Declara is a fashion brand that was founded in Istanbul. Since 2020, the creative director and founder Derev Clara Kösedağ has found a clever way to create whimsical, retro-inspired fashion that fuses together 1990s pop culture with the 1970s disco era.

The brand is known for its elegant cuts and geometric patterns, bell bottom pants and floral-patterned scarves. In fact, all of their accessories are handmade by local Turkish women and are manufactured in Turkey.

Kosedag comes from a background in fashion education. She studied at the Istanbul Technical University and New York Fashion Institute of Technology, and won the 2020 Koton Honor Award and was selected for FIT's 2020 Future of Fashion Show.

Declara’s Fall/Winter 2024 Collection is called “Floral Harmony” and includes various colorful pieces that pay homage to vintage fashion. Some of the most iconic pieces from the new collection include the Midnight Mirror Chic Jacket and the The Polychrome Icon set. All the items show where bold hues meet fearless vibes.

“Floral Harmony” exemplifies the brand’s DNA. As Kosedag explains: “At Declara, the disco influence is not just a style choice; it's a celebration of freedom, joy, and the confidence to be unique.”

Kosedag chats about the inspiration of the disco era, Cher and fusing together timeless floral beauty with bold creativity.

What is Declara and what defines your brand DNA?

Derev Clara Kosedag: Declara is a fashion brand that embodies a vibrant, joyful spirit, focusing on designs that lift moods and energize wearers. At the heart of Declara’s DNA are bold, eye-catching patterns inspired by the best of 1990s pop culture and the geometric and psychedelic influences of the 1970s. Crafted with colorful, hand-sketched patterns I do myself, Declara’s style is a blend of uniqueness, timeless elegance, and spirited freedom. The brand values individuality and encourages wearers to embrace their distinctiveness, helping them feel extraordinary, lively, and stylish.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your AW24 collection, Floral Harmony?

Our AW24 Floral Harmony collection draws inspiration from nature’s striking contrasts, bringing the beauty of flowers to life through bold shapes and delicate floral details. Rich, saturated hues reflect both the depth of winter and the vibrancy of a dream in bloom. We’ve transformed Declara’s iconic emblem into floral-inspired forms with reflective mirror materials, introducing a modern, elegant twist that reimagines classic florals with fresh sophistication. Designed for those who seek style and an escape into a blooming universe, “Floral Harmony” merges timeless floral beauty with bold creativity. It invites wearers to embrace their inner muse with fearless elegance, radiating confidence, individuality, and a touch of magic.

You bring a 1970s retro flair to your outerwear; can you talk about how the disco era is core to Declara?

The 1970s disco era is at the core of Declara’s aesthetic, bringing a lively, bold edge to our collections. This iconic era introduced an explosion of color, daring patterns, and geometric shapes that continue to influence us. Our designs reflect this spirited time, with patterns that are unapologetically large, vibrant, and psychedelic, capturing the free-spirited essence of disco. The era’s love for self-expression and individuality mirrors our brand’s mission: to empower wearers to stand out, feel remarkable, and embrace their own distinctiveness with every piece. At Declara, the influence of disco is not just a style choice; it's a celebration of freedom, joy, and the confidence to be unique.

You are also known for bringing aspects of 1990s pop culture into your designs - what 90s style icons and pop culture moments most inspire Declara?

Cher, the music icon, is a key muse with her fearless, eclectic style that mixes glam with edge— an inspiration for the confidence we aim to channel in our collections. Clueless and Cher Horowitz’s plaid ensembles bring a playful, mix-and-match approach that celebrates individuality, echoing Declara’s mission. The Spice Girls add to our identity with their fierce and unique styles, encouraging bold self-expression. These 90s icons shape our designs, blending Cher’s glamor, Clueless's playfulness, and the Spice Girls’ dynamic energy to invite wearers into Declara’s vibrant, expressive world.

How do you define retro charm?

