Rose Deniz

Huge Sale!

2007-07-10T09:09:00.000+03:00

Hi friends! All Rose Deniz Limited Edition bags are 50% off! Make way for fall and add some pretty prints and velvet to your collection. All shoulder bags, pouches and clutches are on sale. We have some new projects in the wings that we need to make room for!

As an added bonus for those serious shoppers, buy any two LE bags and get 25% off a future order through December 2007. Get a little discount on what is to come!

New Paintings

2007-06-18T17:18:00.000+03:00

I've started another blog devoted just to my new work on paper and canvas. Here's a link and a one of my tiny new pieces, Sprout.

Maison Francaise

2007-05-03T17:02:00.000+03:00

We are so excited to be featured in this Month's Maison Francaise - Turkish edition. Take a look! And if you can't read in Turkish, I'll try to post a translation soon.

Istanbul Street Style

2007-05-02T10:00:00.000+03:00

For everyone in Istanbul, or for those who have been dying to visit, come to the Istanbul Street Style Sahane on Saturday, May 12 at theHall.

There's a rundown of the events of the evening posted on the site, and if you look under the designers section on the event site, you'll see me! I'll be outfitting the models in my newest Limited Edition bags and will set up shop in ISS's Bazaar. (Also, they have been sponsored in part by M.A.C, and there is a new M.A.C on Istiklal! I haven't allowed myself to go inside yet because I know what will happen.... though I am thinking of designing a new handbag collection around their amazing colors.)

This is also a great time to introduce ISS and give a glimpse of what they do: the Blog features fresh, real fashionable folk on the streets of Istanbul. They also do interviews, articles and host super events like Sahane. In a recent conversation with Dano Alexander, one of the founders, I heard all about how he and his team hope to merge the worlds of art, fashion, design and culture in Istanbul... pretty exciting, so check them out!

Turkish Daily News

2007-04-06T15:18:00.000+03:00

Turkish Daily News March 17-18, 2007

We were featured in the March 17-18 Weekend Edition of the Turkish Daily News! Writer Damaris Kremida gives what we feel is a beautiful account of the origins of Rose Deniz Handbags and the collaborations that have developed between Nest and Meral Tuncer. The online edition can be read here: http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/article.php?enewsid=68345 or click on the above pic and zoom in to read the full text.

Jeweled Travel Pouch for Nest!

2007-04-04T13:55:00.000+03:00

Is the thought of spring cleaning making you groan with dread? Then we have a sure-fire motivator. Nest has launched its new line of fresh spring products, all of which will be perfect replacements for those ratty t-shirts and out-of-date necklaces fro

m springs long gone and forgotten. The best part is that won't have to feel guilty shopping with Nest! Your purchases directly help women like Rosario Bautizta escape the cycle of poverty. Feeling a little more motivated about spring cleaning?

Hallelujah, let the shopping

commence!

Zeynep Keklik

2007-03-29T10:21:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I made a visit to my lovely friend and colleague Zeynep's airy, bright, and pattern-filled apartment in Izmit. She is a closet clothing and accessory designer who is now ready to reveal her intuitive sense of design and unique use of materials scoured from both everyday and vintage items.

Zeynep with macrame and beaded wall hangings
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Rather than get discouraged by lack of financial means when she was a high school student, she began designing her own clothing in order to wear stylish, tailored clothing. Employing her mother as her seamstress, she turned out piece after piece of strikingly original clothing. She not only designed following current trends, but wove her own ideas into at times breezy and flowing pieces, and other times neat and fit two-piece suits and jackets. Here is a sampling of her beautiful work and a little trip through her deliciously decorated apartment. I particularly love her sense of minimal design, working geometric shapes and bright, modernist colors into pillow covers, cheery necklaces, boleros and tunics.

(left) Accessories made by Zeynep, including reworked brooches, beaded belt made from ribbon, transformed chiffon scarf into necklace and beaded pin.

(right) Modernist red and sequin-shaded lamp. The curtains are vintage, made by Zeynep's mother.
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Zeynep in her silk-blend halter top
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(left) Pretty yellow floral tile pattern in kitchen.

