Good People of vitruta: Aylin Erel

Aylin, welcome! The first question is always the trickiest, so let’s keep it short and sweet: Who is Aylin Erel? How did it all begin, what have you done, and how’s it going?

I’m a graduate of Marmara University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, and I’ve been working in the fashion industry for 17 years. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t really like fashion but has a deep interest in clothes. I’m currently the design and marketing manager at Baykan Moda, a large denim/jean manufacturer. I’m also the founder and creative director of A Hidden Bee, and on Fridays, I teach a “denim design” course at Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts with a friend from the industry, where we’ve completely designed our own format.

You’re the first member of Good People to come in with your own Converse—what an impressive discipline! How does this discipline translate into your professional life? Design, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, retailing—how is it all going?

I wouldn’t say I’m extremely disciplined, but I am a very anxious person. With anxiety comes a lot of work, and when you work a lot, tangible results follow. But if you’re asking about success, for me, it’s a tricky concept. I see myself more as someone on a journey rather than successful. I see myself as someone trying to walk my own path.

Given your incredibly busy professional life, how did you decide to start A Hidden Bee? How did it all begin?

The whole story actually started with a desire to slow down after years of working in the fast fashion industry. Instead of constantly asking myself “What do I want? What am I doing?”, everything came together when I finally took action. It’s funny, but the first thing I did was find and rent the shop. After work and on weekends, I’d go to the empty shop and start dreaming. And then, well, it became "A Hidden Bee." :)

And why did you choose the name A Hidden Bee? I personally love the name!

My nephew, Aytek, came to Turkey one summer from America when he was about six years old. He excitedly told me about a beehive he found in his family’s basement. He was so enthusiastic that it made me question when was the last time I felt that excited about something? Anyway, that question stuck with me, but months passed and I thought it had faded. Then, when I found the shop on Kumbaracı Yokuşu, and especially when I saw the little cistern and cellar downstairs, I got so excited I almost went crazy. Immediately, Aytek and the beehive story came to mind. Hive, Bee, Hidden Hive... and then A Hidden Bee!

Can you tell us a little about the denim world, where you’re an expert? How are denim trends evolving, what has changed in recent years, and what should we expect next?

I’ve been in the denim world for 16 years, designing everything from models to washes to fabrics, or guiding other designers, and I’ve never gotten bored, which is quite remarkable. So first, I’d like to praise denim a bit, if you don’t mind. It’s an innovative, progressive field that never loses its connection with the past, while being very much intertwined with technology. It draws inspiration from everywhere—music, the streets, TikTok, the Metaverse. This means that those working in the field have to stay up to date. As a denim designer, you can’t really get old, just like your fabric, you get better with age. For someone like me who’s so deeply involved, it’s hard to say "this is the trend now and this will come next" with just words. I’d need presentation boards and all for that. But one thing I can say: thank goodness skinny jeans are finally gone!

What do you do in your spare time? What are your favorite places, spots, and restaurants in Istanbul? Where do you feel most at ease?

I do a lot of sports—yoga, HIIT. During the pandemic, I got into tennis. I have a dog, so I go on long walks with him every morning and evening. I have a little world where I play with artistic materials. I love gallery visits, exhibitions, traveling, concerts, and festivals. I listen to music in almost every free moment. I’m always out and about, you know what I mean. Oh, and I love dancing. If I go out, I enjoy dancing in the clubs; if not, I dance at home by myself. I also have an escape spot: my family's place in Sığacık. It’s where I go for peace, books, silence, and a little solitude. In Istanbul, I’m happiest in my own neighborhood, Moda, to be honest. But lately, thanks to you, I’ve turned into a Comedus fan. I love places with wonderful people. And, of course, my balcony at home.

Could you recommend some films, books, or podcasts? Maybe even a playlist on Spotify?

I’m a big fan of Fran Lebowitz. I’d recommend her film Pretend It's A City and her amazing book Metropolitan Life. I’d also recommend A Hidden Bee’s Spotify playlist. It’s a tradition started by my friend Begüm Kozak, whose taste in music I love. I’m always adding new songs and creating new lists myself.

Now, let’s set aside the A Hidden Bee and the Converse you brought—if you can, of course!—but which three brands at vitruta do you like the most?

I’ve been obsessed with Vans since I was 14, so I’d say Vans. Of course, Carhartt WIP, and I’m also really happy you brought Mud Jeans!