Motherlands

technical description

Red and burgundy jacket made from deadstock leather referencing human muscles. Embroideries featuring flower and communist star, traditional Turkish Yorgan-like on the back. Washed and dyed denim pants made from deadstock fabric creating the impression of a falling star with a ripped effect. Accessory inspired by Muslim religious prayer beads, shoe concept developed from a pair of Adidas originals soccer trainers.

concept

Designer Mert Serbest's collection is inspired by the clash between the Bulgarian communist regime and the Turkish minority during the 1980s, which was marked by a forced assimilation policy. When legendary Turkish weightlifter Naim Suleymanoğlu fled from Bulgaria in protest, he played a significant role in the Turkish minority's escape to Turkey when the borders opened in 1989. Designer Mert Serbest’s family was one of the survivors from this regime, leaving what had become their motherland to become “others” in their own country of origin in order to gain their freedom. The collection is an act of rebellion against this assimilation policy, a cry for freedom highlighting that the world is large enough to welcome people from different backgrounds.

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