(right) Cheerful oval shapes on Zeynep's living room rug and sofa draped with her clothing designs.
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Chiffon hand-beaded blouse and red tablecloth
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Tea in Iznik tile-inspired cups, cookies, a vintage candleholder updated with a coat of red paint and pearl beads, and white pillow cover with sequined-square design.
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Coming soon!

2007-03-17T08:23:00.000+02:00

Coming soon.... Meral Tuncer Damla earrings! Here's a sneak peak at her tear-shaped earrings in pink and bright, lovely Chalcedon necklace and earring set.

This is Rose!

2007-03-05T16:51:00.000+02:00

At home

In studio

=

Same place!

We're back!

2007-03-01T15:36:00.000+02:00

Rose Deniz is pleased to announce the 2007 Limited Editions collection is available online now. We've used lush velvet interior linings for all of the handbags, felted jean fabric, lightweight corduroy, quilted panels and side pleats. Take a look here! This collection also includes some little satin pouches and my new favorite fabric pattern, paisley.

Paisley Cake Pouch

Filiz Tote

Happy New Year!

2007-01-08T13:13:00.000+02:00

Happy 2007 from Rose Deniz Handbags! While there hasn't been a lot going on on the site, lots of things are happening behind the scenes. I can't wait to update the site with my 2007 collection that is underway for Spring and Summer. Meral Tuncer was featured in the Nest notebook, so if you want to see more of her jewelry, take a look!

My New Year's resolutions this year include designing a new catalog, improving my Turkish, and cooking more at home. 2007 is off to an exciting start with the birth of our baby, Evren Toprak. He loves to hang out in his carrier while I sew in my studio, and I think the sound of the sewing machine is calming to him because he heard it all the time in utero!

Oh, where has the time gone?

2006-11-22T18:51:00.000+02:00

I admit I am VERY behind on my posting these days... my little guy Evren turned a month old on Monday, which means I have not posted since he was born! That is what having a newborn will do; in addition, I am incredibly forgetful and misplace my keys daily, rarely get to change out of my pajamas until after noon (for some, this may be a perk, but for me, I don't feel like I have started my day until I change my clothes!), and have been able to make a decent dinner all of three times in one month. And that was with my parents here to help.

But, excuses aside, I still have been making things behind the scenes. Here is the Nest Benefactress Travel Pouch recently added to their site for the holidays:

You can purchase the pouch directly from Nest. And, I am making 18 cute little coin purses for my mother's bridge ladies. I'll post a couple when they are done. In addition, my jewelry designer, Meral Tuncer, has been busy making gorgeous sets for Nest. I'll share some images when they are on the site.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! to everyone who celebrates it.... here in Turkey it will be less exciting this year. Last year we made lasagna, mashed potatoes and profiterol with friends who also live in Turkey that are originally from California. This is all for now! Baby is calling! But here is one super cute picture I have to share...

Daily Candy - Nesting instinct

2006-10-18T15:41:00.000+03:00

Rose Deniz Handbags and Nest have been featured in today's Daily Candy. Please share this honorific and delightful moment for us with everyone you know so we can continue building a strong circle of support for women seeking self-sustainable art and craft-based livelihoods in developing nations. This includes our very own Meral Tuncer, jewelry and accessory designer for Rose Deniz Handbags.

EVERYWHERE ---------------------------------------------

As a child, your piggy bank held a meager 38 cents (counting the few pennies stuck in the mouth). As an adult, your savings still reside in a pink ceramic pig.

New rule: No more frivolous shopping.

Loophole: Nest, the new nonprofit shopping site.

Nest provides interest-free loans to women in developing countries (like India and Madagascar) who are trying to start their own businesses. A co-op of sorts, Nest sells clothes, housewares, and jewelry made by both loan recipients and up-and-coming designers. Portions of proceeds then recirculate into the Nest community.

And the rewards for your charity are downright pretty: The Benefactress wristlet, which was designed in Istanbul, has gathered retro fabric adorned with an aquamarine charm. The cheery red and white Kukka ("flower") throw, made of ecofriendly materials, is created in Lithuania.

It's all guilt free, so go ahead and shamelessly spend what's left in your piggy bank.

You've always been a big advocate for change.

Available online at buildanest.com.

