One or The Other
When does an outfit turn into design? Or when does it begin to take place in timeless memories and represent a period? Is it possible to leave the words behind and express yourself solely with the elements you choose for your appearance? All these questions lead us toward a single name. Seeing the relationship between fashion and self-expression quite parallel, Oral embraces the unrestricted diversity within Generation78, the brand he founded and where he serves as creative director. Presenting his sense of fashion that pushes boundaries with its eclectic style codes fearlessly, Oral finds dressing equivalent to pushing the limits of unlimited possibilities. You are ready to embark on a fashion journey with Oral when you eliminate temporal and spatial concerns, and hang on to unconfined imagination. Right now we are exactly in such a place.
When did you start dreaming about fashion?
My interest and dreams in fashion ignited during my childhood years. I started envisioning my unique style, drawing inspiration from the classical apparel of my family elders and the popular culture of the period. These dreams kept taking form over the years and turned into creative ideas that form the basis of Generation78 today. Fashion always seemed to me to be an unlimited field of expression, it offered me the opportunity to create my own world and inspire others.
What does the concept of fashion mean to you?
For me, fashion is one of the most effective ways of individual freedom and self-expression. I see it as an art form that transcends social boundaries and expresses the soul of the individual. Fashion means different things to me, not only as outfits but also as a cultural and social ethos.
How do you define having a sense of style?
Having a sense of style, in my opinion, is adopting a way of dressing that highlights individuality, reflecting authenticity and character. My perspective on style goes beyond trends and reflects one’s self-expression and lifestyle.
What is the most valuable item in your wardrobe?
The most valuable piece in my wardrobe is the dress that Haluk Akakçe gifted me years ago, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen’s FW2011 show.
Is there a specific fashion period that you draw inspiration from?
The late 70s and early 80s are a period for me where freedom and innovative expression were at their peak. The energy of this era, its desire for social change and its fashion that pushes the limits establish one of the cornerstones of Generation78. We aim to present the spirit of this era with a contemporary interpretation.
To what extent does art influence your designs?
Art has a great influence on my designs. Each of my collections is shaped by the inspiration I draw from art. Especially the use of form and color in modern art is indispensable for me. Art constantly offers me new perspectives, nourishes my creativity, and pushes the possibilities.
How did Generation78’s story begin, in what direction does it evolve?
Generation78 was created by challenging traditional dichotomies, with an attitude that embraces unrestricted diversity. Against the conservatism of “Either one or the other”, the inclusiveness and endless possibilities of “Both one and the other” are among the brand’s manifestos. Showing that everything might be possible, especially in fashion, with its attitude against the traditional notions, 70s Bo-Bo (Bohemian Bourgeois) movement is an era that inspires us and a period that we continue to keep alive. As much as being inspired by the superstars, nightlife and art movements of the late 70s and early 80s, the activist movements of the era also inspired Generation78.
Generation78 is a brand that advocates that gender assigned at birth should not be a limiting factor in clothing choices. At this point, we adopt an attitude where we scrutinize the boundlessness of the soul against the restrictive imposition of bodily and gendered boundaries. For Generation78, apparel is about what the soul reflects, beyond gender. For us, just as the appeal of form and shape is crucial, so is the depth of the soul behind that allure. Here, our silhouettes create conscious crossovers between gendered clothing elements. There are no gender stereotypes assigned to the items in our collections. We demonstrate that a world where everyone can wear anything is possible.
You have a style that transcends time and gender in fashion. How do you define the DNA of your designs?
The DNA of Generation78 is built upon gender neutrality and timelessness. We aim to create items that can be worn by anyone and adapt to every era by transcending gender norms and fleeting fashion trends. This approach prioritizes freedom and diversity of expression.
“We aim to create items that can be worn by anyone and adapt to every era by transcending gender norms and fleeting fashion trends. This approach prioritizes freedom and diversity of expression.”
Oral Ünlü
Which outfit defines you best?
I am someone who likes to push limitless possibilities when it comes to dressing. I have a closet with endless varieties that can create different looks. This eclectic attitude is the appearance that defines me best.
A contemporary fashion trend that you embraced?
I believe that the “gender-neutral” approach in fashion has been evolving into something more permanent than a trend. However, I can still answer this question as “Gender-neutral”.
What is the element that makes a design timeless for you?
Good craftsmanship, good fabric and good sewing patterns always elevate the design beyond time.
Do you feel closer to dreams or reality when it comes to design?
My design process is based on a balanced transition between dreams and reality. While dreams nourish my vision, reality provides me with the discipline necessary to translate this vision into applicable, functional and artistically satisfying items.
What is your success criteria?
I believe success is the freedom we can create together with our differences and diversity. The more we expand our freedom, the more successful we become.
What happens when you feel like you had a win? What kind of space do dreams take up in your life?
The moments I feel like I had a win are the moments when my dreams come true. Dreams are always the starting point of my design process and they serve as an endless source of inspiration for me. Every dream that comes true paves the way for a new beginning and more creative ideas.
Interview by Duygu Bengi
Fashion Editor Murat Şentürk
Photographed by Umutcan Öncü
Oral’s all looks selected from GÉNÉRATION 78