Istanbul L-atitude's newest destination!
Photographer Garance Dore reveals the secrets of the bazaar!
"It" Girls<
Meet the "it" girls of Istanbul and get their style: a series of street style photographs shot by Garance Dore
For Demet Muftuoglu, her fashion credentials have come full circle. After growing up in Istanbul, she forged her stylish path in New York City ? first studying at FIT, and then working as a buyer. Then ten years later, Demet was presented with the position of Art Director at Vakko, the oldest fashion label in Turkey. During her tenure at Vakko, she?s infused major designer relationships into the brand in...
Read MoreBack in my childhood it was impossible to find a house without an ikat rug. Handmade rugs are very common in Anatolian culture, and in Turkey nearly every house had these types of rugs covering the floor. Back in my childhood it was impossible to find a house without an ikat rug. Handmade rugs are very common in Anatolian culture, and in Turkey nearly every house had these types of...
Read MoreThe Bazaar to end all Bazaars, the Grand Bazaar is in Sultanahmet, the old town region of Istanbul. But in a massive labyrinth with over 1,200 shops and 250,000 visitors per day, where to start? Here are a few must-visit destinations on every Istanbullite?s list.
Mavi Kose:This treasure chest of a shop has been around for half a century and has been visited by countless heads of state, members of royalty, Hollywood stars as well as style icon Grace Kelly herself. Don?t let the shoebox size of the shop deceive you, for here you will find vintage art deco diamond encrusted watches,traditional Kurdish gold dowry necklaces, ottoman cufflinks, silver cigarrette cases and one of a kind pieces galore.
Next head over to Sivasli Istanbul Yazmacisifor amazing textiles. Everyone from Rifat Ozbek to Hussein Chalayan, Arzu Kaprol and Dice Kayek all rely on the Sivasli Istanbul shop both for inspiration and as a key source for raw material. If you want to have a go at making your own Rifat Ozbek style pillows, then a visit to Murat?s shop is a must.
No trip to the Grand Bazaar is complete without a stop at either AbdullaorDervis, where both foreigners and locals head to stock up on ultra-thin, quick drying towels called Peshtemals, which are traditionally used in Turkish Baths. If you want a more authentic experience, go straight to the source and pick up your patented peshtemals from Egin Textiles. For one -of ?a- kind Turkish Tiles, Iznik Art is the perfect place to buy a unique wedding gift for the friend who has everything, or a timeless statement piece for your hard to please mother-in-law. The owner of the shop is a renowned Turkish tile scholar and artist who is the only master of matte finish Iznik tiles in Turkey.
Last but not least, if you are looking for a modern yet warm rug to decorate your apartment or office floor, then head over to Ethnicon and Dhoku. Founded at the turn of the 21st century, Ethnicon and Dhoku specialize in making patchwork rugs out of recycled pieces of ?kilims? or ?halis?. Especially popular are the vintage monochrome carpets which are then dyed to create an all new, washed out showstopping tapestry.
Address Book:
Mavi K??e:
Cevahir Bedesten Sherifaga sok no: 8, Kapalicarsi, Istanbul/Turkey
Tel: (0212) 519 06 86
Sivasli Istanbul Yazmacisi, Necdet Danis & B. Murat Hashas.
No. 57, Yaglikcilar, Kapalicarsi, Istanbul/ Turkey
+90 212 526 7748
Dervis:
Keseciler Cad. No.33-35, Kapalicarsi/Istanbul, +90 212 514 45 25
Abdulla:
Hal?c?lar cad. no. 62, kapal??ar?? istanbul 34440
Egin Textiles
Ya?l?k??lar Cad. No :1 ( ?r?c?ler Kap?s? giri?i )
Kapal??ar?? - Beyaz?t
istanbul
T?rkiye
3440
?znik Art
Orta Kazaslar St. No:64 P.K. 34440, Kapalicarsi/Istanbul
Ethnicon
Kapalicarsi Takkeciler Sok. No. 58-60
34126, Emin?n?, Istanbul
Model, stylist, owner of one of Turkey?s most well known vintage shops, and Vogue Turkey?s Editor-at-Large to boot, Ece Sukan?s resume reads nothing short of impressive. This fashion plate let?s us in to her enviable life and answers a few of our burning questions:
L-atitude: What is your favorite boutique in Turkey to frequent?
