Discover Zeynep Arçay’s modern minimalism for SS21
The Istanbul-based designer’s precise silhouettes and innovative fabrications will bring effortless ’90s cool to your summer closet
If your style can be described as minimalist, sharply tailored and sensual, prepare to fall in love with Zeynep Arçay’s spring/summer 2021 collection. The Istanbul-based designer is pretty much the poster girl for her namesake label, and a quick scroll through her Instagram is all the styling inspiration you need for this season’s offering of slick leather separates and second-skin mini dresses. Arçay’s MO is less is more, allowing the beautiful details of her pieces – directional cut-outs, luxe textures and striking colors – to make an outfit pop.
It was this drive to create her dream fashion brand that convinced Arçay to quit her job as a top executive in the tech world and take a detour into fashion. Armed with a distinct aesthetic, passion and business acumen, her vision then – as now – was to give leather ‘a new identity’ by working with super-supple and ultra-fine versions that can be sculpted and manipulated like any other material.
Working closely with the craftsmen in her own leather atelier, Arçay is absolutely fastidious about the fit and feel of every piece. Adding other fabrics – such as jersey, silk and lace – to her repertoire, she created a total look and, upon launching in 2013, her figure-hugging silhouettes soon found their way into the ‘off-duty-model’ uniforms of Joan Smalls, Katie Holmes, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Jasmine Tookes and Kaia Gerber. Her unconventional fabrications and novel colors have also become a huge hit with chic style influencers such as Pernille Teisbaek, Gala Gonzalez, Leonie Hanne and Evangelie Smyrniotaki.
“Arçay’s MO is less is more, allowing the beautiful details of her pieces – directional cut-outs, luxe textures and striking colors – to make an outfit pop
”
This season, Arçay was inspired by ’90s silhouettes with a modern twist. She focused on dresses that frame the décolletage – from plunging V-necklines to off-the-shoulder and strapless designs, each one elegantly highlighting the collarbone. Ruched details and ribbed-knit textures nod to her ’90s muse and will look divine styled simply with chunky gold jewelry and a pair of mules. Another collection highlight is the diaphanous, long-sleeved, polka-dot and lace bodysuit with a directional bra appliqué detail. Pair it with the butter-soft, high-waisted leather pants in a creamy beige hue for a look that exudes sophistication with an edge.
Arçay chose to base her brand on leather because it’s a fabric that has always made her feel unique, stylish and strong – and this is exactly how she wants her customers to feel in her beautiful designs. All the leathers are ethically sourced and certified by the Leather Working Group, which promotes sustainable and appropriate environmental business practices within the leather industry.
“Arçay chose to base her brand on leather because it’s a fabric that has always made her feel unique, stylish and strong
”