Bora Aksu‘s SS18 collection pays homage to an extraordinary woman, Mihri Musfik; a privileged woman who left her royal life to chase a passion for art. Models looked effortlessly ethereal as they glided down the runway in feminine fabrics, blushed cheeks and tiaras. Aksu’s use of silk organza, cottons and silk habotais creates delicate dresses in deep red, blush, blue and navy and even a fairy tale-esque red riding hood piece. The structured shapes allowed the collection to still keep a bold silhouette despite the initial innocence we felt at first glance. Inspired by her early wardrobe, this encouraged us to delve further into Musfik’s existence – feminine but a strong determined woman. The particular look of the braids with bows, fine pin stripes and heart embroidery made the collection feel all the more youthful. Fabric was layered, pleated and ruffled giving the illusion of models almost floating along. However, when models displayed as their group at the end of the show, an exciting sense of girl power emerged, a nod to Musfik’s brave and influential journey. Light, pretty and modern, with an undertone of fairy tale unreality, Bora Aksu has created a spring summer collection with a timeless message.
Words: Paige Dempster
Images: Georgia Sillitoe
