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"The word 'extravagant' generally refers to something in excess and is related to flamboyance, which can easily turn inelegant, but Ottomans found a way to achieve an elegant extravagance," says Serdar Gülgün of his source of inspiration for his collection. His objets d'art fit in a Renaissance man's cabinet of curiosities as well as add lavish touches of eccentricity to the modern home.
His whimsical taste and flamboyant imagination effortlessly conjures glamorous, gem-encrusted art pieces, which are meticulously handcrafted in the original 15th century workshops of the Grand Bazaar. Infusing natural elements with centuries-old workmanship, each curiosity in the collection takes his followers on a new flight of fancy. An Istanbulite and a devotee of Ottoman imperial culture, Gülgün has always been intrigued by the rare spectacles of the Ottoman court and dreams of the Old World.
The collection's signature design motif – turtles – derives from Gülgün's particular fascination with the turtles of the Tulip Era, when Ottoman Sultans placed candles on the carapaces of living turtles, released them in their flower gardens and watched them gently illuminate the mysterious darkness. The designer was further enchanted by the stories of Maharajas bejeweling turtles with precious stones and keeping them as luxurious pets in their palaces. Gülgün also found inspiration in turtles as ancient symbols of longevity, wisdom and patience.
These romantic, mystical images struck a chord with Gülgün, sparking him to create contemporary homages to the Ottoman Sultans' lustrous turtles. His designs are encrusted with the earth's semiprecious stones – such as agate, tiger's eye, turquoise and rock crystal – as well as extraordinary natural gems from the sea, like corals, nautiluses and other beautiful shells.