Cachè Istanbul: “Make Anotalia Great Again!”

Tell me about the production and creation process.

The idea starts to grow and form itself at the moment it comes to mind. Then the production process begins with our producers in many cities and villages in Anatolia. Hand-woven carpets and rugs reach our hands at the end of the weaving process, each of which takes an average of four weeks with great labor.  For us, they are unique “artifacts” rather than products.

Your collections include carpets and rugs. Did you work with local producers from Anatolia?

Hand-woven carpets and rugs are our starting point. Our aim is to keep this culture alive and proudly represent the modern Turkish carpet all over the world. We want to tell modern stories with the deep-rooted techniques of hand weaving. All our producers are artisan women from Kütahya, Uşak, Osmaniye and Konya. We believe that we created this story together with them and we want to make them feel this story by sharing it frequently on our social media accounts.

How would you summarize Cachè Istanbul in three words?

Can it be four words?  “Same Anatolia, New Cachè!” This is our motto. “Make Anatolia Great Again!” is another motto that reflects our fun in the story.

What kind of pieces do we see in your new collection “Rug Dealer”?

The idea for Rug Dealer came out of the interest in our hand-woven carpet designs. Inspired by our carpet and rug designs, we made many different products that can harmonize with them. We made Nazar Blazer, Nazar headpiece, handcrafted ceramic plates, lace shirts. New here, in collaboration with Pia Yuli, we made jewelry handmade by artisan craftsmen in the Grand Bazaar. We combined carpet and rug motifs in all products such as necklaces and earrings.

How did you come up with the idea of working with skateboards?

The idea of making skateboards out of carpets came about because I thought it would reflect the vision of the brand. When we think of hand weaving, we usually think of floor exhibitions. We wanted to show that we can combine everything with this culture.

What impresses you about Anatolian culture?

In Anatolia today, people continue to produce with techniques inherited from their elders. And when they produce them, they do so with the same stability and serenity they have for centuries. Far from the ambition of the city, they produce because they cannot think apart from their own essence. I believe that the most important compass of human beings is the “essence” within them. For this reason, I always keep an eye on the human stories of Anatolia, our common value, and the value they add.

Do you have any new projects in the near future?

We are preparing a new mini collection that we are very excited about. As Cachè Istanbul, we want to be present in every field, especially in areas that attract people’s attention. I can say that we will see the slogan “Make Anatolia, Great Again!”.