Blouse: Vintage, Dublin

Shoes: Dr.Martens

School Bag: Topshop

Click here to find out what trend Ceylan would never follow...

Yesterday I decided to go to Nişantaşı for some Imprimoloco street style inspiration. Nişantaşı is probably Istanbul's most glamorous quarter. The stores of world's famous brands are located there. And I was delighted by finding even Dries van Noten designs in Nişantaşı (one of my favourite designers). But really excited I became when I stumbled upon Ceylan and Douglas - street style editor and photographer for the Turkish ALL magazine. We talked and I took some pictures of Ceylan because I really enjoy her School Girl Chic. School Girl fashion channels everything from innocent to retro rebellion. It goes far beyond the Clueless cliche. For me it's about melting elements of youth with trends from different decades. It's about thinking outside the obvious box!

You will Never Find a Rainbow if You are Looking Down

Bülent, Owner of Harikalar Dükkanı

TShirt: KAFT

Shoes: Derimod

Soon I will go home for Christmas. For that reason I am looking for special Turkish gifts. In the heart of Istanbul, Beyoglu, I stumbled upon Bülent and his very nice shop "Harikalar Dükani". I bought two shirts from the Turkish brand Kaft design. It's important for me to give away personal gifts. Bülent's small shop is full of exclusive things, mainly from Turkish designers. For a long time he worked as a graphic designer. In the end the agency life didn't satisfy Bülent any longer and he decided to start his own business.  I have great respect for such a decision. "Harikalar Dükani" means "Wonder Shop". Bülent and his shop remind me Charly Chaplin's words: "You will never find a rainbow if you are looking down." 

You Know What, You can't See it, but Underneath My Sunglasses, I'm rolling My Eyes

Merve, Financial School Student

Loop: Gift from her sister

Sunglasses: Gift 

Coat: Mango

Jeans: Mango

Jumper: Mango

Boots: Lacoste

Bag: Mavi

I love Merve's sunglasses. And the fact that we didn't have much time to talk and she didn't know where the glasses are from couldn't stop me to think about the fascination of sunglasses. Everyone should own at least one good pair of sunglasses. And preferably one that you didn't get from that nice man on the street selling really real Ray-Ban's for 10 Euro. The beauty about shopping for a new pair of good sunglasses is that it's not as traumatic as buying a new bikini. And compared to the northern part of Europe, in Istanbul you definitely need sunglasses ten months a year. But apart from the UV protection sunglasses can do so much more. That's what I realised in Istanbul. They are great when you need to hide for any reason, if you are tired or if are not in the mood to be social. "Sunglasses allow an individual to stare at people without them knowing. It's Facebook in real life", unknown quote.

I wish I Existed Like Water

Doğu, Painter

Sunglasses: Burberry

Coat: Zara

Jeans: Zara

Scarf: Massimo Dutti

Jumper: Tommy Hilfiger

Shoes: Massimo Dutti

What a surprise! Yesterday I was on my way back home ready to catch the ferry when I saw Dogu and his friends waiting for the Island ship. They were totally relaxed and fooling around. Of course I asked them to become part of Imprimolco. It turned out that Dogu is one of Istanbul's young painting talents. I am very impressed by his work. You should take a closer look at his paintings and collages: www.doguozgun.com. I like the way he describes his paintings and himself: "I wish I were water, I were put into a mould, and took the shape of that mould. I wish I flowed like water, go away and come back. I wish I flowed to the sea, to the oceans, even I wish I weren't able to be discriminated among them...My painting world should be homogen like water." Needless to mention that we took pictures close to water. 

Noah's Arc, Collage, Paper  

Alice in Wonderland

Işık,Grafic Designer

Alice Band: Coquet

Coat: Boutique in Nişantaşı 

Bag: Guess

Dress: adL

Boots: UGG

One thing is sure: It is not easy to slide on an Alice band. Deeply ingrained in our cultural memory, it's inextricably entwined with notions of childhood innocence and trussed-up perfection - see its namesake, Alice in Wonderland and more recently Charlotte York in Sex and the City and Bree Van de Kamp in Desperate Housewives. The catwalk has played with those Alice Bands last summer, but still this trend is not popular on the streets yet. That was the reason I wanted Isik to become part of Imprimoloco because I love the way she is wearing her Alice Band - my personal Alice in Wonderland.

I noticed her unique handwriting Tatto when her sleeves were riding up. 

From Zürich with Love

Gökçe, Consultant

Glasses: Marc Jacobs

Scarf: loan from friend

Coat: Barbour

Shirt: Massimo Dutti

Skirt: Small Boutique in Galata

Shoes: Topshop

Backpack: Longchamp

Click here to read more about Gökçen's greatest Style Disaster...

"Backpacks are the new Handbags" - that's what I was thinking when I saw Gökce strolling along Bagdad Caddesi with her friends. Some popular designers like Michael Kors, Moschino, Vivienne Westwood or Dsquared2 presented this "old-new" trend for the spring/summer season 2012. Gökce wears and combines her backpack like a real fashionista. I am beginning to realise that, apart from a new camera, I should also invest in a good backpack. Gökce bought her glasses in Zürich. She went there for an internship and had the time of her life. Zürich will always have a place in Gökce's heart. And I know exactly what she means because I met my soul mate in Zürich. 

