30/06/2026
I’m heartbroken by the news that we’ve lost our friend, Melek.
Melek means angel in Turkish and that’s exactly who she was. She had the kindest heart. She was one of the most talented people I’ve ever known. We were only 15 when we first met at art school. She was one of those people who was just naturally gifted. I still remember one of our art teachers saying to her dad, “Honestly, I can’t paint like her. She’s unbelievably talented.”
I took these photos of her before I got into fashion, when we were just 16. She was always so supportive of everything I created. I still remember sneaking into a private tennis court around midnight to take the first photo. It was just the two of us, making things together and trying to create something beautiful. Looking back, it’s one of those memories I’ll always treasure.
A few years later, she hand-painted some of the garments in my graduate collection which you’ll see in this post. Those pieces have always meant so much to me because they’ll always carry a part of her. I remember going to her house, having a few beers, talking for hours and how she’d randomly decide to paint me.
I’ll never forget your beautiful smile, your kindness, or the warmth and energy you brought wherever you went Melek.
Hold your loved ones a little closer. Tell your friends what they mean to you. Life can change far more quickly than we ever expect.
Rest in peace, beautiful angel🤍