‘Yolun açık olsun’ or ‘may your road be open.’
This Fall, we invite you to embrace the open road in your life with your family with a sense of freedom and adventure. Tea traveled to Turkey with an open heart and an open mind and created a beautiful collection that curates the best parts of Turkish culture and rich history. From Turkish art techniques to varying nature scapes and cityscapes to animals to food to plant life. We bring you the best of this country – all designed to connect your little ones to the open road of a new part of the world.
We sat down with our Director of Design, Margie, to get the inside scoop on why we choose to venture to Turkey this fall, what designs she is most excited to share with you, and so much more!
Why did you choose Turkey?
Turkey sits astride two continents and therefore a (metaphorical) bridge between 2 worlds. The country is wonderfully dynamic and vibrant with a rich and diverse past – once home to the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires with mosaics, frescos and mosques. Turkey has a rich mosaic of people, religions and cultures. I have a fascination with the East and West, traditional with modern, and harmony in contradiction with chaos.
What designs are you most excited about?
We have some really fun graphic tees that capture the spirit of the place – a silly pelican eating simit, a sweet peacock with marbled feathers, and cats, lots and lots of cats. We also have a beautiful assortment of new and returning favorite Tea dresses in prints that pay homage to Turkey’s arts and crafts.
Was there any art technique you loved learning about from Turkey that you brought into this season’s collection?
Ebru, the tradition of marbling paper, originated in the old Ottoman empire of the 15th century. Different interpretations of Ebru are carried out throughout the season in both prints and graphics.
Did you meet any artists on your trip? Did they inspire any designs?
We happened upon a tiny cozy artist studio in Istanbul. Met and connected with the sweetest bird painter, Nihat Usta. Through the google translate app, we started conversing and exchanging stories. I was drawn to Nihat’s painting style, which is very whimsical and innocent. I am excited he was able to collaborate on a few graphic tees and a print for Fall and Winter.
What was your favorite part about your inspiration trip?
The architecture of Istanbul and Cappadocia’s terrain are both visually stunning and such an inspiration. But, my favorite part was meeting and connecting with people and learning about the everyday hustle of life in Istanbul. Turkish people are incredibly hospitable. For instance, while Emily and I were walking through the residential area in Balat, we came across two simit bakers working near their home’s entrance. They welcomed us in, allowing us to observe and capture their baking process. Also, I love the Turkish custom of offering tea, whether you’re buying a rug or finishing a meal; it’s a wonderful opportunity to share and have a conversation.
What was your favorite part about the photoshoot?
Working with such a dynamic team really fuels my creativity. I love collaborating with our Creative Director, Emily, to pull the collection and marketing campaign together. Also, Charlotte Cohen is one of the most talented children’s photographers out there. We are so lucky to have her vision and shoot this campaign.
What was the most magical thing you saw in Turkey?
The day we took a trip to Cappadocia. We started our 1st shot at the break of dawn in the hot air balloon fields and finished off with Turkoman horses at a ranch. Watching the process of the hot air balloons being prepared was so magical and geography is incredible to see in person.
To shop our new collection inspired by Turkey, click here.