What Your Hair Says About You

Magda, Mother and Journalist

Earrings: Present from her Husband (the only earrings Magda is wearing)

Necklace: LiLou, Poland

Jumper: Gap, London

Jeans: Mavi

Ballerinas: Calvin Klein

Bag: Pappagallo, Poland

Glasses: Marc By Marc Jacobs

Magda has her own unique style. In the fraction of a second I knew that I want her to become part of Imprimoloco. Magda is bursting with energy, ideas and satisfaction. And I am glad that she is taking the time to tell me her story. Magda used to work for MTV Poland. Meanwhile she is living in Istanbul together with her two children and husband. Besides, Magda is working as a journalist. I can see that there is still some Rock'n Roll in her soul. Not least of all Magda's hair cut is betraying her: The right half of the head ear length, the left half of the head shaved. What a haircut! I did believe her when she told me: "I don't care what other people say about my style." And I would like to see many more unconventional people who just don't care what others think. 

  

The Love of her life: Magda's husband and two children. If you are going to Warsaw one day you should go to LiLou  and get your own personal bracelet or necklace. I like their slogan: "You know that the only thing that can limit you is your imagination. And at LiLou there are no limits."

The Ones we Love reflect in our Style

Pelin, Communication and Advertising Student

Scarf: Small Shop at Bleecker Street, New York

Jumper, Arden, Moda

Trousers: Massimo Dutti

Loafers: Calvin Klein

Bag: Céline

Watch: DKNY

Click here to read more about Pelin's greatest Style Disaster...

 

Waiting for the fast ferry to the European Side of Istanbul, I noticed Pelin. She was perfectly dressed for a nice and sunny autumn day: Beige, Mustard and White. We only talked for two minutes. In this short time her eyes sparkled when she mentioned her boyfriend. Pelin's style tells her own interesting story and her boyfriend plays a major role. She would for example never have chosen these lined Calvin Klein loafers for herself. He picked them from the shelf, Pelin tried the loafers on and she was convinced. It was also her boyfriend who asked her to eliminate the combination of oversized camel jumper together with black tights. Pelin's story gave me the idea to establish the Love-Style theory: The ones we love reflects in our style.

Pelin saw the DKNY watch in New York. It was love at first sight. Back in Istanbul she looked everywhere for it. In the end she couldn't forget this watch and she ordered it from the US. 

I Love Acting - It's Much More Real Than Life!

Aslı , Acting Student

Necklace: Theatre in Üsküdar

Leather Jacket: Small Shop in Kadiköy

Shirt: Carmen, Üsküdar

Trousers: Gargamel, Kadiköy

Boots: Köstebek, Beşiktaş

Actually, I was on my way home and definitely in a hurry, when I noticed Aslı's shoes: Black patent leather Dr. Martens with patterned shoe laces. I had no choice, but to stop and talk to Aslı about her personal style story. Aslı studies drama. In reply to the question about her key piece today she smiled at me and pointed at her necklace: Two theatre masks. Aslı loves her acting studies. No doubt! "The best acting is instinctive. It's not intellectual, it's not mechanical, it's instinctive.", Craig MacDonald

Being True to Others Means Being True to Yourself

Ahsen, Acting Student

Scarf: Present from a close friend

Jacket: her grandmother's

Blouse: Mango

Shirt: Fred Perry

Leggings: Bazaar

Boots: Timberland

Click here to read more about Ahsen's greatest Style Disaster...

Ahsen wildly gesticulated, discussed with her friends, took some notes and sipped from her Turkish mocca when I saw her. I first noticed her hair: Beautiful curls, tied back with a green scarf. Ahsen just started to study acting. She is very energetic and full speed ahead. While taking the pictures Ahsen jumped and smiled all the time. I can see and feel that she is 100 per cent true to herself. And I think being true to yourself is probably the most important characteristic to become a good actor. "Being true to others means being true to yourself.", Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Never be Afraid to Show Your Happiness

Zeynep, Social Media Account Manager

Scarf: Online Shop

Coat: Vintage

Jumper: Birthday Present

Blouse: Vintage, Sentetik Sezar

Shoes: Camper

Bag: Flo

Zeynep was listening to music and smiling  - almost dancing  - when I saw her walking around Sunday afternoon. Zeynep's style is definitely flashy, individual and exciting. Fashion reflects the inherent needs of humans to create variety, I think. People dress to reflect their personality. What fascinates me about Zeynep is the way she expresses happiness by her individual style. The whole outfit sparkles with positive energy. I am convinced that an exciting style could cause happiness and of course the other way round: Happiness would probably create a flashy style. Nevertheless, Zeynep proofed my "happy-style" theory and I hope that she will never stop showing her happiness by creating interesting styles.

