Blend by Duygu Komecci

BLEND FEBRUARY 2013

LOVES FROM GOLDEN GLOBES RED CARPET

NEVER SAY NEVER WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION

IS “IT JUST A BAG”?

Editorial

SWEET FEBRUARY Thank you for joining us at BLEND. We are two teammates and will try our best to bring you our passion, fad, amateur experiences and tastes in the fashion industry. I have always believed that fashion is a fad, it’s not that serious, sometimes all you need is to have fun, trust your taste instead of others. It’s not about the money, it’s about your taste so try as much as you can, learn what is behind the scenes of collections, ask questions. Don’t be a victim, be a player. You are not the price tag of your clothes, you are your own taste. At BLEND we are only two people. We don’t have a group of writers, photographers or stylists and we did everything ourselves. My partner Melisa, has a different perspective than me, this makes me change my perspective and helps me understand different tastes as well. Her knowledge about music is another important substructure of our magazine. Our inspiring teacher Ayşe Ferhangil, has always been ready to help and support us. There is nothing more important than to have someone who makes you believe in yourself and respect your work. She was my muse. I hope you enjoy our very first magazine, here is the February issue of our magazine BLEND. Have fun!

Duygu Komecci

YOU ARE FASHION Since I was a child, I have always loved to dress up, not by wearing common fashionable things, but by trying to create my own fashion. Having an individual style has always been my thing and is what I have tried to do at BLEND. I feel that “Blend”, is a magazine that supports the idea of “freedom in clothes”. By the way you dress, you actually express yourself, your thoughts, your feelings or mood. The name “Blend” comes from blending your character with your clothes or making a total nonsense of fashion, by combining different things that no other person would dare to combine. Our magazines target is young and adventurous women that can look fab in anything they wear, because they don’t care about what other people think. To be an individual, is the most important thing in life and fashion. I have always known my teammate Duygu as “the” fashion person amongst my friends. I remember my mother saying; “If you really want to be successful in life you have to eat, sleep and breath it”. This is what Duygu does with fashion and is the main reason underlying our collaboration. We try to combine creativity with fashion, or look at things in a different perspective. I must thank Ayşe Ferhangil, who has been our mentor and guided us throughout this fabulous journey of fashion. For me she is “the” Suzy Menkes of Turkey and if it wasn’t for her fashion knowledge, there wouldn’t be BLEND magazine. Have a Fabuary! Fashionable Regards

Melisa Sabuncu

Special Thanks

In this journey, we have had several contributors who supported and helped us. We want to send them our special thanks. Firstly, we have to thank AyĹ&#x;e Ferhangil, who encouraged us on everything. It is important that we started out our magazine with the right person. She was our muse. We also have a very important teammate, Aren Arda Kaya, who helped us with the indesign of the magazine and did such a great job. Many thanks to him and our cover girl Ekin Bulut, a pretty, fine art student who is only 16 years old, but already knows how to pose. A huge thanks to Melis Us, who helped us, by sparing time to be our model (also contributing her own clothes) in our article on fashion by years. Finally, thanks to AyĹ&#x;e AktĂźrk for being our model and also helping take some photographs in our article on street fashion.

Contents

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NEVER SAY NEVER WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION IS “IT JUST A BAG”?

GET ON THE HILL! ADDRESS: FASHION STREET/ OUR OWN AVENUE DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AND SING ALONG WITH DEKADANS

FINISHING TOUCH: EAR CUFF A MUM THAT WAS ONCE OBSESSED WITH BRYAN FERRY, HAIR COLORS AND OUTSTANDING FASHION TRES TRE COOL AND TRE TRE CHIC LOVES FROM GOLDEN GLOBES RED CARPET

NEVER SAY NEVER WHEN IT COMES TO FASHION Photographs and article by Melisa Sabuncu How many times have we given away our old clothes because they are out of fashion? Just think about it and look at what has happened… All the beautiful pieces we wore for being stylish are actually becoming timeless pieces after us getting rid of them for being out of style at the time thinking; “I’ll never wear that again or I wouldn’t wear it even if they paid me to.” Lets travel back in time to the oldies and realize that when it comes to fashion the past can always become the future…

