Interview with Dilek Sezen
By Fashwire
What inspired you to pursue create your own brand?
Over the years, while I worked in the luxury trade, I witnessed how fine jewelry became disconnected from current trends. At the same time, as a San Francisco resident, being constantly exposed to the latest technology made me question the traditional approach of making jewelry. Experiencing these distinctively different views paved my way to create DEZEN.
How would you describe your personal style?
I have an eclectic city style that’s both practical and unique, which together create nicely done outfits.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs?
It can come from everywhere; a color, a word. Inspiration is a mixture of observation and aesthetics.
"Designing jewelry with pencil and watercolor is an art form that has been lost in the modern age."
What was the toughest circumstance you overcame when just starting out your business?
Over the years, I’ve had many harrowing experiences and some of them quite funny. Generally, the toughest part was delivering on time when you don’t have 100% control over production. For the moment, my current challenge is spreading the word about the importance of design, circularity and the possibilities that come out of it. If we don’t change the way we produce fashion we cannot address the global problems we are facing, both socially and environmentally; it starts with the way you design everything.
Did you always know you wanted to be a designer? Why or Why not?
At a very young age I knew I would study art; I studied classical art and had an interest in fine fabrics, painting, etc. but I wouldn’t say I knew for sure that I would become a designer. After graduating from art school, I had the good fortune to be trained by the last Van Cleef designer in Beverly Hills. I was also fortunate to have one of Cartier’s designers as my teacher in London. My love for drawing with traditional techniques drew me into the world of high-end jewelry design where I started my career. Designing jewelry with pencil and watercolor is an art form that has been lost in the modern age. What I can say with certainty is that I always wanted to create beautiful objects.
"Fashion is an expressive, colorful, fun, and open source tool for everyone to make a statement about their values."
What is the vision for your brand in the next 5 years?
To see DEZEN recognized as the first circular accessory brand in US and then be able to take it to the global stage.
How do you define fashion?
Fashion is an expressive, colorful, fun and open source tool for everyone to make a statement about their values.
What can consumers expect to see next from your brand?
Designs that they cannot find in the conventional marketplace and new colors for every moment to reflect their style. We are very excited that we will soon be available in major cities nationwide!
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