Kutoglu

Atil (1968). Turkish designer. After completing high school in Istanbul where he was born, he moved to Vienna to specialize in business and administration. While still a student, he collaborated with Vakko and Beymen, which are Turkish companies in the fashion field. In 1991 he presented his first Collection thanks to the sponsorship of the mayor of Vienna, Helmut Zilk. In 1994 he won the Diva-Woolmark award as the best Austrian designer. Later he met with success in Milan, Paris, and New York. In 1997 he was awarded the Salzburg Prize. In 2000 his clothes were shown at the exhibition “Klimt und die Frauen” at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna. His international dealings have not prevented Kutoglu from remaining linked to his Turkish roots, and the influence of the East is present in all his Collections. His favorite materials are leather, organza, and velvet. His most important clients are members of the European aristocracy, such as Francesca von Habsburg and Pilar Goess. He conquered the American market through the help of a compatriot, Ahmet Ertegun, founder of the music label Atlantic Records.