The emerging designer welcomes us into the wonderful world of Saint Dilara Beach Club with her latest swimwear collection.
Photography by Casper Sejersen
Photography by Casper Sejersen
Looking to make a splash this summer, emerging swimwear designer Dilara Findikoglu is unveiling the next chapter in her creative journey. Transporting us to the ethereal dreamland that is the Saint Dilara Beach Club, the new collection blends the wearable and beloved asymmetric cuts and spaghetti strap details synonymous with any good swimwear cut with a punk-esque edge. With a moody lens and ethereal models showcasing the experimental pieces, the campaign and its imagery strikes wonder in those lucky enough to come across them. Avante-Garde yet summer-ready, Findikoglu effortlessly reinvents swimwear with this collection, rendering her one to watch.
Taking a moment to reflect on the collection and its awe-invoking imagery, the designer explained, “The goal of this shoot was to explore further into the Saint Dilara Beach Club world. We wanted to portray the journey of a woman becoming a Saint on the imaginary island. Every stage (and photo) brings her one step closer to nirvana – sometimes painful, sometimes graceful. Each unique setup and shot feels like documentation of a new stage in this process, shot by the genius, Casper Sejersen.”
Upon her official debut, the swimwear designer took some time to get candid with Wonderland about the inspiration behind her moody campaign, the wonderful world of Saint Dilara Beach Club and what the future holds. Head below to enjoy our interview with Dilara Findikoglu…
Hey Dilara, how are you? Where are we talking to you from right now?
I am at Saint Dilara Beach Club!
Let’s start at the beginning! What made you turn to swimwear when you started your design journey?
Our garments generally have a lot going on and I don’t really want to compromise on that while I make my main collections. Swimwear felt like a way to communicate my design language to a wider audience.
In the past, you have worked with the likes of Bella and Iris Law on projects for your brand. Talk to us about that experience! Do you have any interesting stories from your time spent with them?
I can say both Bella and Iris are true Dilara Girls! It’s always a pleasure and so much fun to create something with them. I feel like not only do they carry my designs well but they also bring their creativity with it which makes them very special.
The 2022 collection marks your official launch, how do you feel about the world seeing this collection and about showcasing your work more generally?
It’s always exciting to share a new collection with my audience as every collection reflects a part of me. I would love to be able to connect with more women around the world and represent the female body in its most powerful form.
Talk to us about the campaign imagery! There is quite a dark undertone to a lot of the images, what inspired this?
The goal of this shoot was to explore further into the Saint Dilara Beach Club world. We wanted to portray the journey of a woman becoming a Saint on the imaginary island. Every stage (and photo) brings her one step closer to nirvana – sometimes painful, sometimes graceful. Each unique setup and shot feels like documentation of a new stage in this process, shot by the genius, Casper Sejersen.
Photography by Casper Sejersen
The campaign takes us to Saint Dilara Beach Club. Talk to us about this location and why it was chosen to inform the newest collection!
Last summer’s resort collection was about defining Saint Dilara Beach Club, this remote island in the Mediterranean Ocean where the sun shines in a glamorous red and there’s an endless summer breeze. This island is filled with real-life saints seeking eternal bliss, the only request to get in: strip oneself of the layers of previous life and be purified. This new collection is about unfolding the stages of this transformative journey into becoming a saint, from walking through The Garden of Eden to the purification fountain and her rebirth.
Where is your ultimate summer destination?
There is nothing like the Mediterranean Sea!
If you could have one person wear your designs, who would it be and why?
Marlene Dietrich, for her distinctive, powerful charisma and being like no one else!
Finally, what is next for you and your brand?
We are working on our SS23 collection at the moment which is going to be our comeback show after Covid, I want it to be the dreamiest show I have ever done!