A Message From The Designer:
Assalamu Alaikum, May Peace Be Upon You
Welcome to KAVAKCI COUTURE ! I have received many questions from those curious about why I started my label so I thought I would shed some light on this issue and provide more information about my inspirations on what has truly been both a cross-cultural and intercontinental journey. My story begins in Ankara, Turkey, where I was born to parents who were highly successful and well-respected professors at Ataturk University in Erzurum, Turkey. Unfortunately, my mother was forced to resign from her position at the university in order to keep wearing her hijab, or Islamic head scarf. It is not easy having to choose between one's career and religion, and the worst part is that she was not the only member of my family affected by the ban. My oldest sister, Merve was prevented from completing medical school for the same reason. Because of our strong religious beliefs and unwillingness to compromise our religion for anybody, my family decided to relocate to Dallas, TX, a place we now call home. At the time of the move, I was only 12 years old but, having realized the beautiful freedoms of living in America, I decided to start wearing hijab. My sister Merve's determination strengthened as well. After completing her education in Dallas, she returned to Turkey and ran for parliament in order to fight for religious freedom. Although she won the election, she was once again prevented from taking her oath and becoming a Member of Parliament because of her decision to wear the hijab. Her struggle for equality and religious freedom has turned her into an internationally renowned women's rights activist and heroine. (More information can be found on her website www.mervekavakci.net).
Although living in the states made it easier to practice my religion, it was almost impossible to find clothing that allowed me to cover my body as my religion mandates and support my lifestyle as a young woman who was active in sports. I was the only girl at school wearing hijab, therefore, I wanted to look fabulous as well. Since people were already staring at me, I wanted to show them that it was indeed possible to dress in accordance with Islamic guidelines and still look glamorous. Thus it has been my dream since I was a little girl to design fashionable clothing for Muslim women. Over time, I experimented with different combinations of clothing and materials and various ways of wearing my hijab to make it look more elegant. Through this process, my own style has emerged. I take all the influences on my life, including my Islamic heritage, Turkish origin, American lifestyle, and upbringing in a house full of strong women, and combine these elements to create something that is both Islamically appropriate and yet chic for the modern Muslim woman.
Achieving Stylish Elegance, Maintaining Modesty
In 2008, Kavakci was requested to showcase her debut collection at a fundraising benefit for Peacemakers Incorporated in Dallas, TX. The collection was entitled "Covered In Style" and also saw the debut of Kavakci's Equestrienne Habit, the first riding habit designed specifically for Muslim women, as well as the "Comfijab", a headscarf designed by Kavakci to be comfortable and practical for everyday wear.
With a celebrity last name and an exquisite collection, KAVAKCI COUTURE became a well known label in a short span of time. KAVAKCI COTURE has been featured in the international media by prestigious publications and TV channels including ZAMAN, Yeni Safak Gercek Hayat Dergisi, TV Net, Hijabtrendz, and The Muslim Observer.
Her exclusive designs are worn by celebrity Muslim women including her sister, Merve Kavakci, who is an Islamic Fashion Icon. Elif Kavakci currently lives in Manhattan with her husband and two daughters.
A Message From The Designer:
Assalamu Alaikum, May Peace Be Upon You
Welcome to KAVAKCI COUTURE ! I have received many questions from those curious about why I started my label so I thought I would shed some light on this issue and provide more information about my inspirations on what has truly been both a cross-cultural and intercontinental journey. My story begins in Ankara, Turkey, where I was born to parents who were highly successful and well-respected professors at Ataturk University in Erzurum, Turkey. Unfortunately, my mother was forced to resign from her position at the university in order to keep wearing her hijab, or Islamic head scarf. It is not easy having to choose between one's career and religion, and the worst part is that she was not the only member of my family affected by the ban. My oldest sister, Merve was prevented from completing medical school for the same reason. Because of our strong religious beliefs and unwillingness to compromise our religion for anybody, my family decided to relocate to Dallas, TX, a place we now call home. At the time of the move, I was only 12 years old but, having realized the beautiful freedoms of living in America, I decided to start wearing hijab. My sister Merve's determination strengthened as well. After completing her education in Dallas, she returned to Turkey and ran for parliament in order to fight for religious freedom. Although she won the election, she was once again prevented from taking her oath and becoming a Member of Parliament because of her decision to wear the hijab. Her struggle for equality and religious freedom has turned her into an internationally renowned women's rights activist and heroine. (More information can be found on her website www.mervekavakci.net).
Although living in the states made it easier to practice my religion, it was almost impossible to find clothing that allowed me to cover my body as my religion mandates and support my lifestyle as a young woman who was active in sports. I was the only girl at school wearing hijab, therefore, I wanted to look fabulous as well. Since people were already staring at me, I wanted to show them that it was indeed possible to dress in accordance with Islamic guidelines and still look glamorous. Thus it has been my dream since I was a little girl to design fashionable clothing for Muslim women. Over time, I experimented with different combinations of clothing and materials and various ways of wearing my hijab to make it look more elegant. Through this process, my own style has emerged. I take all the influences on my life, including my Islamic heritage, Turkish origin, American lifestyle, and upbringing in a house full of strong women, and combine these elements to create something that is both Islamically appropriate and yet chic for the modern Muslim woman.
Achieving Stylish Elegance, Maintaining Modesty
In 2008, Kavakci was requested to showcase her debut collection at a fundraising benefit for Peacemakers Incorporated in Dallas, TX. The collection was entitled "Covered In Style" and also saw the debut of Kavakci's Equestrienne Habit, the first riding habit designed specifically for Muslim women, as well as the "Comfijab", a headscarf designed by Kavakci to be comfortable and practical for everyday wear.
With a celebrity last name and an exquisite collection, KAVAKCI COUTURE became a well known label in a short span of time. KAVAKCI COTURE has been featured in the international media by prestigious publications and TV channels including ZAMAN, Yeni Safak Gercek Hayat Dergisi, TV Net, Hijabtrendz, and The Muslim Observer.
Her exclusive designs are worn by celebrity Muslim women including her sister, Merve Kavakci, who is an Islamic Fashion Icon. Elif Kavakci currently lives in Manhattan with her husband and two daughters.