This Tuesday, we had the opportunity to catch up and chat with the dynamic duo behind TWIMC, a distinguished brand specializing in kids’, teens’, and adults’ footwear and accessories. We are delighted to introduce Zeynep Atınç and Arzu Tabakoğlu, the co-founders who bring a wealth of experience and passion to the table.
www.shoptwimc.com
Arzu & Zeynep:
Zeynep Atınç holds a Ph.D. in Painting and has extensive experience in the footwear industry, having worked with leading brands in Istanbul. Her artistic vision and industry expertise are pivotal to the brand’s unique aesthetic.
Arzu Tabakoğlu boasts a degree in Advertising & Public Relations, with a strong background in brand management and corporate communication. Her strategic approach and creative flair ensure the brand’s message is communicated effectively.
Together, they founded TWIMC in 2022 with a mission to create quality heirloom pieces that blend sustainability and timeless design. Their combined talents and dedication have quickly made TWIMC a standout in the footwear and accessories market.
JS: Tell us about your brand. What sets it apart in the world of kids’ fashion?
Arzu&Zeynep: TWIMC stands out in kids’ fashion by celebrating children’s individuality and freedom to make mistakes. We draw inspiration from philosophy, art, and children’s creativity to create pieces that are both meaningful and environmentally responsible. Our designs feature unique elements like deliberately uneven red stitching and removable slogans, emphasizing the importance of embracing imperfections and expressing individuality. We focus on craftsmanship, meticulously handling each shoe with care to ensure quality and durability. Our goal is to create pieces that can be cherished and passed down through generations.
JS: What about the name and logo?
Arzu&Zeynep: We wanted it specifically to be unusual. The name TWIMC stands for “To Whom It May Concern,” suggesting a personalized message or an open letter to the world. This reflects our belief that each piece we create is unique and meaningful, intended for someone special.
Our logo, with its distinct fonts and varied letter designs, embodies this philosophy. Each letter is different from the others, representing the individuality and uniqueness of every person. Just as all individuals are special, we wanted each letter in our logo to be special too. This creative approach aligns with our mission to blend sustainability and timeless design in every heirloom piece we craft.
JS: Tell us your story, how it all started?
Arzu&Zeynep: We founded TWIMC in 2022, united by a deep passion for creating sustainable, high-quality footwear and bags that resonate with both children and parents alike. Our journey began with a realization of the gap in children’s fashion—while there were many stylish options, few embodied values of sustainability and individuality. Driven by this insight, we set out to establish TWIMC, a brand that not only prioritizes aesthetics but also champions craftsmanship and environmental responsibility.
Zeynep: My background in the footwear industry and owning my own brand and shop provided invaluable experience, guiding our meticulous approach to crafting each shoe with care and attention to detail.
Arzu: I expertise in brand management and communication has been instrumental in shaping TWIMC’s identity, ensuring that every piece we create tells a meaningful story. We believe in celebrating children’s individuality and freedom to express themselves through fashion that encourages creativity and self-confidence.
Arzu&Zeynep: At TWIMC, our goal goes beyond creating fashionable items; we aim to craft heirloom pieces that can be cherished and passed down through generations. Each product embodies our commitment to quality and sustainability, reflecting our belief that good design should stand the test of time.
JS: Where do you usually source your design inspiration? Are there specific themes or elements that consistently influence your creations.
Arzu&Zeynep: Our design inspiration comes from a variety of sources, including philosophy, art, and the boundless creativity of children. We consistently incorporate themes of individuality, freedom to make mistakes, and vibrant creativity into our collections. Elements like bold colors, unique stitching, and meaningful slogans are central to our designs.
Arzu: Our logo, designed by my 7-year-old son, and our distinct font choices further embody our commitment to celebrating uniqueness.
JS: What motivated you to start designing specifically for children? Are there unique challenges or joys in working with children’s fashion?
Arzu&Zeynep: We were motivated by the desire to create heirloom-quality pieces that celebrate children’s individuality and creativity. Designing for children presents unique challenges, such as ensuring durability and comfort, but it also brings immense joy. Seeing children express themselves and enjoy our designs is incredibly rewarding. One significant challenge we encountered was realizing the need to add larger sizes to our collection as children’s feet continued to grow.
JS: Can you tell us about a favorite piece from your brand?
Arzu&Zeynep: One of our favorite pieces from TWIMC is our boot made with rub-off leather, crafted entirely by hand through an artisanal process. This unique boot showcases our commitment to quality and craftsmanship, with each pair embodying a blend of traditional techniques and contemporary design. It’s a piece that truly embodies our brand’s ethos of quality and sustainability. The removable slogans on our footwear offer a unique form of expression, allowing wearers to personalize their style and convey their individuality. We love this detail that encourages personal expression and creativity. Additionally, the versatile straps of our bags are also among our favorites.
JS: How would you describe your personal style? Does it influence your designs for your brand?
Arzu&Zeynep: Our personal style is a blend of artistic rebellion and timeless elegance. We are passionate creators who draw inspiration from diverse sources, from vintage aesthetics to modern architecture. Our designs are unique, stylish, and practical, using luxurious materials and custom details to add a handcrafted touch to each collection. We focus on creating pieces that resonate with both individuality and sophistication, aiming to make a lasting impact in the world of fashion.
JS: Who are your style icons, both past and present, and how do they inspire your work for your brand?
Zeynep: I am inspired by icons who embody a rebellious and artistic spirit, such as David Bowie and Vivienne Westwood. Their fearless approach to fashion and creativity resonates with us and influences our designs. We usually focus on creating pieces that are timeless and expressive.
Arzu: My style icons are my children. Their colorful world and perspective on life are my greatest sources of inspiration.
JS: What is your favorite place in the world?
Arzu&Zeynep: Our favorite place in the world isn’t a specific location—it’s the entirety of this beautiful planet. We believe there are no boundaries or separations; there is only this interconnected Earth that we all call home. Every corner of our planet, from its vibrant cities to its remote wilderness, holds a unique beauty and significance.
Zeynep: It’s in this diversity that I find endless inspiration for my designs—a reflection of the rich tapestry of life that surrounds us.
JS: Where do you envision TWIMC brand in five years? Any exciting plans or developments on the horizon for the brand? Projects?
Arzu&Zeynep: In five years, we envision TWIMC as a leading brand in children’s fashion, known for our commitment to quality, sustainability, and creativity. We plan to expand our collection to include more textile products and accessories, and we are excited about collaborating on special projects that align with our brand’s philosophy.
JS: What message do you hope to convey through your brand?
Arzu&Zeynep: Through TWIMC, we hope to convey the message that fashion can be both meaningful and environmentally responsible. We want to encourage children to embrace their individuality, make mistakes, and see beauty in their uniqueness.
JS: How do you view social media, especially platforms like Instagram, in the context of your brand? Is it a source of love, hate, or a mix of both? Could you elaborate on your perspective?
Arzu&Zeynep: We view social media as a powerful tool for connecting with our audience and sharing our brand’s story. Platforms like Instagram allow us to showcase our designs, engage with customers, and receive valuable feedback. While it can be challenging to stand out in a crowded space, we embrace the opportunities social media offers to build a community around our brand and share our philosophy with a wider audience.
TWIMC website www.shoptwimc.com
Instagram: @twimc.official
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