A small bundle of energy, Begüm Kıroğlu can regularly be seen hurtling through the winding halls of the Grand Bazaar, a stylish figure buzzing past the glittering jewels and centuries-old columns. Her atelier is located close outside these walls, and Kıroğlu knows the area intimately, at once an indelible part of her surroundings and something apart. Founder and artist behind Begum Khan, Kıroğlu creates couture mens' cufflinks; unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that draw inspiration from across centuries and continents.
At their roots lies her deep Istanbul heritage, having grown up in a family that filled its house with Ottoman art, antiques, rugs, taxidermied animals and lavish paintings. Then there is the China influence, where Kıroğlu spent five years, first to get her masters in Chinese culture and then to work. In the Middle Kingdom she dove into the many antiques shops, the art scene, and the kaleidoscope of culture that so defines that end of the Silk Road.
She first decided to design a pair of custom cufflinks as a present to her brother during his wedding. She then launched her brand in Shanghai in 2012. Today, her work has been featured in the likes of Vanity Fair and Vogue Turkey, and she has recently expanded her operations and is based in Istanbul. But, she is also constantly on the road, seeking out new places and experiences.
“Every time I travel, I get so excited, it opens my creativity,” she says. “Sometimes being rooted really scares me. I become more inspired by having this kind of freedom, a gypsy lifestyle.”
When designing, Kıroğlu has a specific muse whom she envisions, a man who, she says, is “refined and genteel, well-dressed, well-traveled and above all, curious about the world around him.” Over the years, you can see how her work and vision has matured, resulting in pieces that create a lush, detailed portrait of a designer with a uniquely rich background.
For next steps, keep an eye out for her jewelry. Kıroğlu currently only designs for herself and private orders, as she is reluctant to diversify her focus. “I like cufflinks,” says Kıroğlu. “People do everything - a bit of this and that. I don’t want to extend into everything, I want to do one thing really well.” However, when asked about the female inspiration for her jewelry, Kıroğlu smirks. “I design for the femme fatale. One that my male muse would meet at 3am in the morning in a dark corner of the bar. That’s who I have in my mind when I create.”
You can find Kıroğlu's work at various stockists around Istanbul. Visit www.begumkhan.com to find out more and get in touch.
Source: The Guide Istanbul