Diaper Bag

2006-10-13T12:32:00.000+03:00

So I broke down and did it... I made a diaper bag. I had no logical conclusion like: I make handbags + I am pregnant = I will make a diaper bag. But frustrated by the extreme quality and price variations in diaper bags, both in Turkey and in my online perusals, I decided I would never find the bag I wanted unless I made it. I confess that there are aspects of it that I don't like (I won't point them out, though), and if I ever get the motivation to make another one, I'll be able to simplify the process and hopefully avoid those errors. But here are the highlights!

two interior pockets to hold bottles
one interior side has two pockets to hold diapers
the other interior side has a snapable pocket to hold a blanket or clothes
triple layer fabric plus use of recycled plastic components to reinforce sides and back
two snap closures on the front flap
main zipper closure
the pink brocade detailing is sewn into the seams
interior fabric a washable polyester
side exterior cell phone pocket
strong single strap (not adjustable, but I couldn't do everything this time!)

I admit to having some satisfaction that I did it and can tell people I did (because I get asked all the time if I will make one), and while making it, enjoyed it. I am not ready to make a Limited Edition version of it (more tweaking and changes will have to be made), but I would be open to discussing a custom order. Once I can get some things figured out and the kind of materials I need to make a batch, I may just leap into the 'designer diaper bag' world....

If you want to see more pictures of the diaper bag, I have posted them on my Flikr account.

Fall changes

2006-09-27T12:21:00.000+03:00

Çok Tesekkür Ederiz! ... We'd like to give a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the Limited Edition line of Rose Deniz Handbags in its first year. It is time for me to switch gears as I prepare to welcome my first baby into the world October 2006. While nesting, I will be continuing the Original line, taking Custom-made orders, designing a new Limited Edition line for 2007, working with wholesalers, and starting to develop my own textile designs.

To view the 2006 Limited Edition collection, click here.
Visit Cut+Paste for more Rose Deniz handbags.

Just added to the site, the Aiyla hobo....

Cyberoptix Tie Lab

2006-09-07T13:44:00.000+03:00

Break hearts with Cyberoptix's Heart Attack tie, just one of several heart-racing screenprinted and handsewn ties featuring vintage illustrations from Bethany Shorb. If you are feeling particularly literary, the ExLibris tie also comes in a variety of tie colors (sky blue is my favorite color choice, followed by white) with your choice of ink color. And for a more luxurious version of the poly-blend tie, many are available in 100% silk. For those of you with a more daring nature, there is a Squid Brain!, Bats with Hearts, and pink Bombs Away tie.

All ties are handscreened in Bethany's Detroit studio, where she also has a custom costumes division that has been responsible for outfitting feature films, music tours and other major events with hand detailed clothing. Her work has also been featured in Make and Fiberarts, lending strength to the credence that ties are not just for men.... sexy and classic at the same, I love the idea of sporting an ExLibris tie or the following Fern Illustration tie with stylish frames in a well-cut suit.

Visit Bethany's site at: Cyberoptix Tie Lab

Karin Eriksson

2006-09-07T12:57:00.000+03:00

signe beaker small, espresso leaf pattern, filled gold

Witness the beauty that is Karin Eriksson's work ... from design process to final, graceful and elegant product, her cups and beakers, vases and mobiles, lighting and chandeliers are thoughtfully and gorgeously made from stonewear, earthenware, glazed porcelain and mixed media.

signe tealight holder, rose bud pattern

With delicate drawing techniques, collage elements and pattern, her work derives from a fascination with nature, fashion, and functionality. Take a look at her sketches on the Inspiration page, and Working Process to get a glimpse of what goes on in her studio.

signe vase wide, collage pattern

And for a daily dose of the things that catch her eye, Karin's Style Blog is an excellent and color-rich accompaniment to her site. ... Karin Eriksson... photo credits: Lars Jonsson

Nest Benefactress Clutch Wristlette

2006-09-01T09:43:00.000+03:00

Now available exclusively through Nest, the Benefactress Clutch Wristlette. Lush, retro-inspired magenta, lavender and citrus floral-print fabric and striking aquamarine stone adorn the Benefactress clutch wristlette. Tucked under your arm or draped from your wrist, the Benefactress has soft gathered corners and a sweet center gather from which suspends the lovingly made aquamarine charm. Wrist strap and interior are robin’s egg Nest blue. With a sturdy zipper closure and measuring 6.3” x 9.4”, the Benefactress is the perfect clutch to hold your most precious jewel-like items.