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ELEGANCE: 1930s At the beginning of 1900s, women were trying to fit into uncomfortable undergarments and clothing was not for the luxury or needs of women. In time to come, things changed. Coco Chanel made a revolution in women’s clothing. By 1930’s knits were at upmost popularity. It made life much easier, giving comfort to women and helping improve their lifestyle. Even if it’s a common garment nowadays and most women have one in their wardrobes, it was a huge deal for women to own a cardigan in 1900s.

LADY CHAPLIN: 1940s The first examples of bowler shape hats date way back to 1849,originally being created for the british soldiers. In the 1940s, it was mostly used by businessman or major artists of the time,whom actually made the bowler hat iconic.(Some of these are Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy.)In account to the masculine impact in fashion, these hats have made a come back.You can look cute, serious or sometimes kind of â&#x20AC;&#x153;broadwayâ&#x20AC;? depending on what you combine the hat with.

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TEA TIME: 1950s Polka dot dresses were one of the most fashionable garments of 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Nearly every grandma has a polka dress somewhere in their wardrobe. Although they resemble table or picnic cloths they are not to be disregarded. You can become a stunner just like a pink lady from Grease just by adding a pair of sunglasses and a neck scarf.

MOD TREND: 1960s Colors go bright and clothes become vibrant and fun. Most designer labels from Louis Vuitton to Moschino have been influenced by mod trends and have made a comeback . Over patterned clothes with geometric shapes are screaming in your face with extremely vibrant colors. Here we used clean lines with a zest of orange.

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SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER: 1970s Disco inferno chic! Whether you are in for a dance or not, the late 70’s style screams “John Travolta”. Shirts are the most popular garments along with bell-bottoms and platform shoes of this time period. This shirt can actually fit in with the disco mood or even a calm mood depending on how and where you wear it.

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN: 1980s Influence of music and artists were major in the 1980s. We know that Madonna started all the head bows, leg warmers and mini skirts combination. 1980s were also sleeveless jean jackets and if you were a fan of a band you would probably get the name printed on the back of the jacket. You had an attitude, rebellious style. Go girl!

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COLLEGE CHIC: 1990s Get your books ready for the new semester. Stick on a cute dress and a shirt. 1990’s schoolgirl look also seen in Britney’s late 90’s video “Hit Me Baby One More Time” is a popular trend of the 90’s that make you say “Who’s that mysterious chic?” and leave the boys wanting to chat you up. BLEND

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IS “IT JUST A BAG”? by Duygu Komecci When I say it bags, the first words that appear in our minds are; Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Birkin, Kelly, Speedy aren’t they? If you study your lesson, there must be some other names on your mind. You all must be familiar with the term, ‘it bag’. Actually there is a story behind the scenes, do you know when the concept of status bag showed up?

Giuliana Camerino’s first ‘it bag’ It all started with Giuliana Camerino, her bags are the first status bags. If all the women are praying for LV instead of God, it’s because of her. I assume that you have no idea of the term and will tell you what it means. It Bag is a term from the fashion industry has been used since the 1990s to describe a brand or type of high-priced (high= you gotta break the bank) designer handbags. For example; you see a women who carries bag on her elbow and you simultaneously recognize the brand and price. Forget about the definitions and history stuff. What actually makes a regular bag it bag? Why do we all care about it? Even women who won’t wait for a prince charming waits for years for a Hermes Birkin, Why? Many sociologists explain that the easiest way to telegraph information about our status to others is to display our status symbols. Even Sigmund Freud has a comment about bags; according to Freud If you dream of a bag, it can be both opened or closed, it represents female power of giving or withholding flavors. Also if the bag is nice it

