Turkish Designer Ozlem Suer acknowledging the applause of the crowd during the Wedding by Shangri-La Exclusive Fashion Show at Shangri-La Hotel Doha recently. (Kammutty VP / The Peninsula)
The elegant off-white dresses at Ozlem Suer’s fashion show were apparently made of threads but the threads-of-romance. She knows the art how to weave ordinary threads into a romantic dressing experience. The fashion how “Wedding” at Shangri-La Hotel not only attracted a large number of fashion-loving residents but also provided them a romantic visual feast.
Ozlem Suer, one of the pioneers of Turkish fashion, showcased her new bridal collection “Blanche de Pera” inspired by historical Pera’s streets and architecture with modern and romantic touch. Suer is one of the two designers representing Turkey at the International Colour and Concept Board since 1997. She holds seminars and workshops on the colour and trend outputs of the meetings two years ahead.
She said that based on the line between past and future of Pera, its spirit and glory, in her collection three main themes stood out: Royal romantic, Hollywood trine and Victorian purity.
“These three themes are interpreted with a vision of avant-garde luxury. Theme details show themselves in V collars, layers skirts, lace tops and transparent embroideries defying the time. One of my trendiest and mot-liked concepts of 2017 “Hollywood Glamour” reveals itself with dramatic looks and epic details in silk, tulle and strong lace motifs on the shoulder,” she added.
“Hit pieces of the collection are peplum tops made with sequin tulle in a vintage and jewelling atmosphere. Vintage belts, two pieces wedding gowns reflect Blanche de Pera’s eclectic spirit,” says the Turkish designer.
On the sidelines of the show, when she was asked about the choice of Qatari women, Suer said that most of the customers in Doha were choosing evening dresses. “However, we are promoting our bridal collection as well and the show is part of the effort. I want to expand my presence here in Qatar and make the brand more popular. We also want to expand to the GCC market but we are at present focusing on Qatar,” says Suer. She says her ‘romantic lines’ are very popular back in Turkey.
Suer’s select collection of wedding dresses and evening gowns are already available at leading outlets in Doha. “The embroideries made with Art Nouveau effect are for elegant and magnificent brides. Lace bias completes tulle kaftans. Fluffy skirt wedding gowns which is indispensable for luxurious places are completed with handmade hair accessories and veils,” says Suer.
“French laces, handmade 3D flowers, silk tulle and chiffons of the Blanche de Pera collection are the pieces of a white story written at Pera in the belle époque period. Hair accessories specially embroidered by hand are the complimentary pieces of this glamorous story,” adds the designer.
“Our collections are sold at more than 100 outlets all over the world and in Doha are available at Qatar Blue Salon, Glamour and Fifty One East stock,” she said, adding that her deigns had mainly three lines including evening wear, ready-to-wear and bridal collection
The while collection is also complemented by ivory and for her inspirations Suer says it varies from time to time. “Sometimes it is music and sometimes it is cinema such as Hollywood. But for my wedding collections, the inspiration mostly comes from the stories of celebrity women,” says Suer.
Suer started her fashion and design venture 30 years ago. Besides her unique collections inspired by different stories each season, she also realizes solo and group performances of art installations where she combines different disciplines with a conceptual perception.
Having graduated from Textiles Department of the Faculty of Fine Arts of Marmara University in Istanbul, Suer continued her education with a Master’s degree and a PhD at the Mimar Sinan University. She is currently giving lectures on Fashion Design at this university as an associate professor.
