We were lucky to catch up with Khan Turgut recently and have shared our conversation below.

Khan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission is pretty simple. I’m coming from an Immigrant Anatolian guest worker family from Germany. Growing up I faced a lot of racism, Islamophobia and as a trans individual a lot of transphobia as well. The time made me hate everything about my heritage, religion and identity. After years of oppression, I broke the chains and found my mission in life and career as well. As an Anatolian, Muslim, trans creative, I can proudly say that my purpose and mission with my company is to spread out my religion, culture and own identity as loud and as proud as possible. The idea is to inspire and soften hearts.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My path in fashion started when I was around 14. Back then I was living in Istanbul and there I attended a weekend fashion school. Afterward, I started my BA in Fashion design at Atelier Chardon Savard. While studying, I had the opportunity to assist diverse labels at NYFW and PFW. Afterward, I kinda went for my own road and founded Guovarde in May 2022.

As a sustainable, non-binary Anatolian high fashion label, we really break through any kind of norms. Tailoring/ pattern wise, we really push the limits of the human body and make adaptable designs for anybody types and genders. That really opens a new vision for a lot of customers, since they don’t buy/order in a gender frame. I really believe that sets us apart from the rest.

I’m quite proud how far we have come with our label in just a year! We have worked with multiple platforms, were nominated for awards and had the beautiful chance to work with great creatives around the globe. Our clients/community are really interested in our story, what we stand for and how we transform that into high fashion.

Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?

I think it’s the now and the future. The interaction of fashion with technology and the digital world really increased and evolved. And I truly believe that we will even work more often with NFTs and digital art in the near future.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me personally the most rewarding thing as a creative is; that I can just reflect my ideas, visions, emotions and just kinda my life into my work. I really feel blessed and honored to have the opportunity to work with something so personal and emotional.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.guovarde.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guovarde/

Image Credits
Creative Direction: Khan Turgut Photography: Yuko Kotetsu, Nurdan Usta