Istanbul Contrast exhibition of work by Dice Kayek

The ’Kubbe’ (dome) dress, by Dice Kayek, echoes the domes of Istanbul’s mosques
The ’Kubbe’ (dome) dress, by Dice Kayek, echoes the domes of Istanbul’s mosques
(Image credit: Dice Kayek)
By Damon Syson
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'Fashion is architecture,' as Coco Chanel memorably proclaimed, and a new exhibition at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art explores the synergy of the two disciplines. Turkish fashion brand Dice Kayek (opens in new tab) has taken aspects of Istanbul - including some of its most iconic buildings - and translated them into sartorial form.

The exhibition's 12 themes include 'Istanbul by night', 'Bosphorus' and 'Dome' - with certain designs channelling specific architectural icons. The metallic embroidery of Dice Kayek's 'Galata' dress, for example, echoes the cast-iron latticework of the Galata Bridge; the intricate embroidery of the 'Aya Sofya' gown was inspired by the mosaics of the Haghia Sophia museum; and the geometric shapes of the five 'Istanbul Modern' designs evoke Istanbul's contemporary architecture.

Established in 1991, Dice Kayek is one of Turkey's most acclaimed fashion labels. Now based in Paris, the brand's designer Ece Ege has drawn inspiration from her city of birth for these 26 designs celebrating the diversity, history and architecture of this famous intersection of cultures.

The collection was previously exhibited at the Les Arts Decoratifs Museum of Paris in March, but five new designs have been created specifically for the Istanbul Contrast show. A sculptural installation - 'LogForest' by Arik Levy of LDesign (opens in new tab) - was also specially commissioned.

The Blue Mosque that inspired the design

The Blue Mosque that inspired the design

(Image credit: press)

One of the five designs from Dice Kayek's 'Istanbul modern' theme

One of the five designs from Dice Kayek's 'Istanbul modern' theme

(Image credit: Dice Kayek)

The Kanyon building that inspired the dress

The Kanyon building that inspired the dress

(Image credit: press)

The intricate embroidery of Dice Kayek's 'Aya Sofya' dress was inspired by the mosaics of Istanbul's Haghia Sophia museum

The intricate embroidery of Dice Kayek's 'Aya Sofya' dress was inspired by the mosaics of Istanbul's Haghia Sophia museum

(Image credit: Dice Kayek)

The Haghia Sophia is a former Byzantine church that was transformed into a mosque when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453

Now a museum, the Haghia Sophia is a former Byzantine church that was transformed into a mosque when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. After the building's conversion,  many of its mosaics were plastered over, and remained covered until 1931

(Image credit: press)

The metallic embroidery of Dice Kayek's 'Galata' dress was inspired by the cast-iron latticework of the Galata Bridge

The metallic embroidery of Dice Kayek's 'Galata' dress was inspired by the cast-iron latticework of the Galata Bridge

(Image credit: Dice Kayek)

The cast iron Galata Bridge, which links Eminonu to the district of Beyoglu, is considered a bridge between the ancient and modern in Istanbul

The cast iron Galata Bridge, which links Eminonu to the district of Beyoglu, is considered a bridge between the ancient and modern in Istanbul

(Image credit: press)

The 26 designs on show at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art celebrate the diversity, history and architecture of the city

The 26 designs on show at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art celebrate the diversity, history and architecture of the city

(Image credit: Dice Kayek)

Istanbul is famed for its 'lale' (tulips), the inspiration for this Dice Kayek design

Istanbul is famed for its 'lale' (tulips), the inspiration for this Dice Kayek design

(Image credit: Dice Kayek)

Istanbul is also known for its many doves, which inspired this 'Kumru' (dove) dress

Istanbul is also known for its many doves, which inspired this 'Kumru' (dove) dress

(Image credit: Dice Kayek)

Dice Kayek is one of Turkey's most acclaimed fashion labels

Dice Kayek is one of Turkey's most acclaimed fashion labels

(Image credit: Dice Kayek)

Another famous Istanbul flower, evoked in the form of Dice Kayek's crisp white cocktail dress

Another famous Istanbul flower, evoked in the form of Dice Kayek's crisp white cocktail dress

(Image credit: Dice Kayek)

The 26 designs on show at the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art celebrate the diversity, history and architecture of the city


(Image credit: Dice Kayek)
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