Istanbul is definitely one of my favorite places on the planet. For one, it is where I spent my honeymoon, and I have fond memories of the potpourri of sites, sounds, and delicious smells that envelope you like a cloak, custom-tailored for the Bosphorus. So naturally, I was really excited (and nostalgic) when designers Sena Çevik and Seray Cengiz of BOA Studio contacted me about sharing their eco-conscious organic cotton (‘pamuk’) collection, hand-crafted in this rather magical city. Not only was I instantly smitten with the creative fusion behind their label, but also inspired by how the seeds of green fashion were being nurtured by these two talented and adventurous Central Saint Martins and Bilgi University design grads. BOA studio is a clever celebration of global style with an outlook that is hands-down future-forward and resourceful in spirit.
The mission of BOA Studio is “to provide eco-friendly and aesthetically-wise designs that will truly become a part of your life”. Their east/west blend of designs features cool separates, stylish tees, sweatshirts, mini-dresses, and kaftans (capes) – often embellished with hand-drawn, organically printed illustrations. 100% organic ‘pamuk ‘ (cotton) is the underlying ingredient in all of their collections, and the mixture of local street vibe and doodled musings is totally infectious.
Recently founded in 2007, the design duo has since been on the rise in fashion capitals throughout Europe, with a dedication to help expand the eco-fashion scene and production arena in Istanbul and beyond. BOA is currently exhibiting at this weekend’s Bridges to Fashion show in Rotterdam, and I am really looking forward to meeting Sena and Seray during my sustainable style scouting in Europe this fall. I already have my heart set on acquiring some organic ‘pamuk’ as a way to commemorate my return to Constantinople, and BOA’s uniquely crafted ‘owl’ kaftan (see below) seems totally apropos for an Inhabitat writer-on-the go!
+ BOA studio
+ BOA on Pukkha Living’s Guide to Modern Istanbul