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represents sexual satisfaction and spiritual comfort. Actually, those bags don’t show their status anymore, when fashion houses first launch their collection they tell you which ones are the it bags of that season. You know, there are millions of women who can even call a chair ‘it chair’ if Karl Lagerfeld says so. It’s not hard to make people think it’s an it bag by just putting a nice price on it (put zeros as much as you can) then create a waiting list and make people sure you have to wait for it. The funny thing is that, you accept to wait to pay thousands of dollars for a bag. Because it people say it’s worth it. Marc Jacobs gives an interview and says it’s not a bag it’s a lifestyle. Vogue says your Fendi is your best friend. Meantime, you see the bag on Hollywood celebrities, fashion icons, and famous ‘no one knows why they’re famous’ people’s elbows. Hollywood can sell everything you know. And as a finishing touch if fakes appear on the street, bang! Especially Chanel knows how to do it, they use Coco Chanel’s stories, the fashion house draw the longbow. And we all listened to it like a bed-time story. Such as kapitone bags; there is a zippered compartment at the inside of

the front flap. That is where Chanel is rumoured to have stored her love letters in her original bag. I may sound as if I am just making fun of it but I’m not just some anti-fashion person but the process is exactly how I explained, with better and serious words. It’s exactly team work, fashion house launches as a ‘it’ then reporters and magazines publish ‘must have’ lists. Customers are only a cog in the wheel. That little bag becomes your pass card in cream de la cream society. You don’t need title, no need to have a style, job. The bag is your identity because they said so. Who are they exactly? Designer, PR people, media, reporters, photographs, movies. You may see celebrities, they have photographs in which they look chubby, casual, make-up-free. But, they always have a really expensive bag with them. It doesn’t matter if the bag suits with the clothes or style. This kind of picture gives the meaning. Fashion people choose for you, they tell you what to love, they decide what’s worth to pay and if you have no idea about real quality or what’s worth paying and what is not you’re always a guinea pig. Think about it, don’t buy everything magazines sell. BLEND

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GET ON THE HILL! by Duygu Komecci

It’s that time of year again, the snow has covered all across Turkey, winter festivals are about to start and we’re ready to get on the hill. It’s the time for skiers and boarders to start looking at this season’s equipment releases. It’s easy to forget about equipment and clothing until the very last minute. When selecting snow skiing clothing it’s important to know how insulation works. Whether you’re new to snowboarding or skiing or looking to upgrade your apparel, choosing the right jacket will be one of the most important decisions. Do not choose the color white, never ever. It can increase the chances of someone crashing into you, so do not take that stupid risk. It’s impossible to notice someone who wears a white jacket. You better choose a jacket that will keep you dry and block a reasonable amount of wind.You also want it to breath, so sweat and water vapor inside can evaporate. Never choose something so tight, remember that you need to wear undergarment and polars. For example; I use O’neill’s Ski jacket and I’m very comfortable with that. Looking at ski pants you should know that the highest quality women ski pants are made from nylon or polyester microfibers. Most ski pants are just an outer without any insulation material so that means you should wear them in conjunction with a thermal inner layer. Look for reinforcement in the knees and seat, as these areas are flexed constantly when skiing.

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Another important material is ski goggles, they are indispensably required. When you’re skiing you need protection from ice, snow, wind and the strong sunshine reflected from snow-which can be drying and can burn your eyes. There are some differences between choosing ski glasses and sunglasses, make sure your goggles or sunglasses are created for winter conditions. Choose goggles with a plastic frame and yellow or brown glasses.

