Hakan Akkaya unpacks existentialism and freedom for his spring 2018 collection

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Sep 15, 2017

Turkish fashion designer Hakan Akkaya debuted at NYFW this week his spring 2018 collection that draws inspiration from existentialism and freedom.
 

Akkaya, who has participated in NYFW: The Shows since 2012, has been affected by the current political climate, both in the US and globally, much like many all over the world. He admits that the “chaotic and uncertain times” drew him to existentialism, but he preferred to focus on the positive ideas of the theory.
 
“I was drawn to freedom and the philosophical theory that highlights human existence,” Akkaya said. “I wanted to emphasize that we are all one and we are all the same regardless of our race, nationality or belief system.”

Energetic ensembles and loose silhouettes best exemplify the idea of freedom and serve as examples of individuality. Transparent coats and details challenge fashion uniforms and norms with mesh, striped pieces and coveralls.
 
The collection also has a feeling of duality due to the use of black and white throughout the collection. A number of looks featured Beetlejuice-esque black-and-white striped and zebra patterns that may be unintentional visual tricks or indirect references to the yin yang.
 
Unpacking the meaning of the spring 2018 collection may take a full season, but when it comes to the clothes themselves, they are equal parts cool, edgy, different and current.
 
In regards to showing in NYFW, Akkaya said, “Showing at NYFW has always been a dream of mine. Coming to New York has given me brand exposure all over the world. We’re able to interact with press and buyers globally here in New York, which is very exciting for the brand and myself as it’s my goal for my clothing to be available all around the world.”