The Symbol of Wisdom

Eda, Fashion Design Student

Earrings: Boutique in Kadiköy

Necklace: Present

Shirt: Batik

Pair of Leggings: Batik

Boots: Stradivarius

Bag: Accessorize

Bracelet: Market in Ortaköy 

Click here to read more about Eda's greatest fashion disaster...

Owls are everywhere. Just look around: Shirts, Bracelets, Rings, Bags...I noticed Eda because the owl bag fits perfectly with her style. Eda just finished her fashion design studies and is now looking for a job. Her owl bag is the perfect reason for me to find out more about this trend. I think Mark Jacobs put out an owl inspired collection back in fall 09 - the trend grew after that. All though in the 1970s owls were huge in interior design. Taking symbolism from the owl directly, it is noteworthy that it is a creature of the night. Nocturnal creatures are symbolic of inner-knowing, psychic ability and intuition- so is the owl. Ancient Athenians made the owl an emblem of wisdom and even emblazoned the image of the owl on their coinage. I definitely like the owl trend and especially the symbolic meaning behind. During my owl research I stumbled upon a wise owl quote: "We are all visionaries, and what we see is our soul in things." - Henrie Amiel

Why look so Far Afield When There is so Much Close at Hand

Başak, Architecture Student

Scarf: Her mother's

Pullover: Topshop

Jeans: Mango

Shoes: Hotic

Bag: Handmade, Boutique in Eminönü

Watch: her uncle's 

Click here to read more about Başak's greatest Style Disaster...

A few days ago my very close friend Julia visited me in Istanbul. While rummaging through one of my favourite Turkish stores  Cassette I saw Başak's bag and I knew from the very first second that she has an interesting story to tell. We decided spontaneously to shoot some pictures and to talk. It turned out that Başak's key pieces are all borrowed or handmade: Her mother's scarf, her uncle's watch and the leather bag. No brands, no trends, not expensive and yet her style is unique. Başak was looking for the perfect watch for a very long time when she found it at her uncle's place. And her uncle lent Başak the watch. That's exactly what I like. And it makes me think of the fact that it is often not necessary in life to look so far afield when there is so much close at hand.

Just don't Give Up Trying What You really want to do!

Demet, Sales Executive

Necklace: Gift

Pullover: Stradivarius

Belt: Zara

Trousers: Pull&Bear

Loafers: Nine West

Bag: Zara

 Click here to read what Demet's greatest Style Didaster was...

Demet knows exactly what looks good on her. Usually she doesn't hesitate long and reacts fast after finding a really beautiful garment. Last year she saw these studded loafers in a magazine and knew immediately that they are a "Must Have" for her. But Demet couldn't find them anywhere. These studded loafers seemed to be under a spell. After looking everywhere Demet finally found them last week, one year later, at the Turkish online marketplace Markofoni. Demet made a real effort and did everything possible to get this pair of shoes. I am impressed by her stamina and I think that Demet never easily gives up things in life that are important  to her. "Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do.", Ella Fitzgerald 

This is me!

Ceren, Actress

Trech Coat: Mango

Shirt: Zara

Jeans: H&M

Leather Loafers: Twist

Bag: Mango

Sun Glasses: H&M

Necklace: Topshop

Click here to read more about Ceren's greatest Style Disaster...

Often, a quick glance at somebody's shoes is enough to know that I want to photograph and understand that person. I am not quite sure why - but after all our shoes take us through life and give away a lot about us. Perhaps more so than we would like. The first thing I noticed about Ceren were her wonderful, red Leather-Loafers. And I knew immediately, even before I saw her face that I want Ceren to become a part of Imprimoloco. Ceren is an actress. At the moment she works for the popular Turkish sitcom on Star TV İşler Güçler, which says literally "Daily Madness". Ceren is used slipping into different roles. That's why it is even more important to Ceren to feel like herself in her leisure moments. I believe it's interesting to hear that it took Ceren such a long time to find the perfect fitting trench-coat she feels totally comfortable with: "This is me, you know." I know, and I can definitely see and feel it!

Nothing more to say than "beautiful".

Become Aware of Your Deepest Self

 Anja, Yoga Instructor

Parka: Levi's

Loop Scarf: Handmade, X-Mas Present from Anja's mother

Bobble Hat: Canada Goose, Present from her Boyfriend

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Cord Trousers: H&M

Boots: Ugg, Present from her Father

Bag: Market in Nizza

Click here to read about Anja's greatest Style Disaster...

It was a perfect Sunday in Hamburg when I took pictures of Anja: Cold, sunny and beautiful colored leaves. She was on her way to give a Yoga class when we talked. On the question of the story behind her key piece, Anja told me that today all her clothes have a personal significance. It's important for Anja that her clothes are made of natural materials. I think it's significant how her attitude towards life is visible in her personal style. As a Yoga instructor she believes that Yoga has the goal of helping human beings to become aware of their deepest nature. Yoga brings together both the physical and the mental aspects to realise peacefulness and help the body to relax. Yoga helps drawing the focus away from the stresses of life. The key to Yoga is the movement along with the breathing. Anja can't imagine a life without Yoga. And I can't wait to join her yoga class the next time I am in Hamburg.