Dilara Findikoglu, the innovative womenswear designer based in London, is a prominent figure in the fashion world, showcasing her seasonal collections during London Fashion Week. Renowned for her ability to blend subcultural elements with profound social commentary on feminism, religion, and politics, Findikoglu has emerged as a trailblazing force in luxury fashion.
With her instantly recognizable and entirely unique perspective, Findikoglu has garnered widespread acclaim from leading publications such as Vogue, Dazed & Confused, and i-D, among others. Her work is celebrated for its unapologetically iconoclastic viewpoint, reflecting her upbringing in Istanbul and her fusion of artisan traditions with a punk mentality.
Nominated for the prestigious LMVH prize in 2017, Findikoglu has solidified her status as an exceptional rising talent on the global stage. Her collections, characterized by their meticulous attention to quality, detail, and couture sensibility, are available at top retailers worldwide, including Selfridges, H. Lorenzo, and Dover Street Market.
Beyond her commercial success, Findikoglu stands as a symbol of innovation and defiance within the fashion industry. By challenging conventional norms and pushing boundaries, she continues to offer fresh perspectives and exciting contributions to the future of fashion.
In essence, Dilara Findikoglu represents not only a designer but a visionary who is reshaping the landscape of contemporary womenswear with her bold creativity and unwavering commitment to authenticity.
Dilara Fındıkoğlu, the maven of the grotesque, transported us to the eerie ambiance of St. Luke Old Street Anglican church for her Fall/Winter 2024 collection, an evocative presentation titled “Femme Vortex,” blending twisted feminine beauty with tragedy.
On day three of the fashion week, attendees gathered outside the church, greeted by a model adorned in a black corseted dress, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the impending spectacle.
Inside the chilling confines of the church, visitors were enveloped by pointed arches and imposing stone pillars, shrouded in darkness illuminated only by camera flashes and hand-held torches. Whispers circulated of Dilara’s eleventh-hour stitching as anticipation built for the delayed runway show.
Hari Nef, a friend of the brand and revered style icon, opened the show in a striking ensemble dubbed “Female Territory,” juxtaposing sheer-cupped white corsetry with a button-up shirt and blazer cinched at the waist with a large safety pin. Adorned with a lace-up choker and an eyelet-style belt fashioned into a bow, Nef embodied a contemporary femininity imbued with utility, a nod to the practicality often lacking in women’s fashion.
Yet, it wasn’t solely the captivating looks or Nef’s presence that held the audience spellbound. Nef’s deliberate pace down the aisle, eschewing the typical hurried stride, infused the presentation with theatricality. Models followed suit, their movements evoking a distorted contortion reminiscent of haunted dolls, a motif reminiscent of Maison Margiela’s recent Artisanal show, where movement director Pat Boguslawski similarly imbued the runway with mystical sensuality.
Dilara Fındıkoğlu, with her penchant for the macabre and her ability to infuse her collections with profound thematic depth, continues to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of contemporary fashion. Through her artistry, she invites us into a world where beauty and darkness coalesce, leaving an indelible impression on the fashion landscape.
