Emir & Sema Turkmen
Board Member/CEO & co-CEO
Brand – Misirli 1951
We are investing in the discovery and utilisation of innovative materials
Misirli is a forward-thinking women’s brand built on a rich 70-year legacy. Aspiring to shape fashion and society while respecting the environment and ethical values, Misirli fuses tradition with modernity. In an interview with Fibre2Fashion, co-CEOs Emir and Sema Turkmen discuss the distinctive elements of Misirli, art as an inspiration for the brand, its commitment to sustainability, and a lot more.
Fibre2Fashion: How has Misirli incorporated its 70 years of knowledge into becoming a modern and contemporary women’s brand?
Emir & Sema Turkmen:
Misirli has made a name for itself over the years with its unique design and exclusive quality approach. The secret to its success lies in its founding philosophy of never compromising on quality. In line with this philosophy, it aims to grow and expand into global markets by staying innovative and current. At Misirli, we shape our brand each season by collaborating with exceptional individuals who represent our brand. This approach not only ensures that our brand has a dynamic and trend-responsive image, but also allows us to cater to different personalities and styles.
F2F: Could you elaborate on the distinctive elements of the brand’s 70-year knowledge that have influenced the development of fashion and society, especially in Turkiye?
E&ST:
Misirli's 70 years of accumulated knowledge stands out with its unique elements that have influenced the development of fashion and society. As Misirli, we have played a pioneering role in introducing modern knitwear to Turkiye, contributing to its popularity. Fine craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and aesthetic designs are the fundamental characteristics of our brand. At Misirli, we continue to innovate by incorporating timeless designs into our collections, bringing new dimensions to the knitwear industry. Additionally, we pride ourselves on our commitment to sustainable production and ethical values. As a brand that shapes the fashion industry in Turkiye, Misirli has inspired and influenced the sector with its innovative approach, setting numerous fashion trends.
F2F: Your brand emphasises its bond with art and culture. How does this bond contribute to understanding and interpreting changes in society and encouraging new ways of development?
E&ST:
Art and culture help us capture new trends and tendencies that emerge in society. Our brand shapes its designs by drawing inspiration from artistic interactions and cultural heritage. As a result, we lead the way in the fashion world, driving changes and simultaneously understanding the values and expectations of society. Through this connection, we attract attention as an inspiring and meaningful presence in the fashion industry.
F2F: In what ways does art in Egypt serve as a primary source of inspiration for the brand and positively impact people’s lives and society’s development?
E&ST:
Art in Misirli serves as a primary source of inspiration for the brand in various ways. It influences the creative process, guiding the design philosophy and aesthetics of our products. By incorporating artistic elements into our collections, we create unique and visually captivating pieces that resonate with our customers.
F2F: Your brand is committed to creating a sustainable world. Can you provide examples of specific actions and initiatives taken by the company to bring about meaningful change and progress in both the business and society?
E&ST:
We are committed to sustainability and aim to create positive impacts between business and society. To achieve this goal, we have implemented a range of measures and initiatives:
F2F: How do you prioritise ethical, fair, safe, and healthy conditions for your employees? Are there any specific measures or programmes in place to ensure these conditions?
E&ST:
We prioritise providing our employees with ethical, fair, safe, and healthy working conditions. To achieve this goal, we have implemented the following measures and programmes:
F2F: Misirli is known to support creativity and recognises the human factor as the most valuable source of inspiration for the development of fashion. Can you elaborate on how this working system functions and its impact on fostering creativity within the brand?
E&ST:
We fully understand the importance and value of creativity for our brand. Our working system is built upon promoting creativity and contributing to the emergence of original designs in our collections.
F2F: How does the brand invest in the future of the world and fashion? Are there any specific initiatives or strategies in place to drive innovation and sustainability?
E&ST:
Firstly, we are investing in the discovery and utilisation of innovative materials. We encourage the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials in fashion products. This enables us to utilise resources more efficiently and reduce our environmental impact.
F2F: Can you share some examples of your collaboration with artists and cultural institutions to further enhance your bond with art and culture?
E&ST:
By collaborating with prominent artists, we incorporate their original designs into our brand’s collections. We develop joint projects with artists, bringing together fashion and art to create unique and inspiring pieces.
F2F: Looking ahead, what are the future goals and aspirations of the brand, particularly in terms of fashion, sustainability, and societal impact?
E&ST:
We aim to continue offering innovative and unique designs in the fashion industry. Our goal is to be an inspiring brand in the fashion world by providing high-quality and aesthetically pleasing products to our customers. While keeping up with trends, we also strive to maintain our own style and identity.