An Interview With Gözde Karadana
From her absolute favourite dress creation to how she keeps up with the ever-evolving bridal fashion sphere, Turkish designer Gözde Karadana invites us to find out more about the face behind the best new designer of the year.
The Gözde Karadana brand started as a small atelier and showroom in Gözde’s hometown of Izmir, Turkey. As they became more established, they moved to a larger premises in Izmir and then added a flagship store in Istanbul. With their overseas client list growing, they formed agreements in London, Germany, Australia and Hong Kong, and recently have embarked on another exciting venture of expanding to Berlin.
The latest collection is designed around the theme of timeless and endless love: “Astrophel”. It particularly uses lightweight and high-quality fabrics with a natural flow. The line is incredibly romantic and feminine, but with the contemporary dynamic that has become the trademark of Gözde Karadana designs.
We spoke with Gözde Karadana to find out more.
Was there a specific moment that made you want to become a bridal fashion designer?
I was interested in fashion from a very young age and becoming a fashion designer was always my dream. In my first year of the company, I made evening wear of various types, but I fell in love with the construction techniques and imaginative sub-context around bridalwear, so I decided to focus exclusively on that.
What three items could you not live without?
Favourite things are oat matcha latte every morning, my mobile phone of course, and my old school sketch book and pencil which go with me everywhere. I guess you would say that I don’t place much sentimental attachment to items, apart from that!
Do you have an absolute favourite gown that you’ve designed? Can you tell us some design secrets behind it?
My favourite gowns have been Rihen and Tuuli. They are inspired by my daughter and son and carry their names.
How has bridal fashion changed over the past few years, and how has the brand evolved and adapted?
Gözde Karadana has always been about avoiding a gown that wears the bride rather than the bride wearing the gown. Our minimalist simplicity was, I believe, ahead of the curve as fluid, untextured gowns are now of the moment. For several seasons we have offered various mix-and-match detachable items to make an ensemble, something that is particularly on-trend. The strapless and highly corseted looks of the previous decade are less on view currently, but who knows—with a contemporary twist they may well reappear in our midst!
Who would you say is your biggest design muse or inspiration?
I can say that I find my inspiration from real women. A woman drinking coffee in a café on the street can be a muse for me. Meeting a new bride-to-be gives me a lot of inspiration and inspiration because every woman is unique.
Could you name an iconic bride whose wedding dress you particularly admire/consider influential in the world of bridal fashion?
My taste varies as my interests of the moment evolve, so although there have been a few brides I’ve admired, their influence on me personally has not been great. I think that although people talk about an “iconic bride” a look is always rooted in the fashions of that era. In my view, the greatest importance for a bridal gown is that it is fresh and individual, reflecting the wearer’s style.
What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
If I told you something about myself that other people don’t know, my secrets would be out, wouldn’t they? All women like to cultivate a romantic air of mystery—just like I try to create for my brides!
