INTERVIEW #75 DILAYLA KOPUZ
Based in: Copenhagen, Denmark
Occupation: Sustainability Entrepreneur & Fashion Designer
Get inspired by: Different cultures & lifestyles
Instagram: @dilayla_kopuz
Why we love her: Dilayla inspires us with her way of running and building her business, a true sustainability entrepreneur with a bubbly heart and personality. She clearly goes her own way and has that amazing everything-is-possible attitude.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a 22 year old sustainability entrepreneur. I am also the co-founder, creative director and chief designer of my own Scandinavia based brand [IM]perfectionists. I design genderless athleisure wear and working on giving a different perspective on athleisure. Whereas you can wear it to work with heels or to a fancy restaurant.
I am inspired by innovation in every possible era for my brand. We prototype digitally and use 100% natural textiles. Currently my designs are made from Hemp and later on I am planning to expand them into more innovative textiles such as seaweed fibre. Further than my brand, I am also a fashionista & an oil painting artist. I love walking around streets and watch the daily lives of local people. Lifestyles inspire me so much & they also make me think of alternative solutions to unsustainable daily habits.
What’s your relationship with clothes?
Hmmm, I adore them. However, I am a believer that “less is more” we don’t have to keep consuming more and more. We can have key pieces (preferably made from natural fibres so it doesn’t shed off microplastic once washed). You can style these key pieces with what you already have and be more creative.
How would you describe your style?
I’d say minimal, comfy & fierce. I think you should be comfortable in your personality & in the clothes to be fierce & be able to rule the world.
Any favourite items?
Rings & cat eye sunglasses
How would you describe your closet?
Mixture of my moods ahhahaha. I have lots of whites, coffee colours and some bright colours. So I style them depending on my mood.
Do you have a style icon, if yes, who?
Not really, I have people whose styles I like, such as Rihanna, Billy Porter & Michelle Obama. However, I’d like to have my authentic looks and create my own style.
What is a sustainable closet for you?
Using what you already have and pushing your creativity. Plus, my dear friend, Clara who is an expert on Capsule wardrobes always asks, “check the latest item you bought, is it from a fast fashion brand?”. This question is crucial if the answer is yes. That isn’t an example of a sustainable closet for me.
What do you think about the fashion industry in general?
Back in 2018 United Nations declared pollution from the fashion industry as an “environmental emergency” Each year over 100 million tons of clothes is disposed of, the majority of which is made from synthetic non-biodegradable materials. Further 35% of microplastics in the ocean are from textiles. As you can see from the statistics, we need to act effectively & immediately. The industry is on the way to becoming more sustainable & diverse however, there are lots of consequences of each action we take as an industry. Such as we want to become more sustainable as the whole industry, but we still see examples of greenwashing.
I believe we are all on a journey towards a sustainable vision now but this journey shouldn’t be taking too long if we want to help tackle climate change.
What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?
Conscious consumption is the only answer I can give. Consumers should do their research on the product they are buying for instance, what is the product made out of, who made it & in which conditions, do they support the values of the company they are buying from?, What is the supply chain like for this product to arrive in their hand and do they really need this item. As a fashion designer I am very proud of the transparency work I provide for IMperfectionists therefore, I believe all brands should be providing this so people can have more sustainable closets.
