World Fashion Focus: Istanbul : The Observer

By Patricia Serrantonio

STAFF WRITER

Istanbul — Being the only city bridged between two continents, Europe and Asia, the city of Istanbul, Turkey, is quite phenomenal. From the numerous oceans that surround Istanbul, which was once Constantinople, everything is extremely historic, from numerous mosques to one of the seven wonders of the world: the Hagia Sophia (google it!). Within these buildings of beauty, patterns of color are thrown upon walls and ceilings in the most decorative and precise manner, something that absolutely amazes the eye.

Aside from the friendly aura and the splashes of culture, there lies a total fashion gold mine right in the middle. This would be the Grand Baazar. After spending over six hours in it, I have cemented it as a fashion lovers playground and total world of creativity. Bazaar’s are markets and in Turkey, they are extremely common. The Grand Baazar, however, is quite the site to see, and unimaginably holds over 3,000 shops.

In the Grand Baazar, you can find everything. Saying it is huge is an understatement. Yet, everything sold inside, not only commercial things, but true culturally influenced pieces, are enticing; something I’d like to acknowledge as real fashion.

Yes, Istanbul has its gigantic high fashion and fabulous couture area, but it was the fluidity and the true uniqueness that made the Grand Baazar so attractive.

For example, patterned harem pants and handmade crochet ballet flats were just everywhere. I can almost promise that replicas of these are nonexistent. Originally designed bags, beaded scarves, and jewelry boxes covered in bright glitters were iconic pieces of many shops. The turquoise earrings along with rare beaded necklaces covered walls for the ladies. You can buy costumes, perfumes, luggage, and adorable slip-on shoes in bright colors with poms poms atop, a pair I could not resist. Men can even et their favorite jerseys as well as sneakers and presents for their mother!

The best yet, is that everything is generally cheap and open for a good bargain with the amiable shop-owners and product designers.

And it does not only revolve around fashion, but the glass lamps are stunning, golden and jeweled animal sculptures are bright, and the fresh tea as well as the glass tea-cup sets are delicately designed. Not to mention, the trope of the market, the evil-eye, covers souvenirs specifically to ward off bad spirits.

The entire market was just stunning. From the aura to the merchandise, the Grand Bazaar was the thrill of a fashion lifetime and undoubtedly the bearer of the most interesting and unique items ever created. Definitely a site to embrace and, well, shop in!

via World Fashion Focus: Istanbul : The Observer.