Ankara Olgunlasma Institute showcases new collection in New York

27 May '09

2 min read

On 26th May, the prestigious Ankara Olgunlasma Institute, Turkey's equivalent to New York's Fashion Institute of Technology showcased an extravagant women's collection of hand-embroidered garments inspired by the splendor of the Ottoman Empire. The fashion show begun at 7:30 p.m. at the Broad Street Ballroom and presented under the patronage of The Honorable Mehmet Samsar, Consul General of Turkey.

The one-of-a-kind show brings 20 of the most promising Turkish designers and elite models from around the world together on the runway. The young designers featured in the show were chosen from the hundreds of applicants who applied to study at the Ankara Olgunlasma Institute. Many of the designers were showcasing their work outside of Turkey for the first time.

Consul General Samsar commented: "We are honored to sponsor the Turkish Fashion Show for the second time and are excited to expand upon last year's success. Turkish fashion is renowned for its exquisite designs inspired by a culture rich in history. These young designers have adapted past traditions into a combination of old and new to share their reflection of modern day Turkey."

A collection of more than 60 designs feature clothing inspired by the glory of the Ottoman Empire at its height during the 15th and 16th centuries where palace fashions were a sign of wealth and a woman's status in society. The show was also portraying the evolution of clothing and Turkish social life from the founding of the Republic in 1923 to the present day.

Evening attire featured traditional Turkish motifs and hand embroidery unique to the country. Many of the designs were inspired by the colorful regional dress of Anatolia (the Western and Central portions of Turkey between the Black and Mediterranean Seas) where clothing is still created by hand looms combining light fabrics with heavy silks featuring complex needlework. The entire collection epitomized the vibrant culture of Turkey and its unique civilization which span the culture of East and West.

Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey

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