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 Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

For me personally, it was never a realization in life. Since I know myself, I have always been super creative and kinda drawn into creativity. From 14 on, I decided to do fashion and 9 years later here we are. I never really got distracted or wanted to change my path from there on. And here we are today.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am Khan, Central Anatolia’s Muslim ambassador. I’m the founder and creative director of Guovarde, an international model, a stylist, multidisciplinary artist and DJ based in Istanbul, Berlin, Paris and worldwide. I have studied at Atelier Chardon Savard and started establishing myself in the industry during my studies with internships, assisting work and also independent Projects. Directly after my studies, I founded Guovarde and here we are.

Guovarde is a Muslim-owned high fashion label based between Berlin, Istanbul, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. The principal mission of the label is to represent the culture and history of Turkey/ the Middle East in a contemporary and innovative way. Guovarde is genderless and practices sustainable ways of creating, such as upcycling, zero waste patterns, or self-made couture garments using old objects and materials. In the past year, we have pioneered numerous collections, were represented in magazines, and gathered press around the world. We are now represented internationally and are selling with diverse retailers around the world.

In fashion, I really have a new approach to the industry which didn’t exist before me. I’m offering a range of designs which can be worn by both men, women and beyond and can also be worn by modest and non-modest folks. My fashion is very political, it’s somewhere my religion, it’s somewhere a decolonization of indigenous lands and folks, and it’s somewhere a platform for voices which had been muted by colonial powers and patriarchal systems!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My mission is pretty clear. As a creative, I really feel responsible for showing up and acting up against any kind of injustice!

Also, as a muslim creative, I feel really responsible for spreading out the words of Allah (god in Arabic). So, in general, I’m driven by the ide that my craft can embody a message which has been muted or shut down by society. Being able to speak up about these messages as loud as possible is such a blessing for me.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part is to see my work when its finished and public. When I hear people talking about it, or people wearing it. Or also seeing my work on platforms is a great feeling. The privilege of living independently of your art is also such a rewarding aspect.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits
Photography: Yuko Kotetsu Creative Direction: Khan Turgut Casting Director: Eli Xavier Model: Amie