Behind the Label | Mehry Mu

G?ne? Mutlu is the mastermind of exotic-chic bag line, Mehry Mu. Inspired by the textiles around her at Istanbul markets, specifically the vibrant Ikat prints, she set out to reinvent these patterns into beautifully wearable pieces. Her aesthetic is nothing short of global, with her inspirations spanning from Turkey and ancient Eastern design to breezy Italian glamour and the influence of the Orient. She shares with L-atitude how her travels, as well as her own city, are reflected in her designs.

G?ne? Mutlu is the mastermind of exotic-chic bag line, Mehry Mu. Inspired by the textiles around her at Istanbul markets, specifically the vibrant Ikat prints, she set out to reinvent these patterns into beautifully wearable pieces. Her aesthetic is nothing short of global, with her inspirations spanning from Turkey and ancient Eastern design to breezy Italian glamour and the influence of the Orient. She shares with L-atitude how her travels, as well as her own city, are reflected in her designs.

 

 

What is the overall style of the collection?
Mehry Mu bags have easy forms, yet they stand out in a crowd. They have an Eastern aura; with their ikat linings, stitching details, and protective charms, but they are not ethnic. They are usable bags with an oriental touch to them.

 

 

 

What encouraged you to start your own line and how did you go about doing so?
I was always in love with the ikat fabrics I used to collect in the Grand Bazaar, and I wanted to use them somewhere other than pillows. The collection started with the Spice bag which had ikat cut out motifs and expanded into a full line that carried many Eastern touches, always making sure to be subtle.

 

 

 

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I always imagine the woman who will use my bags first- a globe-trotting, busy and chic person needs certain things in a bag. And then I lose myself in the magical world of ancient Eastern design. Tiles, textiles, rugs, jewelry, doors, palaces..Anything and everything from the East is an inspiration. Then I go back to the user I had in mind and put it all together. Nowadays the woman I imagine possesses the effortless and easy chic of Capri style.. And I am obsessed with the oriental influence on art deco fashion, so am working on putting these two inspirations together.

 

 

 

 

 

What do you find the most inspiring destination in the world?
Istanbul embodies the odd mix of ancient and the new, and this fuels my design process a great deal. It possesses all the historical Eastern design elements that I am keen on, as well as being cosmopolitan enough, to inhabit the modern woman I have in mind.

 

Shops: Midnight Express & Abdulla

Restaurants: Mangerie, Munferit, Maya, Karakoy Balikcis & Pandeli

Sightseeing: Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Balat & Bebek

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is your own personal style?
A feminine-masculine silhouette with one of a kind, eclectic and bold jewelry.

 

 

What is one of the best shopping finds you?ve had in your travels?
I always go back to my jade-diamond statement ring from India. Its huge, the tone of the green is amazing, and I can wear it day and night.

 

 

 

 

 

To shop the Mehry Mu collection, please click here.