
FACULTY OF FINE ARTS AND DESIGN
Department of Textile and Fashion Design
Best fashion designer of the year from Izmir

Merve Dündar, a graduate of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Textile and Fashion Design, made her mark at the 5th International Golden Quality Awards, where the best of different sectors in Turkey are selected. IUE graduate Dündar was chosen as the ‘best fashion designer of the year’, leaving behind many prominent names who also work in the international arena. Having achieved one of the most prestigious awards in the field of fashion, Dündar will receive her award at the gala night to be held at the Dedeman Hotel in Istanbul on October 25.
Merve Dündar, who lives in Izmir, started to be interested in fashion since high school years. Dündar, who followed new trends, prepared designs by drawing in her spare time, and went to exhibitions after school, quickly turned this curiosity into a passion.
ESTABLISHED HER OWN BRAND
Deciding to pursue her career in the field of fashion, which she loves very much, Dündar preferred Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Textile and Fashion Design. Having successfully graduated from the University, Dündar entered the sector quickly and established her own brand under the name of ‘Haute Couture & Beyond Atelier by Merve Dündar’.
HER DESIGNS WENT GLOBAL
Making a difference in a short time with her custom designs, Dündar became very popular among world-famous brands. Working with popular brands such as Dolce Gabbana and Calvin Klein, Dündar has created many designs that went global. Dündar, who prepares designs for daily use as well as wedding gowns and evening dresses, crowned her success with an award. Dündar will receive the ‘best fashion designer of the year’ award at the gala night of the 5th International Golden Quality Awards organized by Crazy Production, a production and organization company operating in Istanbul. Dündar had previously been awarded the “International Business Academy Award” by the “Business International Press” in 2018 with her brand.
IZMIR GIVES ME STRENGHT
Stating that being selected as the best fashion designer of the year made her proud, Dündar said that her hard work paid off. Talking about her designs, Dündar said, “I develop custom designs, and also produce and market them. I prepare my collections with a vision that can shape the future without the concept of time. The brand I founded proved its quality globally. I also created many studies so far with the aim of bringing Turkish values to the fashion world. I continue to work at home and abroad, basing it on world-class quality. A design I created recently was sent to Sweden. The presentations of that project were also held in Izmir. I do all my work in Izmir, where I was born and grew up. I have seen many cities around the world, but I never thought of leaving Izmir. Because Izmir gives me motivation and strength.”
MY DESIGNS ARE UNIQUE
Dündar continued as follows: “My designs are ahead of time, have their own unique color range and cut. I can say that especially the designs I made with felt are among the few works in the world. These designs also played a very active role in my receiving the award. I am very happy to bring the award to Izmir. I will continue to work with the aim of making designs that make a difference in the international arena, catch up with the era and appeal to large audiences. Receiving an award made me happy and gave me a greater responsibility for my future work. I would like to thank everyone who nominated me for this award.”
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