Öykü Özgencil, Social Entrepreneur
What prompted you to create Incomplit?
It’s hard to attribute this process to a single thing but the most prominent factor was the idea to build a bridge between the romantic world formed by my 10-year collection of fairy tale books and the real world. I’ve always wanted to lead the way for children who remain detached from the world’s de factor truths due to certain differences they experience. I believe that fiction is one of the most vital sources that trigger empathy, imagination and creativity.
How would you define Incomplit in a few words?
It’s a brand that believes in fairy tales but doesn’t believe in ends written by others; it teaches children that “traces of imagination, mind, idea and journey are precious things to have.” It also knows that it we don’t protect nature there will be no dreams left.
Why have you chosen fashion design?
It’s become this tool to reflects my dreams that also attracts attention and – unfortunately – is consumed faster than other branches in design.
Why is it important for you to realize other people’s dreams?
No one can realize another person’s dreams; (s)he can only make them notice that it can be realized. It’s very important to show disadvantaged children that no one can take away their power to write/draw how their story continues and to realize their dreams.
The drawings featured on the jackets you prepared for NoLaB’s “Made in Türkiye” exhibition were made by young skaters.
Thanks to our collaboration with NoLaB, we decided to explore the skating culture, which is spreading fast all around the world but has no foundation in Turkey, and the stories of the children who can survive on the street only with the sense of belonging to this culture. Unfortunately, as with everything sub-culture, our culture undermines the skating culture. Our concern and dream was to pay some respect to this culture. Skating is these children’s friend and way to cope with things. The importance they attach to it was far greater than I could imagine before talking to them.
What do you think is the secret to sustainability in fashion?
The solution is to slow down. It seems meaningless to me that this many people have indexed their imagination and effort to such fast-paced consumption. I believe that fashion should be a connecting power that returns to people and nature, not a force that discriminates.
Could you talk about a few brands you admire?
I respect EDUN because it moved its production to Africa to fully realize its sustainability goal and hasn’t compromised on aesthetics while doing that. Simone Rocha can take us on a journey among social classes with her fabrics; her collections cover a wide spectrum from Victorian Catholic paintings to farmers. I love Craig Green’s anarchist approach and his ideal to put the craft not the trend in the foreground. I believe that these kinds of details create a lovely collective memory for the fashion industry.