“My view of fashion has never been black and white. In my work, I try to question fashion as a form of art. I try to understand what fashion means for individuals and societies as a means of expression. I try to convey that fashion is not just about expensive and luxury clothing.”
Words by Zeynep Yeniceri. Portrait by Doruk Ugurluer.
Gamze Kantarcioglu was born in İzmir, a Mediterranean city in Turkey, but grew up in Istanbul. She currently works as a visual content executive at IPEKYOL Group, one of the oldest Turkish fashion brands. In this role, she is responsible for creating and maintaining the visual identity and messaging of the brand across various channels. Her work involves conceptualizing and overseeing campaign, editorial and e-commerce shoots to ensure they align with the brand's aesthetic. She also contributes to the development of creative concepts and campaigns that resonate with the brand's target audience and supports its marketing objectives. In addition to her full-time job, Kantarcioglu writes for magazines and digital media platforms, focusing on fashion and its cultural impact.
Kantarcioglu‘s journey to becoming an editor began in her teenage years. She was an ambitious reader of magazines like CosmoGirl, HEY GIRL, Blue Jean, Roll, Billboard and Rolling Stone; the excitement and passion she felt for these publications fuelled her ambition. She mentions how much she enjoyed reading about the lives of creative people and understanding how their minds work, which ultimately led her to pursue a career in this field.
During her university years, Kantarcioglu began writing for a music blog at a student organization, conducting interviews and writing short pieces. This experience led her to realize that she did not want to pursue an academic career. Despite studying sociology, she found an internship at a publishing house, which set her on her editorial path.
Kantarcioglu recalls her time as managing editor at Vogue Turkey, where she edited articles with nostalgic joy. She describes it as a collaborative process, which involves understanding and working closely with writers to produce top-tier content, something she found particularly rewarding.
What Kantarcioglu loves most about her profession is the necessity to stay updated with the latest trends, not just in fashion but in the broader world. This continuous learning keeps her engaged and informed. She also enjoys meeting new people and visiting places she would not normally go, pushing her out of her comfort zone and enriching her experiences.
For those who would like to excel in writing, Kantarcioglu shares her pro tips: “Number one: If you don’t know how to write, first try to copy the style of authors you admire. After many tries, you’ll get used to writing, and you’ll find your tone. Of course, don’t show anyone or try to publish those ‘copied’ articles! Number two: Read your articles out loud before sending them to your editors. If you are not happy with the way it sounds, then probably your editor won’t be happy as well.”
Discussing how Istanbul shapes her career, Kantarcioglu emphasizes that the city's vibrant and diverse cultural scene provides endless inspiration. Despite its challenges, Istanbul fosters a dynamic environment where creativity thrives. Kantarcioglu also believes that her Mediterranean roots in İzmir, where people prioritize enjoying life, influence her work ethic. She works passionately but maintains a balance, ensuring that work does not consume her entirely.
She admits she once considered her interest in fashion “insignificant” due to the judgements in Turkey towards fashion when she was growing up. “I hesitated to enthusiastically share my interest in beautiful clothes because having such an interest in material things was not considered ‘cool’ when I was younger. Even when I started working at Vogue, some of my friends were surprised and found it strange.”
Gamze Kantarcioglu hopes to continue writing and creating content on various topics. Having worked for print magazines for many years, she has a deep affection for them, finding peace and disconnection from the world in reading a good book or magazine. However, she also acknowledges the broader reach of the digital world and aims to strike a balance between online and offline media. Her goal is to continue making meaningful contributions to the fashion industry through her unique perspective and experiences.
Discover this piece inside the Türkiye Chapter at The Silk Road Issue 12
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