A conversation with...Burc Akyol

A conversation with...

Burc Akyol

On March 11th, Burc Akyol presented his fourth collection at Paris Fashion Week. Before creating his eponymous brand in 2019, the designer cut his teeth at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne - which merged with the Institut Français de la Mode in 2019. Collection after collection, Burc offers a wardrobe that embraces the body with softness and elegance. In a nostalgic interview, he talks about his encounter with fashion.

Do you remember when you first discovered fashion?

Of course I do! It was a Dior Haute Couture show by John Galliano seen on television. That moment changed my world. I discovered the sensation of desire in clothes. In fact, I went out of my way to buy a piece, it was a pair of Dior Homme jeans by Hedi Slimane in 2005.

Was there one encounter in your career that changed everything for you? 

I'd have to say Sara Sozzani Maino, who really listens to young designers. Sara reaches out without hesitating. She has the ability of turning on light in people's minds with an elegance that allows you to activate things yourself, without ever expecting anything in return.

Can you tell us about a particularly memorable moment during your studies at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne? 

Arriving at the school, without a doubt! Discovering the hallways, the teachers. It was a childhood dream that came true, combined with a new life in Paris. Can you imagine how many young people come to Paris to study fashion and discover a world that will become their own? Just talking about it gives me an adrenalin rush.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to launch their own fashion label? 

To work for other brands first. But also do not make any decisions after ten o'clock at night or before the holidays, you can be sure you'll come back to them.

Interview by Sophie Dajez (IFM MS 2023)

After studying social sciences and communications and gaining professional experience in the art world, Sophie Dajez completed the Fashion and Luxury Management Masters at the Institut Français de la Mode in 2022. Sophie now writes for brands, fashion houses and magazines and is co-founder and moderator of the Backstage Fashion Talks association.