Sanguine, Satanic and Satirical: Dilara Findikoglu's SS18 Collection

I love finding up and coming designers who have an innovative perspective on fashion, offering new concepts that are daring. One of my favourites is Dilara Findikoglu a Turkish designer based in London. Her perspective is highly theatrical, drawing on different concepts in each collection whilst maintaining a consistent voice. Her SS18 collection shown during London Fashion Week put her at the forefront of a lot of controversy and embodies why i admire her work so much.

Titled ‘Seven Sisters of Inherited Sun’ her first runway show was held at St Andrews Church. The set design drew influences from masonry and satanic symbolism. The set featured the masonic twin pillars, square and compass, the ‘all seeing’ eye and chequerboard floor. Resembling that of a ceremonial black mass the set was built in a Roman Catholic church, the inversion of occult culture. This offers an oxymoron to the show, inverting the very meaning of the location. Carrying fourth the heavy occult references were the runway looks, also loaded with satanic symbolism.

The models were ornamented with satanic symbols through makeup and garment…

The Sigil of Lucifer (seal of satan), the hermetic concept of duality, evil horns, inverted crosses...her collection is undeniably occult themed. I love this collection as each look is carefully curated so that the composition is balanced perfectly. Whether a tailored suit or a flowy ball gown each piece has an individual narrative. Her signature colour palette of red and black gives the collection continuity.

Dilara's style is visually extremely busy, poetic, and graciously over dramatic which makes her one of my favourite designers right now...