After crossing paths as fine art students in their native Istanbul, Rasit and Ilkay Turk married and eventually settled in Southwest Florida. Then came their next adventure: establishing their own brand.
“Creating our own fashion and decor company was always a dream of ours, so we immediately drew inspiration from the tropical land and sea themes of our new setting, and combined them with the revered traditions of Turkish design to imagine and bring to life Turk & Turk in the summer of 2018,” says Ilkay, who describes the company’s designs as “effortless tropical chic, with the refined sophistication characteristic of European fashion.”
While that initial launch focused on the brand’s luxury line of silk scarves, with pieces that blur the line between art and fashion, over the last six years, the collection has expanded to include handbags, kimonos, beaded denim jackets, and other garments. Based in Fort Myers, Turk & Turk functions similarly to European haute couture houses: “Our studio is where we create our artworks and designs, which are hand-painted by Rasit and myself,” explains Ilkay. “It includes a sewing room where we craft bespoke pieces and offer exclusive experiences to our clients, and we also have a showroom where clients can view all our wearable art pieces by appointment only.”
In 2022, Turk & Turk’s product line evolved further to include limited-edition home collections. The inaugural Delft Collection, which includes items such as sateen tablecloths, bone china dishes, glassware, and beaded placemats, features iconic blue and white motifs that were inspired by the enduring Dutch craftsmanship that has long been admired in Europe. Since the couple’s first foray into tabletop and decor, they have released two other editions of exclusive designs for the home, which are only available through private client visits.
This autumn marks another first for the brand. Through a partnership with Naples’ The Escalante hotel, Turk & Turk’s original designs will be on display in eight of the property’s rooms, and custom vignettes will be featured in the hotel lobby and outdoor lounge area as well. Labeled the Escalante Bungalow 35 Collection, Ilkay says that the presentations will reveal a place “where nature’s wild beauty meets tropical elegance.” The collaboration involved creating pieces such as pillows, blankets, and drapery, all uniquely crafted for each individual setting. Turk & Turk also designed custom beach totes and robes to ensure that every detail aligns with the overall theme.
When asked why she and her husband endeavored to move into the realm of tabletop design and home decor, Ilkay takes a pause before speaking. “We believe that our lives are intimately woven into our homes,” she says, “and our surroundings should be a canvas that reflects that distinctive essence.”
Story Credits:
Text by Mallory Jacobson
Photos courtesy of Turk & Turk
Facebook Comments