In collaboration with Nest, we will be the first recipients of their micro-loan made available to women in developing countries who are building their own art and craft based businesses, and who would not have the opportunity to flourish in their craft without support. The micro-loan will provide my seamstresses and jewelry designer the opportunity to do such a thing, and we are excited to design exclusive items for Nest that will be available globally.

To read more about Nest's global vision, particpating designers and to shop for beautifully crafted items, please read my previous post on Rose Deniz and visit Nest's home page.

Domestic Details

2006-08-31T13:22:00.000+03:00

Today I love my coffee cup and ironing board. This morning the linear floral-esque pattern of the cup caught my eye as it gracefully sat upon my notebook and lovely bill to be paid. I bought two identical mugs with a glamorous inscription on the bottom that reads Vera Lezetti from the Bavaria Collection (complete with twin tigers and a crown crest) at Real, a not very glamorous department store/supermarket found all over Turkey, for approximately 2.36 ytl.

This image also gives you a glimpse of a non-traditional Turkish home (reminder that I must post images of average suburban Turkish apartments). I have become much more minimal in my color choices and furniture selection since moving to Turkey. I am now drawn towards simple, solid things that illuminate pattern, rather than get drowned by it.

And I couldn't resist posting a detail from our Lady (note the registered trademark) ironing board with mod diamond pattern. Every time I iron I am happy to see the juxtaposition of geometry and calligraphy-like product name. I admit that when scouring small home supply stores called Tuhafiyes *my pocket dictionary lists sundries, notions, and haberdashery as items that can be found there* (haberdashery...! how perfect, as I am reading a lot of Jane Austen these days), I was very excited to find that this ironing board was not only durable but attractive. Next time I may give in and buy the evil-eye patterned ironing board pad that everyone uses here.

John Derian & Jane Hammond

2006-08-31T12:48:00.000+03:00

Vintage glass candle ornaments imported from Turkey by John Derian. At $80 each, the price is comprable to similar ones I've seen at the Grand Bazaar and the streets lining the bazaar district. But while you can bargain with shopkeepers in gorgeously lit shops in Istanbul, this price is fixed. Yet still, you can surround yourself with these sumptuosly votive globes without having to hassle on a price or drink endless cups of black or apple tea. Unless you like that sort of thing, which I do when my Turkish is passable.

I can't mention John Derian without remarking on his beautiful Decoupage. Perhaps most people's first experimentation with Decoupage included some sort of small discarded cigar box with glued on victorian greeting cards or, if I can admit this, hormonally induced clippings from teen magazines glued to a tabletop... either way, John Derian transforms the medium into singular moments of museum-worthy imagery that at times remind me, like this Libra/Scorpio zodiac tray, of Jane Hammond, whose work can be seen at Lemberg Gallery in Ferndale, MI.

John Derian, above

Jane Hammond, From the Goose to the Girl, iris print, relief work, handcoloring

k8: kate love

2006-08-29T14:24:00.000+03:00

Today, the postaci gave me a most wonderful unexpected surprise! A soft, sweet jersey wrap made by my dear friend Kate Love. Kate, a painter and textile enthusiast, has long been a friend of mine ever since I dumped my coffee on her drawings in a Drawing Fundamentals class in undergrad. She even flew to Turkey to be a bridesmaid in my wedding and started working with fabric and textile design right about the same time as I did. She has occasionally threatened to return the favor and pour coffee on my work, too, for she told me it was a turning point in her artistic career when I was inconsolable over my clumsiness. Kate is now a Brooklyn-based artist, whose reused and preloved clothing has been worked and embellished with beads, ribbon and painterly details.

To view her other amazing creations, visit K8 Love on Lesbionic.com, also based in Brooklyn. Expect many more beautiful things to come from Kate's clothing collection in the months to come. My apologies for the color differentiation... taken under different light, the photo of me wearing the wrap is less saturated than in real life.

