By Ayse Humeyra Atilgan
KONYA, Turkey
It is mentality that should direct fashion, not the opposite, said Sare Davutoglu, spouse of Turkey's PM Ahmet Davutoglu, as she attended Wednesday the Anatolian Seljuks Culture Fashion Show in Konya -- once the capital of the Anatolian Seljuks state.
"Civilizations can survive only if they depend on ancient civilizations," said Davutoglu.
Referring to a previous speech by the Turkish PM, she said, "A capital is always a capital. Konya is still a capital for us and we would like to see that the city is known for science and art, not only agriculture."
She congratulated and thanked fashion designer Zeynep Kartal for her role in "passing down the cultural heritage to the next generations."
Kartal’s work reflects the Anatolian Seljuk culture in her unique way. Silk was used for all the dresses and white was the main color in her collection as "it symbolizes nobility and a rich culture."
"I tried to create a bridge of civilizations between Anatolian Seljuks and today," Kartal said. "I am having a fashion show in my hometown, and I am quite honored to be contributing to the promotion of this beautiful city."
The revenue from the show will serve as aid for destitute children, Kartal added.
Among the other attendees were Vogue UK photographer Simon Armstrong, Public Relations Director at LA Fashion magazine Gene Chang and CEO of Art in Fusion TV Rebecca Riofrio.
English singer Carolynne Poole also presented a mini concert at the end of the show.
From her studio in the heart of Manchester, where she has been living for nine years, Kartal designed clothes for various celebrities, such as singer Cheryl Cole and the wives of famous footballers like Coleen Rooney, English striker Wayne Rooney’s spouse.
Kartal's Anatolian Seljuks Culture Fashion Show will also be held in Paris, London, and New York this year.
