Dilara Fındıkoğlu

Dilara Fındıkoğlu (born September 5, 1990), commonly anglicised as Dilara Findikoglu, is a Turkish-English fashion designer.

Early life and education
Fındıkoğlu was born and raised in a conservative Muslim household in Istanbul, Turkey. Her parents are from the city of Kayseri, and her father, a businessman, owns and manages an opticals factory with her older siblings.

Fındıkoğlu developed an affinity for fashion design at an early age. At the age of 19, she moved to London on her own to study fashion design at Central Saint Martins, and graduated with honors in 2015. After being rejected from participating in the school's graduate press show, Fındıkoğlu created Encore CSM, her guerrilla show for Central Saint Martins design students who were also denied from the show as well.

Career
During her studies, Fındıkoğlu worked for Mary Katrantzou, Jeremy Scott, and Yazbukey. She also interned at Maison Margiela under John Galliano, who she considers to be a mentor.

In 2016, Fındıkoğlu opened her London-based fashion label. Since then, prominent figures such as Bella Hadid, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Rihanna, Björk, FKA Twigs, and Margot Robbie have worn her creations for red carpets, stages, and other public appearances.

In 2017, Fındıkoğlu was a semifinalist for the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.

Artistry
Religious imagery, mythology, occult symbols, tattoos, social issues, feminism, goth culture, Victoriana, punk, and rock-n-roll iconography are significant influences on Fındıkoğlu's work and artistry. She also incorporates traditional Turkish embroidery and carpeting techniques into her designs.

Fındıkoğlu has drawn inspiration from Alejandro Jodorowsky, René Guénon, Dame Vivienne Westwood, and Black Sabbath.