Wearable Modern Art Full of Creativity, Sophia Demirtas has Turned her Passion for Fashion Into a Luxury Clothing Brand
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: COURTESY OF FANM MON WRITTEN BY: STELLA POLYZOIDOU STYLED BY: SOPHIA DEMIRTAS
O ne of the best parts of starting a new hobby is the ability to turn something you love into a profitable business. That is the case for Fanm Mon—a Turkish fashion label that launched in 2013. Behind this vision is the Haiti-born, Turkey-based designer Sophia Demirtas who, along with her husband, has created a brand of bold and colorful ready-to-wear.
Originally, Demirtas got involved with jewelry making, but within two years, she transitioned to womenswear, realizing that brought her greater joy. The pivot was born from a need to showcase her jewelry with eccentric garments. “It really started out of personal necessity to make designs that were reminiscent of my childhood. Having been born and raised in Haiti, I got into these interactions with color, pattern, and texture,” Demirtas says on a Zoom call. The brand offers intricate
handmade pieces inspired by the cultures of Haiti and Africa. Through each collection, the designer pays homage to her Haitian heritage, roots, and community. The home feeling inspires her most, accompanied by a love for nature and admiration for women. “Nature is my main source of inspiration and my childhood memories. I grew up surrounded by many women who embrace their femininity with floral prints, bold, vibrant colors,” she explains. Growing up in Haiti, Demirtas could see firsthand what her grandmothers, aunts, and neighbors wore, which was a strong point of reference later in her life. This feminine energy is now mirrored in the brand’s creations.
Demirtas worked at a homeless shelter in New York City before moving to Turkey and pursuing her dream in the fashion industry. What makes this brand unique is the different backgrounds combined into modern silhouettes. Fanm Mon embraces the craftsmanship of masterful artisans from Ukraine and Turkey and the rich cultural heritage of Haiti. Known for a mix of delightful colors, bold patterns, and handmade embroideries weaved into beautiful garments, Fanm Mon offers modern alternatives to traditional styles. Each piece has been carefully hand- embroidered by skilled craftsmen at the brand’s headquarters in the US, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Fanm Mon Founder
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