Fur & Fashion

Name: Berivan Cemal
Country of Residence: Netherlands
University: Artez Art Academy
Inspiration: My Remix collection is an investigation into my own immigrant background and the deep personal responsibility I feel to translate my heritage for generations to come through my designs and use of fur. My intention was to incorporate philosophical questions into my floral mink blankets and avant-garde garments which represent my own, and many others, diasporas.

As a third culture kid, I recognize there is a space that exists between the culture we’re from and the culture we’re living in. This is the main concept I display through my garments and through my use of fur. I chose to use seal, not only because I find it one of the most interesting materials, but because the hunting of Greenland seals is very sustainable and an essential lifeline to the culture of the Inuit people who use everything from bone to meat to skin. The Greenland seals also live freely in the wild which helps improve biodiversity and dissolves all issues associated with fur farming.

I’m also using mink in my collection because mink fur has been used for these types of blankets for decades and it’s a material that speaks to me as a designer living in Holland. Beyond the fact that the mink is treated very well in Holland, mink is one of the few animals which are used in many industries, not just fashion – bones and oils are used to the fullest helping create bio energy and beauty products, which also means waste is minimized. Besides using seal and mink, I’m also incorporating recycled wool and plastic as a symbol to preserve nature and reject plastic fast fashion.

False advertisements in the form of big bold promises, and eye capturing graphics, is at the core of my collection. A sense of nostalgia is injected with these “real mink blankets” headlines and packaging which is something that will feel recognizable to every immigrant around the world. The use of responsible and sustainable materials, combined with my deep personal responsibility to my heritage means my REMIX collection is one of style and substance.