Are you one of those who are sick of visiting the same international brand stores in every city? I am sure finding a local designer store hidden somewhere in the city would charm right away. Well, you cannot imagine how many requests we get from visitors asking “Where do you shop?” or “Can you please name a few local designers in Istanbul?” So I came up with this post to share some of Istanbul’s secrets with you. I must admit I got lots of help from my friends in creating this list. So, ready, set … go!
Guided Shopping Mall Tours
Half-day €35/100+ per person/group — Full-day €60+ per person
Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Özlem Tuna Design Zone
This is the only store I can name in the old city.
Here is her short story:
“Özlem Tuna received her BA degree in Ceramics from Marmara University- Fine Arts Faculty in 1993. Continuing her art studies at the same university, she earned a MAF degree in the Department of Graphic Design- Authentic Printing Workshop.
In 1996, her focus was drawn to jewellery design and manufacturing, and her career in the field began when she first started working for Urart Company.
She established Özlem Tuna Design Studio and Workshop in April, 2003.
Under the same brand name, she designed and manufactured jewellery and home accessories. She is currently providing consultancy services in modelling and design for several companies in the jewellery sector.
In May, 2007, she opened a jewellery and objects gallery called “Design Zone” near Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. In addition to Özlem Tuna jewelleries and home accessories, the works of other Turkish designers are also shown at the gallery.”
Nuruosmaniye Caddesi, Alibaba Türbe Sokak 21/4, Nuruosmaniye
open 09:00-18:00 except Sunday
www.ozlemtuna.com
Atölye Mariposa
A heaven of vintage clothes and home accessories. They have two stores, one in Cihangir and one in Nişantaşı, both owned by Banu Öneş and Didem Arayıcı. Banu’s designs are prepared at the back of the shop. Let’s say you went there and liked a dress, but you thought if it could be remade with another fabric or color. Well your wish is their demand. Just pick the fabric and they will prepare the same dress for you. Isn’t it amazing?
Teşvikiye Caddesı, Goksu Apt. No: 21\1, Nişantaşı
open 10:30-20:00 weekdays, 11:00-21:00 weekends
Şimşirci Sokak 11A, Cihangir
open 10:30-20:00 weekdays, 11:00-21:00 weekends
Guided Shopping Market Tours
Half-day €25 — Full-day €65+ — Group €100
Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
Midnight Express
“Midnight Express is a concept store that has developed out of an architect and fashion designer’s desire to create a boutique that reflects their common interests,” say the owners Banu Bora and Tayfun Mumcu. Their collection consists of fashion, lifestyle, accessories and jewelry.
address: Küçük Bebek Caddesi, 7A Bebek
open 10:00-19:30 except Sunday
midnightexpress.com.tr
Zeynep Tosun
One of the most successful of the new breed of young designers. Zeynep studied at Marangoni — one of the most prestigious fashion school in Italy. She got her first experience at Alberta Ferretti. I am sure you will find something you like at her store. Her special collection can also be found the Akmerkez Shopping Mall.
Yeşerti Sokak 17/10 Akatlar
open weekdays 09:00-19:00
zeyneptosun.com
Immerse Yourself in Exotic Turkish Culture
Whirling Dervishes €19 — Home Cooking €46 — Turkish Diner Show €70
Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
OYE
OYE stands for ‘Open Your Eyes’. If you’re in the market for elegant handmade beachwear of the highest quality, look no further. OYE’s Ayca and Zeynep produce sexy lines that will satisfy even the most demanding and uncompromising clientele. Customer satisfaction is their top priority, hence their focus on delivering superb quality products. You can find one of their swimwear showroom in Taksim.
Inonu Caddesi 27/2, Taksim
Tel.: +90 532 236 25 44
oyeswimwear.com