Geometric tailoring, refined construction and an admiration for powerful women define the work of Aruz Oğulcan Kesimoğlu. With each collection, the Turkish designer continues to expand his contemporary prêt-à-couture universe.
Aruz Oğulcan Kesimoğlu is a Turkish fashion designer and the founder of the brand Aruz Oğulcan Kesimoğlu. His journey in fashion began in 2016, and since then he has developed his work over the course of 10 years in Poland, where he continues to evolve his design identity. He graduated from SAPU in 2023 and presented his first collection in Poland, marking the beginning of a steadily growing career. With his 21st runway show, he continues to refine a signature style defined by geometric cuts and a strong inspiration drawn from powerful women. Specializing in evening wear, cocktail dresses, and bridal designs. He creates pret-a-couture pieces with a clear sense of identity, structure, and craftsmanship for modern characters.
About the Collection
To Your Soul – This collection is a tribute to the designer’s grandmother, whom he lost last year. This show tells the story of a soul’s journey – from body to light, a transition beyond loss, where what remains is not pain, but love, memory, and a quiet glow that never fades. Each look reflects a moment, a feeling, a memory carried through time. Light fabrics, soft movements, and layered silhouettes express the delicacy of the unseen – a soul that can no longer be touched, but can always be felt. This is not a story of goodbye, but of transformation… of becoming light. A final gift from the designer to his grandmother – whose soul now shines as a star in the sky. To your soul… and to all the souls we have lost along the way.
How did you discover your passion for fashion, and what led you to pursue it professionally?
“I think the answer is quite simple. My parents dressed me in a very fashionable way from a young age, so I grew up with a strong sense of style and appreciation for refined aesthetics. I was considered quite fashionable for my time, and even as a child I naturally developed an interest in the feeling of elegance and well-composed clothing.
My first real step toward design happened during high school, when I became deeply interested in fabrics and their different types, textures, and qualities. Exploring textiles made me realize that this was not just a passing curiosity, but something I was genuinely passionate about. Over time, this interest grew into a clear direction for my future, and I understood that fashion design was the path where I could fully express my creativity and sensitivity to form, material, and style.” – Aruz Oğulcan Kesimoğlu
How did this initial step evolve into your professional career?
“During my student years, I decided to take part in the Erasmus programme and chose Poland as my destination. I was placed in Sosnowiec, near Katowice – a small city, but one that gave me my very first real opportunity in fashion. There i organized my first runway show and i moved to Krakow in 2019. Started preparing every year at least 2 or 3 collections and this shows made me much more visible in Krakow and fashion world. That experience was a turning point for me and deeply motivated me to continue creating and to push further.
After Erasmus, I returned to Turkey, and it was a difficult transition emotionally, as I was not ready to leave that creative environment behind. I went through a reflective period and continued studying fashion through different courses. Eventually, I made the decision to return to Poland and pursue formal education at SAPU in Kraków, where I completed my studies and presented my first official collection in Poland – marking the beginning of a steadily growing professional career.”
How do you feel at this point in your journey?
“I feel truly wonderful at the moment. I am currently living in Warsaw, and I really enjoy being here. I didn’t expect to find such a strong and inspiring community of designers, and it has been a very pleasant surprise. At the same time, I also feel a bit different, as a Turkish designer in this environment, which makes my perspective unique – and I value that individuality.
I find inspiration in everything around me and in what is happening in my life right now. Especially when I draw, I like to accompany the process with music and sometimes singing, which makes it even more immersive and emotional for me. It brings me a deep sense of comfort and inspiration.
At the moment, I am fully focused on my creative process, continuing to develop my ideas and grow as a designer.”
In just a few days, during the ‘Fashion & Wine & People’ event on May 21 in Kraków, you will have the opportunity to attend and get to know the latest collection by Aruz Oğulcan Kesimoğlu more closely.
Sources: Aruz Oğulcan Kesimoğlu
Interview by Daria Diemidova
