Interview with Fashion Designer Nurcan Rutter

Hi There..... Are you in for another fashion designer interview? 

I am glad the fashion industry is so versatile so that I can present you with something different every time. You are not waiting for boring blog posts with always the same stories, now are you. Well, it’s something I don’t want either. I think it’s fun to always find new things. 😀

Today’s fashion designer interview is largely about hair accessories. Ah, talking about hair jogged back some ancient memories of my initiation into the college fraternity. It was lots of fun. We went by tram to the center of the city where we had to clean the tram rails with a toothbrush. Nah, they didn’t have to be squeaky clean. It was just for a laugh. 😄

Afterward, we took a walk and stopped frequently, where they filled our clothes with straw and rubbed our heads with a gel-like substance with a strong garlic odor. They led us to a party to celebrate our initiation. It was lots of fun except for one minor detail. It took me a couple of weeks to get the smell of garlic out of my hair. 😂

Enough about me. Let me introduce you to Nurcan, who is a 34-year-old fashion designer and has her own brand based in the UK. 😊

https://nurcanmade.com/

What kind of work do you do, or what are you studying to be? 

I studied in Turkey as a fashion designer & I studied garment technology for fashion at UAL Fashion Retail Academy in London. 

After I worked for the fast fashion industry, I saw the impact of the industry on the environment. I took a decision to go in the opposite direction of fast fashion and created my upcycling fashion journey and brand officially in May 2021. 

At the moment I am collecting unwanted fashion items, deadstock fabrics, beads, or craft equipment to re-design them to have a new life as hair accessories, bags, purses, even jewelry rather than going into landfills.

What made you decide to become a Designer? 

It dates back to my childhood. I grew up in a big family & street culture in Turkey, Istanbul where women came together to cut, sew and alter their clothes. I was always with them cutting & doing edges or pinning the fabric & trying to make clothes for my dolls with their leftover fabrics so I probably got influenced by the local talented ladies. 

Is fashion important to you? Why? 

Yes, because it is a visual and endless industry where you can combine lots of styles from the last century to today. It is actual history, you can look at fashion evolution like a tale of all our humanity. This tells you a lot about the past such as economy, politics, popular culture, society, art. It is like a massive database.

What are your successes and how did you achieve them? 

When I was in college I had the opportunity to work with one of the famous Haute couture brands in Turkey called Yildirim Mayruk. I worked closely with the designer and his lovely team, and their workplace was just dreamy. They didn't allow you to throw any piece of fabric in the waste bin. 

This experience taught me about the Haute couture culture and how to be creative. It made me realize how important a piece of fabric can be. 

I learned hand stitching skills, pattern cutting, fitting, and alteration skills there, which are my gold medals today. 

Is the name of the Brand important to you when you buy clothing? 

No, not at all. The functionality is important to me. I can buy clothing from anywhere from high street names to bazaars or even car boot sales. You can find very functional, unique, and interesting items at car boot sales. 

For example, I bought a 3/4 sleeves long waterfalls cardigan from a street bazaar years ago. It can transform into multiple items such as a bolero, or a tunic with a belt. I even transferred it to a bag with a couple of knots. It is probably my favorite piece in my wardrobe. 

Of course, I have branded pieces too! Some English heritage brands I love such as Hobbs, Jigsaw, The white company but I mainly focus on second hands shops, bazaars, or individual unique brands, because you can see and feel the journey and you can even find more unique and functional pieces from them. 

Describe your personal style of clothing? 

I can identify myself as boho style which is the most comfortable for me, and besides that, I think I could describe myself in 80s hippie and vintage style rather than a modern look. In terms of items, you can find me in a long flare dress and platform shoes or sandals in the summer. 

I love to complete my look with jewelry, especially bulky ones like drop earrings or boho-lined necklaces. I also love to decorate my hair with a hair accessory. Could be a giant scrunchie with a big bun or hair clips to put up my messy hair. Even if I am at home, I like to style myself, especially during the lockdown. I am more conscious about what I am wearing because it expresses my mood & feelings & cares. We also have two dogs and a cat so they are my everyday audience. I also like to look good at zoom meetings. 

 

How did you find your personal style? Do you have a signature look? 

I can’t say I have a signature look at the moment, but I like to look timeless. Looking back to my early 20s, I looked more gothic. I was more into dark colors and I remember that anything in black tulle was my favorite. Dark romantic makeup was essential. My look has changed because I found my true esthetic over the years. 

I am a short & slim woman so my body shape gets lost by wearing all dark. My wardrobe is more colorful now, and I love flower-printed dresses long/short or mid-length for summer. For winter, I have long scarfs I can wear multiple ways even at home wrapping myself in them to keep myself warm or create a stylish and cozy look. 

My other essential touch is mascara. Yes, that actually can be my signature because I believe it is positively changing expression and style. 

Do you have an influence on other people’s clothing style? 

Yes, they like my vision which impresses me because it proves that I am doing a good job. When they ask me for advice on their clothing style, I always share my honest opinion. I love giving them tips and thoughts about their style.

 

What are in your eyes the best trends at the moment?

Loungewear! Since the pandemic started, a majority of people work from home. Simple stylish and of course comfortable loungewear is necessary. I guess it will be a key trend from now on. Even when getting back to the new normal. 

Seamless work outfit items are key in this decade and they are my favorite. Simple, light, and easy to wear for the new rushing about age.

What are in your eyes the worst trends at the moment? 

Bralette. I just don’t find them useful, effective, or necessary. 

What kind of fashion advice would you give us? 

My first piece of advice would be that you need to wear clothes that fit your body shape, meaning that you need to know your body shape and find the best clothes that are suitable. 

It doesn’t matter what your body shape is, fitting clothes will make anyone look stunning. 

Second, fashion is a rich sector and there are lots of fashion brands that encourage you to shop effectively by showing you exactly what you need. They will help you avoid having a wardrobe full of items you never wear and they will also help you find your right style too. 

I also strongly advise you to alternate your pre-loved items and enjoy making combinations of your clothes, explore new styles of your own. Don't let fashion authorities dictate you, because fashion & styling should be fun. Just enjoy it.

Who is your style icon and why? 

Audrey Hepburn, of course. She owned the adorableness and natural, graceful temperament of a classic woman. Stevie Nicks with a combination of bohemian & vintage style, of course, for her powerful voice. Vivienne Westwood with her divergent designs and creativity. Kate Moss for her beauty & unique style. 

Is there something else you would like to share with us? 

Always be yourself and always have your opinion about styling fashion. It's not about shape so do not let fashion hurt you. 

Thank you so much for filling in my questions with so much detail, Nurcan. 😍

I wish I could wear such stunning scrunchies, but long hair is just not for me. 

Hope you like my blog.....Until next time.....Have a nice day 

Renata (Seadbeady)

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