Spotlight Monday: Dilara Findikoglu

Dilara Fındıkoğlu London Fashion Week FW23

Dilara Findikoglu’s gothic, unapologetically provocative designs have long stood out in a crowded fashion landscape. Her vision of female beauty — one that’s raw, complex, and untamed — resonates deeply with her devoted following. This year alone, her designs adorned the likes of Zendaya, Kylie Jenner, and Sabrina Carpenter, with a standout moment being Alex Consani, named “Model of the Year” at the 2024 British Fashion Awards, wearing one of her creations — further cementing her place in fashion’s cultural zeitgeist.

Yet, as the spotlight grows brighter, the challenges behind the scenes have become equally pronounced. Ahead of London Fashion Week, Findikoglu made the difficult decision to cancel her runway show, citing financial pressures as the driving factor. “This wasn’t something I wanted to do or a decision I took lightly,” she said in an interview with The New York Times. “But the reality is we simply don’t have the finances for a runway show right now. The Dilara world and all its drama doesn’t come for free. Everyone needs to be paid.”

This moment of introspection marks a turning point in Findikoglu’s journey, where her rebellious ethos meets the realities of running an independent fashion brand in 2024.

The Summer of Brat—and Beyond

Dilara Findikoglu’s designs were central to the aesthetic rebellion that defined the “Summer of Brat.” Charli XCX became a muse, frequently wearing Findikoglu’s creations in performances and appearances, embedding the designer’s subversive ethos into 2024’s cultural DNA.

Known for her corseted dresses and razor-sharp tailoring, Findikoglu’s designs balance historical references with a modern, rebellious twist. This tightrope walk of homage and subversion makes her pieces unforgettable, capturing the spirit of a generation challenging convention.

A Model Moment

While Charli XCX helped catapult her designs into the public eye, 2024 brought other high-profile moments. Alex Consani, named “Model of the Year” at the British Fashion Awards, made waves in a Dilara Findikoglu original. The gown, with its ivory corset and dramatic Union Jack drape, perfectly encapsulated Findikoglu’s flair for juxtaposing classic tailoring with punk defiance.

Julia Fox also turned heads that evening, wearing a provocative Dilara design that showcased the designer’s growing cultural resonance. These moments weren’t just red-carpet victories—they were declarations of Findikoglu’s relevance in a fast-paced industry.

Dilara’s London: The Rebel's Tailor

Dilara Findikoglu is intrinsically tied to London, a city known for its sartorial edge and unapologetic individuality. Her work, ethos—sharp, fits right in. Evoking the spirit of Vivienne Westwood, Findikoglu’s creations pay homage to the punk underground while holding their own in high-fashion circles.

Yet, her London isn’t a land of endless opportunity. The British Fashion Council’s Caroline Rush has called out the difficulties of maintaining an independent brand in the UK, noting, “I don’t think it has ever been more difficult to be an independent designer in London than it is at this moment.”

In 2024, Findikoglu's decision to forgo her SS25 London Fashion Week presentation reflected the harsh reality of independent designers- London’s creative youth struggling isn’t an isolated conversation to Fashion Week. Even with critical acclaim, the rising costs of production, staffing, and materials have made it increasingly difficult for emerging designers to survive in the city. The solution at hand is to commercialize their work- more sponsorships= more revenue. However, for a community so punk in spirit, this option is not ideal. 

Despite these challenges, Dilara and talent like her remain a vital part of the city’s chronicle—a “well-tailored rebellion” that speaks to both London’s past and its future.

Why She Matters Now

Dilara Findikoglu understands the power of timing, cultural resonance, and identity- her design weave individuality, defiance, and artistry into each seam.

While designers race against speed and scale, Findikoglu’s deliberate, more restrained approach in 2024 stands out as a form of quiet rebellion. Her nomination for the British Fashion Council’s New Establishment Womenswear Designer award underscores her impact, celebrating her ability to craft a distinct narrative that defies conformity and prioritizes vision over trend-chasing.

Additionally, her swimwear and jewelry lines, as well as her foray into denim, reflect her desire to balance artistic expression with accessibility. This duality — creating art while engaging with the everyday — is what makes her brand so significant in today’s fashion landscape.

Looking Ahead/What's Next

Dilara Findikoglu is more than a designer; she’s a storyteller navigating the tightrope between culture and commerce. In a sector increasingly dominated by conglomerates, her path is a testament to the resilience of independent artistry.

Her designs speak to a generation who crave authenticity over assimilation. As fashion grapples with sustainability, equity, and identity, figures like Findikoglu remind us of the power of vision. Her trajectory speaks to a future where independence isn’t just valued—it’s vital.