“We cannot consciously realize our strength, because we conduct contract manufacturing. We can show our experience that we have gained in denim sector; we need to become a stronger brand. “
Ahmet Giray, Çalık Holding's GAP Güneydoğu Textile R & D Design Department Responsible, talked to Textile World Magazine about the denim sector conducted in Turkey and in the world.
Giray, who graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, creates difference with denim designs that he prepares under the favour of innovative philosophy of life and avant-garde approach, and he stated that he feels closer to denim; he wants to bring a new and artistic view to denim design and the denim design is boundless and libertarian.
''Before washing process, Denim Product is subjected to the dry process. The tarnish process of some jeans is obtained by grinding techniques. It is possible to see the abrading techniques applied in order to build the form, the relief technique applied on chamotte mud by a ceramic artist, the impressionist approaches of a painter, concurrent snapshots of a photographer and the presence of all the art disciplines when we observe.'' said Mr. Giray. He added that the denim has an important place on the world; it can remain the youngest and the most popular fabric today despite of its rooted history.
Denim in History
Stating that the denim, which was used for only wearing rather than aesthetic concerns, reached its current form after 1940s, Giray mentioned that the jean is one of the most important players in the denim sector today despite the fact that the denim was started to be known in Turkey in recent decades.
Pointing out to the fact that the denim contains the most minimal and marginal elements of the fashion concept due to its nature and it succeeded in adding casual and haut couture styles as well as regular wear and sportswear, Giray stated that the denim became highly preferable fabric in the world of textile and fashion.
Stating that a significant part of the denim fabric needs in the world is met by Turkey; Turkey also ranks fifth in world denim apparel production and it ranks eighth in textile production. These developments show us that the denim manufacturers advanced in terms of design and technique in our country, Giray said: “It is necessary to discuss artistic aspects as well as technical aspects. We reached at maximum level in terms of production and technique in denim market. The important countries in the world market determine the production rates and the trends. We also need to comprehend the philosophy of business to achieve this power and we have a great wealth of knowledge and experience, because we conduct contract manufacturing.’’.
We are not Aware of Our Strength in Denim Sector
Mentioning that Turkey is a strong country in denim sector in the world market, Giray said: ''We need to become a well known brand to show our experiences that we have gained in this field. We do not have a considerable denim brand. In Turkey, we conduct the fabric and garment production of many brands known in the world. We have an incredible technical knowledge and business skills. However, we focus on contract manufacturing. We choose this type of production, because we are not aware of our strength. We can show our experiences, which were gained in many years, with a well known brand. We need to comprehend the concept of branding.’’.
Design is an Art
Giray stated that he can influence by any kind of thing creating aesthetic pleasure and concerns during the design process of the collection. Thinking himself as an artist, Giray added: ''The mission of the artist is to give social message and show right and wrong in the system. An artist has to be an image which should be taken as an example. If the starting point can be understood, the inspired concepts can be reflected by the best way. In my collections, I'm just trying to handle what I can feel. In this way, I can also show my inner world to the followers.’’.
Stating that the Design Art begins with observation and comprehension, Giray said ''The styles and effects of the previous artists are shaped in the inner world of the designer. In time, this effect helps to create an original style. AdrianoGoldschmied, who is a denim designer, influenced me so much that I became closer to denim. Different and effective approaches always influence me. "
''The Person, who is criticized, is perceived!''
Giray gave the answer to the question These brave collections are criticized or they are not criticized? : "The criticism is a fundamental factor in art phenomenon. Under the favour of the criticism, the art is created. A work of art is understood differently in each person. Therefore, the artistic perception is born. My passion for design began in childhood, the environmental influences were attempts to direct me to other business areas; I could remain engaged by the Design Art thanks to my family and my passion to art. This conflict caused that the artistic purification in my inner world was experienced far from the thing which was known but as it should be experienced. The design that I want to create shoul be capable influence profoundly. This situation made me a limitless person. Therefore, I create different things compared to the classic catwalk and choreography. I am trying to reach at an amazing catharsis stage and I am also trying to handle the stories in my collections with the costumes as well as these artistic disciplines.’’.
