Designer Ezgi Cinar Launches ‘HERO’ Collection Inspired by Fairy Tales

This is a repost from my Forbes Lifestyle article which you can find here.

It would seem that every fashion designer under the sun is busy catching the next runway show: New York, London, Milan, Paris, then all over again. And It would also seem that all designers are constantly pushing out new seasonal collections: Spring/Summer, Resort, Pre-Fall, Autumn/Winter, Capsule Collections, Collaborated Designs… So imagine the breeze of fresh air I feel upon my encounter with 2002DNA – a new designer label launched in 2016 with only two seasons a year: Summer and Winter.

Ezgi Cinar, the designer behind 2002DNA and its debut “HERO” collection, talks to me about her instinctual desire to be in fashion and launch her own brand: “nothing concrete has inspired me to create the brand, I woke up one day and just knew this is what I am gonna do. Since when I was a kid I always defined my own personal style, which I still stick to regardless of the current trend, and I have been all about fashion, fabrics and styles ever since.”

Rather unusual in this modern age, Ezgi grew up without the key element in any child’s life – a television, “until the age of 9”, Ezgi explains of her current collection, “that’s why the ‘HERO’ collection is inspired by fairy tales and comic books I used to read and love as a child. My heroes exist in books and stories.”

Ezgi sees her designs as the fairy tale gowns for everyday wear. She loves clothing that underlines and emphasize the beauty of a woman, and this fondness of feminine details is showcased in all pieces of the “HERO” collection. The ELECTRA series of bralet, see-through top and lacy skirt perfectly reflect her vision in design. The pieces are delicate and soft to touch, made with the highest quality fabric and incorporating carefully ruched lace details. “I am not a huge fan of the mainstream definition of ‘chic’ that comprises of simple lines and clean shapes”, Ezgi is not afraid to express her view on the current high street trend ruling the market, “The mass-designed and mass-produced ‘uniform’ worn by the most can be seen as stylish and modern by some, but it is a bit boring and lacks individuality to me”.

I have to agree with Ezgi – if I want to wear a dress made of only lace or one with stitched flowers all over during the day, instead of the usual Zara light blue pin striped shirt, why shouldn’t I? Clothes should be worn to express one’s individuality, not to be saved for any particular occasion. The Poison Ivy dress (as pictured below), from the “HERO” collection, is definitely a dress I am happy to be wearing every day. The burnt orange color combined with the brightest turquoise blue creates the most striking visual impact, and the rich beading adds the extra sparkle and texture to the whole look. I also adore how Ezgi pairs the sultry sheer layers with the innocent peter pan collar – flirtatious, but still a lady.

Speaking of fabrics, Ezgi is careful in what makes into her selection. Most of the textiles (lace, tweed, velvet) are handmade to couture standard. Ezgi wants to make the women who wear her creations to feel exclusive and beautiful.  “Exclusivity is very important to me. That’s the reason why the dresses are not mass produced – there is only one available in any particular size, at any particular store.”

Looking through the 2002DNA “HERO” collection is like flipping through a romantic storybook. The looks are of soft pastel colors like gray, cream and tan, with the occasional eye popping black and blue. The shapes are flowy yet daring, and the looks created are girlie, sexy yet different and non-conforming to any trend.

“2002DNA is a tribute to courageous, passionate women. It is dedicated to the queen who lives in every one of us.” And with that, Ezgi perfectly summarized her exclusive brand, and the “casual-couture” idea she firmly believes in.

Follow me at @DemureAndStylish