Secondhand Rose

2006-08-29T13:11:00.000+03:00

It is always gratifying to find one's name used thoughtfully... and Secondhand Rose conjurs the most romantic possibilities. Thanks to design*sponge, a lovely blog discovery of the day that I am now infatuated with, I was led to Secondhand Rose's Ottoman Empire collection of furniture. This piece is a mid-19th century bone and ivory inlaid pedestal. Its place of origin is not listed on the site, but several others claim heritage in Egypt, Persia, and French Morocco. Secondhand Rose has an incredible wallpaper selection, which is how it caught my eye on design*sponge.

This is one of those days where every site I come across seems filled with beautiful things... my previous list of favorite sites and blogs seems very incomplete even a couple days later.

So here are a couple more that I have come to cherish, sans pictures or description...

design*sponge
claire coles
brocante home

Lovely lists

2006-08-25T14:10:00.000+03:00

The impulse to organize everything has taken over, so I feel compelled to give a tidy list of my most recently discovered favorite blogs and sites.

print & pattern, with jen lewis illustration shown here.

craving anthropologie, an unapologetic homage to the store bearing the same name, and my own declaration of longing for a sanctuary not found in Turkey.

oh joy, who also posts favorite home accessories, design finds and textiles, but from philadelphia. Thanks to this blog, I was introdroduced to Brocade Home, who has produced a catalog of amazing home decor that I am very eager to receive. Only downside is Brocade Home doesn't ship catalogs internationally, so I finagled a copy by having it sent to my parents' house. (oh joy gives a nod to craving anthropologie for the Brocade Home tip, I credit oh joy and so continues the links and discoveries one can only find from a blog.)

decor 8, which gives a thorough review of Amy Butler's In Stitches, a book I pre-ordered this morning and will have someone I love from the US send or bring to me in Turkey. I also pre-ordered Built by Wendy's Sew U... it may be months before I get either book, and the wait will be filled with longing.

I must say that I spent an enormous amount of time on Amy Butler's website, too... I love her detailed photographs, views of her studio, various inspiration and her Sunbloom fabric print.

tarsian & blinkley, who design and produce with talented Afghan women, socially conscious organic clothing. They have a wealth of information on their site, including photographs and biographies on the women they work with.

Last, but not least, the wish jar journal, companion to keri smith's illustrations and musings. Be sure to look at her list of ideas... perfect for both artist, writer, or designer's block or an motivated, inspired day.

.... There are many, many more blogs and sites that I love, but they will have to wait for another afternoon, another cup of coffee.

Yellow Gingham Infatuation

2006-08-24T22:53:00.000+03:00

I bought four yards of yellow gingham to make curtains and so far, instead of applying myself to the task, have made a pillow, baby bib, and drapery for a vintage cabinet. Here is some evidence of my most recent infatuation with the color yellow. red-orange nails on yellow by light of sewing lamp. dramatic and perfect.

detail of pillow... yellow machine embroidery stitch on pale aqua

the finished pillow/// now I only need to redecorate our entire apartment to match! I first spyed this deep yellow when wandering around Tekzen, the Turkish equivalent of Home Depot and found a paint color called Sultan's yellow. How amazing.

Build your Nest

2006-08-01T13:38:00.000+03:00

Rose Deniz Handbags is excited to announce a forthcoming collaboration with Nest, a nonprofit agency that works with individual designers to produce an exclusive item for Nest, the proceeds from which benefit women in developing countries as they create their own art-based businesses. We are incredibly pleased to be the first recipients of the micro-loan from Nest, as the loan will go towards supporting materials for the seamstresses and jewelry designer we work with. It has long been my vision to see these incredibly talented women further their own work and build sustainable incomes for themselves and their families.

In the words of Founder Rebecca Kousky, "Women have been artists through the centuries, whether they are creating utilitarian household objects, clothes for the family or decorative objects for themselves, the female artistic tradition is a way of defining and maintaining the community. By providing entrepreneurial loans to craftswomen and artisans, their life can become their livelihood and the decorative objects that are the fruits of their labor can be enjoyed by discerning patrons throughout the world." The catalog and online store will be debuting the end of this summer, as will our clutch wristlette designed for Nest. Please visit the Nest website for more information on their global vision and the other designers working with Nest to create change for women in developing nations.