EceSukan: Midnight Express and Maybe Design.
L: What type of treasures does your vintage shop carry?
ES: I have a rich variety of clothing and accessories from different periods. For example, I have this amazing beaded fringe dress from 1959 by YSL for Dior and a stunning evening gown by Mainbocher. I also have dresses by Giorgio Di Sant'angelo and suits by Thierry Mugler. The list goes on!
L: What accessory completes your outfit these days?
ES: These days I'm wearing either something art deco or 50's modern necklaces over bright colored turtleneck sweaters
L: Which designers inspire you?
ES: Always the great YSL. The last exhibition at Grand Palais was so amazing. And also Miuccia Prada, AlberElbaz, Raf Simons, Ricardo Tisci and Nicholas Ghesquiere.
L: What are your favorite restaurants in Turkey?
ES: I like to go to Changa, M?nferit, Kahraman Fish Restaurant and EceMeyhane.
L: What are your favorite pieces from L-atitude?
ES: I love the Ikat pillows and the Vivien heel from Carmen Ho.
Vist Ece Sukan Vintage Store
Ahmet Fetgari Sokak No:152 Te?vikiye - ?STANBUL
Istanbul Zip Code Guide
WHERE TO SHOP
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GRAND BAZAAR
Abdulla
Traditional & trendy bath products to recreate life in a hammam.
Near the Bedestan area. Halicilar Cad. No. 62, Kapalicarsi || +90-212-527-36-84 || www.abdulla.com
Sivasli Yazmacisi
Truly experience the bazaar by visiting legendary Bazaar vendor - Murat. Stay for a cup of apple tea, and sweet talk him into showing you his secret collection of vintage ikats - silk & velvet (all hidden behind the counter).
Near Gate 14. Yaglikcilar, No. 57, Kapalicarsi. || +90-212-526-77-48
Mavi Kose
Amazing collection of vintage byzantine jewels, visit the owner Mr. Diran and hear his stories about this amazing family collection of byzantine treasures.
In the "Blue Corner". K.Carsi, Inciciler Sok, No. 10-12 || +90-212-519-06-86
Zaida
We fell in love with their collection of chic ikat loafers. Imagine Charlotte Olympia loafers, but with ikat fabric.
Iskender Bogazi Abdurrahman, Bekir Han No. 4, Kapalicarsi || +90-212-528-00-39
OFF THE BEATEN PATH STORES
Armaggan Art & Design Gallery
The ultimate in luxurious turkish craftsmanship - admire their jewelry, art & home collection.
Telefon Faks. Abdi ?pek?i Caddesi, Bostan Sokak, No:8 34367 Ni?anta??
Haremlique
The most luxurious home & bath products.
?air Nedim Bey Caddesi No:11 Akaretler Be?ikta? ?stanbul
Luna Park
Super hip design & souvenir store in Galata
?ahkulu Mahallesi, Laleli ?e?me Sokak, 17/B, Galata, 34420 Beyo?lu || +90-212-245-9414
Atelier 55
Off the beaten path concept store with well-known & local turkish designers
Serdar-I, Ekrem Sk. Seraskerci Cikmazi, No. 55, Galata || +90-212-245-32-55
Midnight Express Jewelry
Midnight Express' jewelry only off-shoot! Sigh - the sparkly modern baubles blinded our eyes. An exquisite selection of modern/avant garde fine jewelry by Turkish, European and Middle-Eastern designers.
Cevdet Pa?a Cd. Gemekcik Sk. Bebek Palas Apt. No:1
Simple Life Home
Beautiful and comfortable home collection from the lovely Sebnem Berker. High quality and modern hamam towels, robes, and fragrant soaps and bath products adorn Sebnem's store. You may not want to leave after you walk in, we felt right at home!
WHERE TO EAT
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TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Hamdi
This restaurant serves some of the best kebabs in town. Stop here before you start your day in the Grand Bazaar.
www.hamdi.com.tr
Karakoy Lokantasi
Old School Turkish Food & a rediscovered hot-spot for locals .
www.istanbuleats.com/2009/04/karakoy-lokantasi-a-dockside-winner
Kanaat
The dec?r may be simple, but the food is an attention-stealer anyways.
