Leaders
Fashion is one of the most significant sectors in the world, driving a large portion of the global economy. It is one of the world's most important value-creating industries. If the global fashion sector were placed alongside individual countries' GDP, it would be the world's seventh-largest economy. Having said this, when it comes to evening wear, there is a lack of brands offering modern, glamorous evening wear with unique designs and fabrics at an affordable price.
With a focus on filling this void in the industry, Ece Oney and Ozge Yenihayat came together to establish Viola & Vesper with a focus on creating iconic looks that are here to stay in the evening wear segment. With their complementary skill sets and a shared vision, both the Founders embarked on a journey to establish Viola & Vesper, infusing it with a touch of elegance and accessibility. Viola & Vesper is for those unique, confident, and spirited women who want to enhance the glow that they already have. The company was established in the year 2017 with a vision to become one of the leading designer brands in the fashion world with unique design quality and a strong brand identity. In an exclusive interview with Ozge Yenihayat and Ece Oney walk us through their professional journeys along with the unique traits of the company.
What are some important facets of your life and professional journey that you wish to highlight through the article?
I (Ece Oney) pursued fashion design at Parsons in both Paris and New York, which opened doors to internships with renowned evening wear brands like Vera Wang and Zac Posen. Upon my return to Istanbul, I ventured into event clothes design and later served as the design and production manager for YAZBUKEY, a Turkish/French fashion accessories house based in Paris.
My (Ozge Yenihayat) educational background lies in industrial engineering, but my passion for fashion led me to intern at Vogue magazine and Prada. I then delved into the world of fashion buying, working with luxury designer brands at prestigious department stores like Vakko and Harvey Nichols. Combining our unique perspectives and experiences in the fashion industry, we formed a powerful duo and created Viola & Vesper.
Tell us more about the brand Viola & Vesper. What is the underlying idea behind it and who does it cater to?
Viola & Vesper draws inspiration from iconic personalities of the past, weaving a narrative of sophistication and unconventional elegance. The brand revolves around the concept of duality, symbolized by Viola and Vesper. Viola represents the natural, mystical, passionate, and determined side of a woman, while Vesper embodies boldness, spontaneity, extravagance, and fearlessness.
"Viola & vesper’s goal is to empower women to embrace their emotions and express themselves through the clothes they wear"
Our goal is to empower women to embrace their emotions and express themselves through the clothes they wear. Viola & Vesper caters to those who seek garments that reflect their inner selves, blurring the line between fashion and personal identity.
In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing business challenges you encounter as entrepreneurs in the fashion retail sector? What steps do you undertake to overcome these roadblocks?
Like many other businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic presented us with unprecedented challenges. As a new brand, we were on the verge of exponential growth when the world came to a halt. With no events taking place, our evening wear line became impractical. To adapt, we swiftly designed and introduced 'day to night' looks, creating collections such as 'Loungewear' and 'A Summer Love Story' that resonated with our audience during those challenging times.
What are the top three milestones Viola & Vesper has achieved since its inception?
Our first milestone was gaining recognition in our home country, Turkey. Our dresses have been worn by numerous celebrities and influencers, making Viola & Vesper one of the most sought-after evening-wear brands at local department stores. Also last year, we had the privilege of being part of ISTONMOD fashion week, where we showcased our collection in a runway show. It was an exhilarating experience for us and a proud moment. We hope it's just the beginning of many more runways to come. Further, Gaining international recognition has been another major milestone for us. We are thrilled to receive emails from celebrity stylists and influencers worldwide, expressing their interest in collaborating with us. It's incredibly rewarding to witness our brand expanding beyond borders.
What's next for Viola & Vesper? Can you share your vision and roadmap for the brand's future growth phase?
Looking ahead to 2023, our primary focus is international expansion. We are excited about the investments we're making to achieve this goal. You can expect to see us at renowned international fairs, such as our upcoming showcase of the SS24 collection at Coterie this September. Additionally, we plan to collaborate with a multi-brand showroom and work with an international PR team. We are eager to embark on new adventures, aiming to establish Viola & Vesper as a globally recognized name. Our ultimate vision is for people to see a dress and say, 'Oh! That's Viola and Vesper.' As a women-owned brand from Turkey, it would be an honor for us to represent successful Turkish women in the fashion industry and inspire others.
Ozge Yenihayat & Ece Oney, Founders, Viola & Vesper
Ece Oney is a hands-on problem solver and innovator when it comes to fabrics and draping. She brings immense experience in the fashion industry with a knack for driving innovation. She has also served as the manager for YAZBUKEY, a Turkish/French fashion accessories house based in Paris. Ozge Yenihayat also brings in-depth experience, having worked with luxury designer brands at prestigious department stores like Vakko and Harvey Nichols.