These are the most important materials and if you’re sure about your security you can start thinking about your style. There are many choices for you, plenty of colorful hats and caps feel free to show your style on the snow.You may want to get inspiration from celebrities snow wear or from the real skiers, it’s all up to you. Ski safe. BLEND

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ADDRESS: FASHION STREET / OUR OWN AVENUE

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We are two bezzies from Uni who don’t know much about designers, catwalks, modeling, photography, brands or trends but are inspired by what we listen to or believe in. Our style is as we call it is “wear as you go”. A fashion that never goes out. We are students and dress as we can afford but try our best and make most of what we have(Shhh although this is a biiiig secret we also sometimes dig through our mum’s old clothes). Here’s our collection of blacks, reds, studs, fur and leopards with a twist of rock chic image and browns, greens, flower patterns, and Dr Martens with a twist of happy hippie image. BLEND

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY AND SING ALONG WITH DEKADANS by Melisa Sabuncu Ever had a dream of becoming the best or runner-up to Pink Floyd? These guys are heading towards their dreams. Students, band mates and also close friends; Serkan, Fatih, Ozan and Fırat want it so bad. They play every Friday night in “Küçük Bronx”. If you are in the mood for a sing you must definitely pop around…

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Why did you name your group Dekadans? Does it have any meaning for you? What does it refer to? We all listen to the group “Redd” and love them. On their last album there’s a song called “Dekadans”. It sounds like Echoes of Pink Floyd. The name “Dekadans” comes from here. It also refers to moral depression. How was the creation of the band? What brought the members together? Do you all have the same characters or does everyone have opposite characters? Me and the bass guitarist were taking the same course from BASAD (Bakırköy Sanatçılar Derneği/ Bakırköy Artists Association) After a while we founded the drummer from BASAD too. In 2012 the last member who plays the keyboard came to the band. We all have same characters. That’s why the harmony between us is about perfect. Do you get on well? How long have you been together? Have you had any moment that you thought of splitting the band? We three met in 2006 and keyboard player joined us in 2012. Actually I remember so many moments when I thought, “I should split that band, this’s not going well.” because I never feel ok about the sound. We argued so much, criticized each other so much but we never gave up. Now we are on the road of being perfect.

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What category would you exactly put yourself in music? Do you only play certain kinds of music? Do you always play covers or have you made any original songs? If you have what kind of songs have you mostly written? Love, politic, non theme? Dekadans is a rock band. We play in progressive way usually. It sometimes becomes alternative sometimes blues. We usually play covers from 70’s and 90’s but I also made many songs. Sometimes we play them on stage. They are about feelings like love. What or who inspired your music? Actually different bands / musicians inspired each of us. That’s why we aren’t interested in only one genre. We love rock,punk,metal,pop,blues and so on. But respectfully, the most impressive band is Pink Floyd for Dekadans. We’re also known well for our soulful Pink Floyd covers and we are proud of it! What kind of audience do you usually perform to? What is the age range? We perform to a kind of “dynamic” audience usually. They have fun and sing with us in the concerts. The age range is about 18-30, but we sometimes play to 45-50 year olds. I heard that you do karaoke nights. How does that effect the audience? Is there a lot of attendance? Do people have the courage to get up and sing? The live karaoke concept is more attractive than an usual concert for audience. The overall attendance is high. At the beginning of the night I sing 3 or 4 songs after that the audience warms up and starts to do karaoke. BLEND BLEND

FINISHING TOUCH: EAR CUFF by Duygu Komecci The accessory is enjoying a mini-renaissance. Dramatic ear cuffs are super on trend and can add some real flair to any look. Chanel, Jill Sander have all done them, with varying levels of bling. To get the best look let the cuff be the statement and pair them only with small earrings. If you want to choose a more dramatic ear cuff, don’t wear a necklace that’s going to be too much. Wear only one at a time, it’s not a earrings it’s a ear cuff. BLEND

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A MUM THAT WAS ONCE OBSESSED WITH BRYAN FERRY, HAIR COLORS AND OUTSTANDING FASHION by Melisa Sabuncu Ann Marie Sabuncu, a spa owner and mum of two kids was once the chic from the block with ever-changing hair color and outstanding style. All her friends and family in Liverpool know her for her craziness, unique and twisted style. Lets here it from Ann Marie herselfâ&#x20AC;Ś

