Full Moon with Hande Erçel

Powerful enough to position herself at the center of the whole world; confident yet equally naive and fragile… Women transform into such a being after a certain period, and the whole story starts like this. Mysterious as the moon and strong as the sun. Nowadays, I’m reading a lot of Rupi Kaur, and I think I’m somewhat influenced by her… “Nothing can be stronger in life than one’s heart, which keeps shining every day despite falling apart.” We imitate the light, but truly becoming the sun, that’s impossible. The moon reigns in her own kingdom and gathers those who emit light one by one around her. We leave behind all the darkness we have to abandon to shine and start shining with Hande. Join in the dance between the moon and the sun.

You feel the earth, standing in the center between the Moon and the Sun. What goes through your mind at this moment? Which side are you closer to?

Hande Erçel: Although I have always been a night person, I can’t hide my fascination with sunrises and sunsets. Each sunrise gives me the same excitement and every spectacle of sunset enchants me. I adore the moon and the sun, the night and the day, making wishes while watching the full moon and dreaming. 

What does it mean to “be strong” in your opinion?

Hande Erçel: I think it is adapting to all the situations that life brings forth and gaining flexibility. You start to believe in the power within you when you realize that you are still standing strong and keep on hoping while passing the tests that you could not have planned for, or even imagined. When the troubles you think that are unsurmountable pass one way or another, its traces and the experience it provided make you stronger. 

What would you wish for in a world where everything is possible?

Hande Erçel: I would wish for a world where children are always happy and healthy, a place where they can grow up, receiving the love and attention they need from their families. 

How would you describe awareness?

Hande Erçel: Awareness is something that develops as we get older, gain experience, make mistakes and especially when you are broken. Awareness doesn’t feel good sometimes but it can also bring you back to your senses, open up your eyes and remind you of your own worth. It is a state in which you accept that last year’s sorrowful event that made you feel devastated was actually quite petty, that you are together with everyone who should be there and most importantly, that everything is as it’s supposed to be – and you serve yourself your due worth.

Being lucky or creating your own luck?

Hande Erçel: While there are many people who start life very lucky and cannot take their chances, do not realize its value and consider themselves unlucky, there are also people who started in a rough trot but believed in themselves, realizing their strength, dreaming and following their aspirations, who don’t give up but carry on even when they fall. We all have lucky moments and opportunities come up for us to create our own luck. It’s all about recognizing and making use of them, I believe. 

Which phase are you experiencing in your acting career?

Hande Erçel: I think acting is a never-ending learning process. Every role is a new world, every scenario is a new challenge with yourself. I always try to improve myself, take every criticism seriously and contribute to my path. I take singing lessons and work with my acting coach. I research the roles that I’ll bring to life as well as myself, and try to seize every opportunity that can make a positive contribution. I try to do my best to gratify my work and I will continue to do so.

In what situations is the actor described as “brave”?

Hande Erçel: Acting is already a job that requires a lot of courage. All actors are brave in my opinion. Performing in front of thousands of people, in front of the screen, often giving up your private life for your job, risking being disliked and criticized, and still devoting your days and nights to a particular performance or your work is a situation that requires courage.

Does your appearance reflect what’s in your soul?

Hande Erçel: My looks usually reflect my feelings. For example, everybody would recognize when I’m happy because I feel a different kind of glow within myself and radiate that energy.

Do you have rituals?

Hande Erçel: If I don’t feel well when I wake up, if I feel heavy, I burn sage. I believe that it cleans the energy of my house and my surroundings, and it always feels good inside. Just like that, I have some special hangouts. Places I link with fond memories, go to be alone with myself, run away to when I need some calm and relaxation. 

How would you describe your relationship with fashion?

Hande Erçel: I can’t say that I have a special relationship with fashion. I’m not really interested in dressing with the popular pieces that everyone wears each season. I generally try to dress the way I feel. I choose pieces that I can describe as comfortable but stylish. Instead of shopping constantly, I try to create a sustainable wardrobe by buying timeless pieces. What we tried to do with Nocturne this season was a collection full of timeless, comfortable and stylish pieces.

When do you think people start radiating their own glow to life?

Hande Erçel: As a person who met loss at a very early age, and clearly understood the value of what I have, I try to radiate my own glow to every day of my life with the belief in the preciousness of every moment. Even on very challenging days, I try to be grateful for creating a happy moment, however small.

We are inside a story that stretches from day to night. When does your story start?

Hande Erçel: I always believe in the stories of the night. The magic, enchantment, the light inside the darkness excites me.

Do you fear making mistakes?

Hande Erçel: Actually I’m quite fearless. I don’t fear making mistakes that only affect my own life. I bear the consequences of every action that I believe in and that feels right, even if it is a mistake, and never regret. I only think in more detail in situations that can affect my work, team or loved ones. I measure and weigh in order not to put anyone in a difficult position.

You have a perfectionist attitude. How does it affect your life? Do you sometimes feel like it makes everything more challenging?

Hande Erçel: My perfectionism towards my work makes me beat myself up a lot. I don’t approve easily, without being satisfied. The feeling inside that says I can always do better sometimes prevents me from even seeing the beauty or progress in my work. This attitude towards my work, which makes everything more challenging, is the exact opposite of my private life: I’m always content with what is and focus on enjoying the flow. I’m being more fascinated by the beauty of imperfect, unplanned returns lately. 

Tell us about a dream of yours!

Hande Erçel: This is my most exciting dream nowadays: I imagine releasing a collection that I can offer to all art enthusiasts throughout the globe, having the opportunity to exhibit my works in my favorite cities of the world, and art lovers all around placing my works in the favorite corners of their surroundings.

Talent Hande Erçel
Creative Direction & Interview by Duygu Bengi
Fashion Director Burak Sanuk
Photographer Ergin Turunç
Art Director Ecem Tungaz
Hair by Nuri Şekerci / Mood Mode
Make-up By Ali Rıza Özdemir
Editor Yağmur Yıldız
Production by Zeynep Aldemir
Gaffer Okan Ataş
Key Grip Gripin Film
Creative Team Ceydanur Demir
Fashion Team Murat Kıvık, Samiye Seda Korkmaz
Photographer Assistant Şimal Demiroğlu, İzgi Yılmaz