Turkey, Gönül Paksoy, Hand-made & Naturally Dyed Garments
Founded in Istanbul by Gönül Paksoy, chemist and artist, the eponymous studio stands at the crossroads of science, craft, and cultural memory. Emerging from her academic research into natural dyes and a lifelong dialogue with traditional making, her work has, since the late 1980s, explored how ancient techniques can live meaningfully in the present. Each garment is made in Turkey, shaped slowly and deliberately, with an unwavering respect for material and method.
At the heart of Gönül Paksoy’s practice lies a philosophy of balance and continuity. Inspired by the geometry of dervish garments, her patterns follow a zero-waste approach, where nothing is discarded and every cut has purpose. Sustainability is not an add-on but an intrinsic value — a quiet harmony between human gesture and natural rhythm.
Silk, handwoven natural fabrics, and antique or archival textiles form the foundation of her creations, carefully restored and transformed through the atelier’s expertise. Coloured with plants, roots, and mineral-based dyes, each piece carries a nuanced, living palette. Through hand finishing, quilting, appliqué, and layered stitching, Gönül Paksoy creates wearable art objects — timeless garments that honour heritage while offering a contemplative vision of a more mindful future.
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