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Did fashion play an important role in your life? Did you follow any trends? OMG! When I think back…34 years ago, I had style, I wanted to be different, at that time people did follow style, but I had to stand out! In my era, the music, New Wave influenced the fashion. Roxy music, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Blondie and many more… My idol and favourite was Bryan Ferry at that time. I really used to fancy him. How did you dress yourself? Did you go to high street shops looking for the trendy or create your own fashion? I was 16 and an apprentice hairdresser. I went to college for hairdressing twice a week and besides that, worked four days. My salary was 14 pounds a week(approx.. 45 tl). Out of this money I would give 5 pounds to my mum. I also used to do what we called “foreigners”, go to neighbors houses and do their hair half price. This would feed my fashion wardrobe. My daily style consisted of a pair of drain pipe jeans and a donkey jacket(a workman’s heavy jacket) with a pair of winkle pickers very pointy toes and thin stilettoes. Oh what painful it was when I think back to them times, but I didn’t care because I thought I BLEND

looked very cool. I got those shoes stuck in between the pavement almost every day runnıng for the bus. You couldn’t find half of the things I wore in high street shops. I used to get them second hand from my 60, 70 year old customers, in the full range of colors. As you were a hairdresser, how did you style your hair? Did that go with the trend too? My father was a conservative person, so when I came in with my first hair color, PINK!, he went crazy. He said that he was going to cut it all off because I was making a show of him. I changed my hair color very frequently(every week) that he finally gave in and got over it. My famous hair colours…They all used to bet in college what color I would come with to class. Anyway the truth was whatever color outfit I wore that would be my hair color too. My hair was cropped short with a long piece in the front, this piece would be a different color. What were the most popular places that “new wavers” hung out on the weekends? Did you dress extra fashionable for these night outs? 43

I looked forward to Saturday nights…We used to head down to the New Wave clubs in Liverpool town.( Ugly’s, Hangover…) The weekend was the merit of the whole week and we thought we looked the best amongst the club, absolutely fab. On our night out, we used to wear winkle pickers, very tight pencil skirts a mixture of the 40’s style or dresses stockings with seams at the back and silk gloves with a ring on the outside. We had to look and dance really seriously not to ruin our image. What was the most embarrassing fashion disaster that happened to you? The most embarrasing thing that happened to me, well now I find it funny, was a major fashion disaster. On one of my nights out, when the club had closed at 1.30am I was waiting for a taxi with a friend. It was raining and this most gorgeous guy came over to me with an umbrella. I was impressed and gloving. I said thank you. The guy in this Liverpool accent said “Luv I couldn’t stand there watching those red streaks dripping down your face, it’s very scary!” I almost died. But I did remember to carry an umbrella next time I went out. Typical unpredictable British weather. BLEND

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TRES TRE COOL AND TRE TRE CHIC Photography and styling by Duygu Komecci Sometimes all you need is creativity. Get dressed as you want, forget the rules, don’t care about people’s opinion. You are your own painting, color up! BLEND

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LOVES FROM GOLDEN GLOBES RED CARPET by Duygu Komecci Every red carpet gets adorned with fashion choices that make our eyes roll and heads spin, we love watching beautiful bodies and criticizing bad dresses (I know you love to have chance to crticise Megan Fox). This year, at 70th Golden Globes ceremony there were serious bad dress issues on good bodies. Lucy Liu wore ‘wallpaper’ by Gucci, I knew that British people are good at wallpaper design but obviously Gucci has come on to the market. Halle Berry (Antonio Berardi) was another disappointing figure. One of the most iconic ‘it girl’ Sienna Miller was ‘it disappointment’ and she said that she selected a gown by Erdem to support British fashion, Erdem must be done something really bad to her. You must be thinking if there is something good? Yes, there was good samples as well. The best dresses were Kate Hudson in her Alexander McQueen and Amy Adams in Marchesa, they were stunning. Taylor Swift’s DKNY gown was so nice, Jessica Alba (Oscar de la Renta), Eva Longoria(Emilio Pucci) and Heidi Klum (Alexandre Vauthier) proved that they’re absolutely cut out of for red carpet. Anyway, you better choose your favorites but please have mercy. BLEND

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