Brand Interviews Part 2: MOSİDAR

Brands that manage to write their own unique stories within the rapidly changing dynamics of the fashion world have always been at the center of attention. In this interview, we bring you an exclusive conversation with the founder of the MOSİDAR brand, the inspiring Sidar Çetinkaya, whose journey is marked by an inspiring story, innovative designs, and a commitment to sustainable fashion. From the brand’s inception to its design principles, future vision, and sources of inspiration in the industry, this delightful interview is packed with fascinating details waiting for you to discover!

1. How was the MOSİDAR brand born? What is the inspiration behind its story?

The foundation of Mosidar is rooted in a dream I’ve nurtured for years. After studying fashion design at Istituto Marangoni in Italy, I decided to bring my own brand to life. I have a culturally rich background, growing up between Turkey and Russia, with Mediterranean culture also playing a significant role in my life. Mosidar emerged as a fusion of this cultural diversity and lived experiences with a modern aesthetic. For me, creating sustainable, high-quality, and colorful designs has always been a priority. By combining these values, I wanted to create a brand that not only protects nature but also tells a meaningful story.

2. Your brand name is quite striking. How did the name MOSİDAR come about? Is there a story or meaning behind it?

When choosing the name Mosidar, I wanted it to be distinctive, memorable, and easy to pronounce in both local and international markets. The brand name is a fusion of the city I grew up in, Moscow, and my own name, Sidar. This created a name that reflects my personal story while establishing a strong and unique identity.

3. Do you position yourself in the luxury category? If so, where do you stand on the luxury pyramid (accessible luxury, niche, ultra-luxury)?

Mosidar is positioned in the accessible luxury category. My goal is to combine quality and unique design to reach a broader audience while making the luxury experience attainable for everyone through sustainable production.

4. What are the key elements you focus on when designing your products? Are sustainability, aesthetics, or functionality among your priorities?

When designing my products, I pay special attention to their versatility. I value creating pieces that can serve multiple purposes for the buyer. For instance, a scarf can be used not only around the neck but also as a blouse, a hair accessory, or a bag ornament. This approach adds aesthetic value to my products while offering long-lasting and sustainable usage.

5. What sets a MOSİDAR product apart from others? Is there a specific detail you’d call “the signature of MOSİDAR”?

The signature of Mosidar lies in hand-drawn patterns and attention to detail. The prints are inspired by Slavic mythology and old Russian fairy tales, creating a unique and narrative style that blends traces of both the past and modernity. Each pattern carries a deep meaning and story, adding a distinct soul to every product.

6. Is there a "must-have" detail or ritual during the production process of your products?

In the production process, we always ensure small-scale manufacturing. This allows us to maintain quality control over each product and avoid overproduction.

7. If you were to describe MOSIDAR in three words, what would they be?

Maximalist, playful, and bold.

8. How would you define your target audience? What kind of lifestyle or values does someone who chooses MOSIDAR embrace?

Those who choose Mosidar value art, embrace sustainable fashion, and express their individuality through elegant designs.

9. What is your dream for the future? Where do you see MOSIDAR in five years?

I want to continue offering innovative and aesthetically strong collections. As a brand, my goal is not just to follow trends but to always carve my own path, maintain originality, and secure a strong place in the global market.

10. Does MOSIDAR have a motto or a frequently used phrase? If so, what is it, and what’s the story behind it?

Mosidar’s slogan, which is also printed on our packaging, is "Bold prints, gentle footprint." It reflects our aim to create bold and striking patterns while reducing our carbon footprint through eco-conscious production.

11. If your designs were a film character, who would they be and why?

If Rusalka (1976) were to be remade, I would love to dress Rusalka (the mermaid), a mysterious and unique figure, reflecting the brand’s essence.

12. Do you remember the story of your first customer? Do you have a memorable customer moment?

My first customer was a close friend. She wore a red Matryoshka scarf during a summer vacation, and the feedback was so overwhelming that people started placing orders right away. It was a great source of motivation for me at the start of this journey.

13. Are there any brands or designers that inspire MOSİDAR?

I adore Alessandro Michele’s maximalist approach, especially his time at Gucci, where he personally styled all runway shows and campaign shoots. I also admire Stella McCartney’s commitment to sustainable fashion.

14. The luxury fashion world is constantly evolving. How do you keep up with these changes?

At Mosidar, we adapt to change with sustainable and innovative designs. Digitalization and social media also play a significant role in staying current.

15. What elements define luxury for you? What is the biggest challenge of being in the luxury category?

For me, luxury is about infusing originality and quality into every step, from design to packaging, while telling a compelling story to the customer. The biggest challenge is maintaining these values while ensuring accessibility.

16. Your choice to use vegan silk instead of traditional silk is inspiring. How do you think this decision impacts both the fashion world and your customers?

This choice appeals to conscious consumers and showcases our respect for nature and animals. It strengthens the connection between the brand and our customers.

17. How would you describe MOSİDAR to someone who has never heard of it, in just one sentence?

Mosidar is a brand that blends Slavic mythology with Mediterranean spirit, creating colorful, playful designs with a commitment to sustainability.

18. What is the most rewarding achievement MOSİDAR has accomplished so far?

My proudest achievement has been building a conscious customer base in a short time and taking meaningful steps on the journey toward sustainable fashion.

19. If you were creating a film reel to shape the future of MOSİDAR, what scenes would it include?

The reel would be filled with moments of sketching my first patterns, presenting my first collection, and eventually evolving into the story of an internationally recognized brand.

It’s clear that MOSİDAR isn’t just about leaving an aesthetic mark in the fashion world but also about bringing sustainability, cultural diversity, and originality to fashion enthusiasts. With each design telling a story, we firmly believe that the brand will reach even broader audiences in the future!

Before wrapping up, we’ve included a video below showing seven different ways to style two different scarf sizes (Mermaid and Apricot). Enjoy!

Click here to visit Mosidar's website