Gönül Paksoy
Gönül Paksoy is an Istanbul designer label making clothing, fabrics and jewellery inspired by Ottoman textiles and ancient beads. Its founder, Gönül Paksoy, is a chemical engineer with a doctorate in organic dyes.
| Base | Istanbul, Turkey |
|---|---|
| Founder background | Chemical engineer, doctorate in organic dyes |
| Products | Clothing, fabrics, jewellery |
| Website | gonulpaksoy.com |
What is Gönül Paksoy?
Gönül Paksoy is an Istanbul designer, collector and author whose label makes clothing, fabrics and jewellery. Paksoy trained as a chemical engineer and holds a doctorate in organic dyes before turning to design professionally.
Products and positioning
Her work draws on a large personal collection of archaeological beads, Ottoman textiles and talismans. Antique garments and fabrics are woven or dyed and reused in new designs, a process she describes as transformation through creativity.
- Clothing inspired by the costume of the Whirling Dervishes
- Hand-woven and dyed fabrics
- Jewellery based on ancient beads and amulets
- Textile rag dolls presented as textile sculptures
Distribution
The label is sold through its own boutique in Istanbul and has been shown in exhibitions abroad, including Timeless Simplicity: From Collection to Creation in January 2019.
Why it matters
Paksoy is a reference point for craft-based Turkish design that preserves historic textile and jewellery traditions while producing contemporary pieces. She is also the author of The Zero Waste Kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Gönül Paksoy?
Gönül Paksoy is an Istanbul designer, collector and author who creates clothing, fabrics and jewellery.
What inspires Gönül Paksoy's designs?
Her designs draw on her collection of Ottoman textiles, archaeological beads and talismans, and on the costume of the Whirling Dervishes.