It’s not a contest – Robin Polat

Robin is the protagonist of his own world, which he evolves by challenging the ordinary. He is a person who does not fit into definitions, moulds, and any container. He does not hesitate to live who he is, to be uniquely original and do whatever he wants. This is not a contest, but Robin intends to break his own records.

What was the turning point for you?

I was 12 or 13 years old. It took me half an hour to walk home from school. One day that half-hour journey seemed like a lifetime. I couldn’t stop thinking; my head wouldn’t give me two minutes of peace. Everything I knew was turned upside down. I don’t remember being able to stay ‘in the flow’ ever since.

How did you realise what you want to be in life, how much of your professional decisions match your personality?

Music was a circus tent that I harboured inside me at one point, but which I created out of necessity in order to be able to live in every state that was on trial. It was as if I was flying when the pressure of everday was lifted from me at my concerts. The next thing I knew, it turned into my job.

What does the future mean to you?

“A constant feeling of nostalgia for an age yet to come.” -from my favourite band, the Buzzcocks.

How much space do the feelings of winning and losing occupy in your life?

A non-competitive person doesn’t even feel the competition.

I am a little bit in the middle of it. I see the competition and the challenge, I don’t bother for it. I find it inconvenient and wrong to be in that channel spiritually. Instead I create my own game and play it.

In what cases can you describe yourself as a ‘winner’?

When I was in high school, in PE class, you had to choose between basketball, football or volleyball. I don’t like competitive games, so I sneaked into the music class through the window and chose the drumming and smoking game. I won every time I played that game. I win every time I don’t compete.

Creative Direction and Interview by Duygu Bengi

Fashiıon Direction by Burak Sanuk

Photography by Mesut Adlin

Fashiıon Editor Murat Şentürk

Make Up by Birce Selcik

Hair by Rıdvan Deniz

Creative Production by BI Creative

Creative Team Belgin Demirhan, Şevval Küçüktır, Tunga Yankı Tan, Umutcan Öncü⁠

Hair & Make Up Assistant Hatice Sayın