Retro charm is a nostalgic allure that blends whimsical aesthetics with iconic styles from past decades. Defined by vibrant colors, playful patterns, and distinctive silhouettes, it evokes warmth and familiarity while remaining relevant in contemporary fashion. At Declara, retro charm celebrates individuality and self-expression, allowing wearers to connect with joyful aesthetics from bygone eras. It’s about honoring the past and encouraging a sense of playfulness, inviting everyone to express their unique identities through timeless, fun designs.

How does Declara nod to vintage vibes?

Declara nods to vintage vibes by weaving nostalgic elements into our designs, drawing inspiration from the vibrant aesthetics of past decades. We embrace bold colors, playful patterns, and distinctive silhouettes reminiscent of the 70s and 90s, allowing wearers to channel the spirit of those eras. Our collections feature retro-inspired prints and details, such as geometric shapes, that evoke a sense of whimsy and individuality.

What makes this season's statement dresses so special?

This season’s Floral Harmony statement dresses are crafted to captivate, blending winter’s depth with a dreamlike burst of color. Bold florals and reflective, sculptural accents create a mesmerizing interplay of light and form, transforming each piece into a wearable work of art. These dresses aren’t just about style, they’re about stepping into a world of fearless elegance and unapologetic individuality, designed for those who dare to make every moment their own.

Many pieces have whimsical, colorful floral patterns, can you talk more about their origin and meaning?

Declara’s whimsical floral patterns are deeply inspired by the flower child movement of the 1970s—a cultural wave that celebrated peace, love, and freedom through expressive, nature-inspired motifs. This movement, with its colorful, free-spirited aesthetic, championed individuality, positivity, and a deep connection to nature, values that resonate strongly with Declara’s vision. In fact, our designs echo this ethos, blending bright, joyful colors with bold floral patterns that evoke the playful, bohemian spirit of the era. Each piece captures the essence of a flower child, inviting wearers to embrace their true selves with confidence and joy. Hand-drawn elements reflect the artistry and authenticity of handmade craft, honoring the beauty of imperfection. In every floral pattern, Declara brings the timeless energy of the flower child movement into the present, inviting wearers to radiate freedom, creativity, and colorful individuality.

All of your accessories, headpieces and embroidered pieces are handmade by local Turkish women and all collections are manufactured in Turkey. What does this mean to you as a woman-led brand?

As a woman-led brand, the commitment to handmade accessories, headpieces, and embroidered pieces crafted by local Turkish women holds profound significance for Declara. It reflects our dedication to empowering women and supporting local communities. By collaborating with skilled artisans, we not only celebrate traditional craftsmanship but also foster economic independence and creativity among these talented individuals. This approach enriches our collections with unique, meaningful pieces that carry a story, embodying the spirit of collaboration and authenticity. It aligns with our ethos of inclusivity and connection, allowing us to create fashion that resonates on a deeper level. Ultimately, it emphasizes that our brand is not just about style; it’s about uplifting women and honoring the rich heritage of craftsmanship in Turkey.

You recently opened a new pink-hued showroom in Istanbul, which was designed by the DTdesignlab in Istanbul. What was the goal of this showroom and why did you choose this aesthetic?

Our goal in designing this showroom was to create something entirely original, capturing the lively energy Declara evokes as soon as you step into the showroom. The pink hue was chosen as it represents Declara’s world—vibrant, bold, and uplifting. Inspired by our signature wavy patterns, which first appeared in the bomber jackets of our debut collection, we brought these waves from the logo onto the walls, reflecting the brand’s dynamic identity. This aesthetic brings Declara’s roots to life, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the creativity and movement that define us.

What is next for Declara?

Next up, we continue our exciting journey of global expansion. We’re building new collaborations and partnering with department stores and exclusive boutiques, so people can find and connect with us to more destinations worldwide. Soon, Declara’s vibrant designs will be within reach for fashion lovers in more selected spots.

Follow Declara on Instagram @declaara.

‍