What does it mean when an emerging designer’s pieces are seemingly everywhere – that, too, in the midst of a pandemic? It means he’s too good to ignore! The young and talented TAYFUN KABA is not about to let a force of nature impede his growth, doing whatever it takes to ensure the fashion industry knows his name, OHLALA included. Here, we chat with the Turkish designer about arrogance, creativity, and more.
Ruffles, pleats, embroidery, lace-up, draping, and even corsets – you’re obviously very detail-oriented when it comes to your design aesthetic. What do your clothes stand for? What are such details meant to convey?
Actually, the details already showcase my designs. I have always dressed women and have a certain woman in my imagination. With this collection, I wanted to picture and highlight a woman at her most beautiful– that is why I used certain forms and shapes to give space for such details.
We were instantly intrigued by the name of your new collection. Why Arrogant?
‘Arrogant’ is a word that has been with me ever since I was a little child. My family and friends used to tell me how arrogant I am to an extent where it even affected me in my work and private life, but there’s a positive side about it is: my own new collection was born. Long story short, Arrogant is and always has been inside of me.
Describe the Tayfun Kaba woman in three words.
Dramatic, brave, attitude…
Launching your own brand in the middle of a pandemic sounds downright daunting. What can you tell us about the experience?
I have been working in the fashion sector for many years and even gave consultancy to several companies. Launching my own brand – and therefore my own collection – has always been a dream of mine, but I never found the time to do so. While being forced to stay home due to the pandemic, I finally had the time and turned the situation into something positive for me. I do not want to generalise, but, in my opinion, anyone who did not come up with anything during quarantine is not creative. The time during lockdown gave me the needed energy, and I had to use it in order to accomplish something that’s been in me for so long.
One glance at your Instagram account, and it’s evident you’re an avid traveller. How does that factor into who you are a designer and a person?
I was born and raised in Germany, and decided to continue my profession in Turkey. Due to the fact that I grew up with two different cultures and have travelled back and forth a lot of times, seeing and learning from new cultures became a passion of mine. The places I go and the people I meet constantly inspire me.