Slemani Pak Cad. 25, Uskudar || 216 533 3791 || Take the ferry to Uskudar from Besiktas or Eminonu
TRENDY CUISINE
Munferit
The trendy hot-spot for the fashion crowd in Istanbul that serves amazing nouveau Turkish food in Galata.
www.munferit.com.tr
Maya
New trendy restaurant next to Karakoy Lokantasi.
www.lokantamaya.com
Chilai
Chilai is a year-old fancy spot with a beautiful view, located in Bebek.
www.chilai.com.tr
Karakol
Don?t just goggle at Topkapi, dine in this ottoman sultan?s residence just like the royals did.
Topkapi Palace, Guard Post next to Saint Irene || 514 9494 || Book in advance || www.karakolrestaurant.com
WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Empress Zoe
This charmingly rustic hotel is a cozy, shabby-chic hideaway that is also quite affordable.
Akbiyik Cad. 4/1, Sultanahmet || 518 2504 || Emzoe.com
Pera Palace Hotel
The perfect mix of classic, comfort and history brings to mind nostalgia for yesteryears. Bonus: a spectacular view.
Me?rutiyet Caddesi 90-100, Pera || +90 212 377 4000 || perapalace.com
Sumahan-on-the-Water
On the Asia side of Istanbul, this old liquor distillery-turned-hotel is hardly past its prime. The old building, embellished with contemporary furnishings, may be located across the water but, not to worry, the hotel has its own ferry to transport guests to and from the Turkish side of Istanbul.
Kulel? Caddesi 51, ?engelk?y || +90 216 422 8000 || sumahan.com
WHAT TO DO
Yerebatan Sarnici
This ancient cistern is the largest of hundreds that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Make sure to check out the huge Medusa heads and prepare to be wowed.
Yerebatan Cad || Yerebatan.com
Chora Museum
The Chora Museum is actually an old Byzantine church that is home to frescos and mosaics that are unparalleled in Turkey, and some would say, the world.
Chora Church, Ey?p, Kariye Cami Sokak 26 || 0212 631 9241
Walking tours
Istanbul is known for being a city of brilliant beauty. Don?t miss out! Go on one of the many stunning walks around the city and explore it firsthand.
WalksInIstanbul.com
Sultanahmet
Where to shop in Istanbul..
GALATA
Atelier 55
55 Seraskerci ?ikinazi, Galata
An exceptional concept store in Istanbul stocking young Turkish designers and international labels. We especially loved Atelier 55's eclectic jewelry collections, and their espresso bar in case you get too tired from shopping.
Laundromat
Glata Towers (nr), Kuledibi, Galip Dede Cad. 93/B
Chic contemporary boutique right across from the Galata Tower. Find Istanbul's up and coming designer collections in this LES inspired store.
Simay Bulbul
Galata Area; Sahkulu Bostan Sokak, No. 22A
Simay Bulbul's signature boutique in the chic Galatay area. In addition to her Rick Own-esque clothing, what is notable in this store is the interesting collection ofwell-priced jewelry ? especially her rings!
Where to shop in Istanbul..
N??ANTA?I
Gasia
Gazi sinanpasa sok.
18/5Nuruosmaniye
Right above the Alexander Mcqueen store in Nisantasi, this fine jewelry store has gems to die for. Patricia Field found a beautiful crescent/star necklace there for SJP in Sex and the City 2. Check out L-atitude's Istanbul section for some of Gasia's more affordable creations!
Midnight Express
Kad?rgalar Cad. A??k Hava Apt. No:8/3
Midnight Express would fit in perfectly in Nolita. One of our favorite stores in Istanbul with a carefully curated collection of Turkish and international emerging designers. We left with bags in tow!
Yatsik
?akay?k Sokak, Olcay Apt. No:13/1 Te?vikiye, ?i?li
Rifat Ozbek's home d?cor store - Heaven for the true Ikat lover!
V2K designers Ni?anta??
Abdi ?pek?i Cad. No: 31
Hot Hot! Our friend Demet Muftuoglu is the Creative Director of V2K. This is where Istanbul's fashion-set goes to stock up with the latest contemporary designer collections.