Looking back at the memories deep into his childhood, of endless summers spent at his family’s country home during the soaring heat of Izmir, this is a very personal collection for designer Bora Aksu. He remembers the days of waking up early and walking into a magical world. It is how he remembers his early days of life. The hour after the sunrise and the hour before sunset in the summer. The light during these times of the day when you see plants silhouetted and dew strangled. The leaves and plants change colours. The light dominates the entire surroundings. It is this ethereal light that influences the entire collection through layering and texture, with feather-light fabrics and mixture of silk tulle. Organza contrasts against structured cotton and the softness is highlight through brocades.
The exploration into these themes of light and colour led Bora to become fascinated by Etheldreda Laing, an exceptionally gifted photographer born in Ely in 1872, who became obsessed with the Autochrome colour process when the plates first became available, over 100 years ago, in 1907. From 1908, she took many truly breath-taking vivid photographs of her daughters Janet and Iris in the garden.
Influences from Etheldreda’s photographs are seen within the SS16 collection. The elegantly tailored jackets and embroidery combined with fluid fabrics add a sophisticated vintage vibe. Bora used the delicate hues of egg yellow, white and pastel pink to create a base palette to contrast with the riotous explosions floral colour.
“In the golden hour, after the sunrise or before sunset, when the world is at its most beautiful.”
