Dilek Hanif: Straight From The Ottoman Empire
By Mari Davis
Photos by FW

PARIS, Jan 20, 2004/ FW/ --- I’m on a roll when it came to the Palais Brongniart. Both shows I’ve seen there so far are good. I’m also in a roll with the new designers I’ve seen. Both of them show great promise.

Dilek Hanif, an emerging Turkish designer showed her first ever couture collection in Paris this season.

Staged right after the Christian Lacroix show, (which was held on the other side of the city, meaning for those of us who take the Paris subway, we had to take a transfer to get to the Palais Brongniart), the Dilek Hanif runway presentation was 45 minutes late. But it was worth the wait!

For her premier haute couture collection, Dilek Hanif poured over history books, and took the Ottoman Empire’s rich heritage center stage.

Jewel-encrusted bodices, long flowing caftans made of gossamer material, embroidery created with golden or silver threads, fluid pants inspired by those worn in the royalty’s private quarters dominated this extraordinary collection.

Using masterful draping, the designer gave volume to the soft material, while giving fluidity to the heavier cloths.

Feathers were used as either embellishment or the material itself to create a skirt. And with decisive cuts and a penchant for pleats, Dilek Hanif created bodices worthy of a queen’s wardrobe.

There are so many great pieces and it is hard to choose which one is the best. Though, my favorite is the last one – the bridal gown made of tulle, organza and feathers. The skirt was very short, like a mini, while the voluminous train added drama

Dilek Hanif

Dilek Hanif

Dilek Hanif

Dilek Hanif