John Paul Ataker's next collection presented in anticipation of first U.S. store opening

The Black Sea Region of Turkey is not only an ecological landmark, but is also the inspiration for the latest Spring/Summer 2018 collection created by John Paul Ataker. The designer will debut this season's looks at Skylight Clarkson Square on Monday September 11, as part of IMG's New York Fashion Week in anticipation of the ready-to-wear brand's first U.S. flagship store opening in October 2017 on Madison Avenue.

The collection carries the cultural gusto and stamina of the wicker quilt art of fishermen, fishing and sailing ropes, and authentic wrung bracelets of the silversmiths of Trebizond, the vernacular knitting and weaving artisanship and ethnic Kazaz silver knot art.

The Black Sea has become a bearer of what designer Numan Ataker has termed "slow fashion." He is calling on other parts of the world to opt for slow fashion because "it is about being purposeful and realizing that fewer is better and healthier both for humankind and our planet." Ataker cautiously warns that the world is at the helm of an unreasonable and fatal grip of what is becoming a faster and faster consuming vicious cycle.

John Paul Ataker to present Black Sea inspired collection

"The world's economy is in a difficult situation due to fast and cheap consumption. I have always been on the side of slow fashion. It stands for choosing what is best for both nature and human health," said Ataker.

Inspired by native and traditional garments of the people, "cepken" (bolero jackets), shalwar (baggy pants), peshtemal (loincloth) and waistcoats have been modified for the collection in a range of fabrics spanning from cotton to linen, organza to jacquard and viscose finalized by hand sewn needlework. The color palate this season has a large emphasis on unbleached fabrics and is predominantly white, ivory and black.

In line with "slow fashion" principles, all of the materials and dyes have been chosen to be as environmentally and ecologically friendly as possible with a focus on human health and wellness not only with the end products and wearer in mind, but throughout the production process as well.

The runway will also present a line of exclusive shoes designed by John Paul Ataker as contemporary interpretations of traditional fishermen's boots and farmers' footwear embellished with metallic fishermen cords.

The models on the runway will purposefully convey Ataker's message that is "natural is beautiful" and will be wearing almost no makeup. The fishermen's ropes used in the collection will also be tied into the hair styles this season.

The show will close with a song by Kazim Koyuncu, a favorite musician from The Black Sea Region, who was a victim of the fatal nuclear fallout of Chernobyl meltdown in 1986; and whose consequences loom as a spectre over the fates of the region's peoples.

photo: via John Paul Ataker Facebook page