Get to know them: Aykut Ozen, Creative Director/ Designer, of Ozen Studios and Julianna Vezzetti, Business/Communications Director, graciously welcomed me into their workshop last week. Located in the Pike/Pine corridor on Capitol Hill, their workshop is a freight elevator shaft that has been retrofitted into usable space. This unique space is charming, alluring and seems to induce creative energy. Aykut is a self taught leather craftsman who creates well fitted and finely detailed jackets and bags. He not only works in leather, I also spied some remarkable military and paisley jackets, made from vintage fabrics.
You may have seen: This past October, Akyut was chosen to display one of his leather jackets at EMP's "Worn to be Wild: The Black Leather Jacket," an exhibition displaying vintage and contemporary takes on the leather jacket. Aykut's jacket is displayed alongside vintage jackets from Musicians such as Elvis Presley and haute couture designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Jeremy Scott and Gianni Versace.
You Capitol Hill locals may have also seen Aykut's leather clothing at the holiday pop-up shop Blak Designmart last month in Caffe Vita's Bean Room.
UPCOMING:Ozen is planning on producing bell bottom black denim jeans inspired by 70's rock n roll wear.
What inspired you to start Ozen?
A: Started with the idea of making one of a kind leather jackets for myself and evolved into a full line of custom leather goods. Music is my main inspiration for almost everything I create. Each of my leather work is constructed in a very similar pattern as writing a song. I do it because it makes me feel good and proud.
J: Aykut Ozen is an inspiring individual. When I first met him I knew I wanted to work for him and with him. No one is as well crafted and driven to create forever evolving genuine pieces of art and design.
What are you looking forward to?
A: Add new products to the line including denim and custom shoes. I'm also working on both my solo and band album projects.
J: Future collaborations and winters first snow.
Do you have any new years resolutions?
A: To make a living from my art.
J: Work hard, be honest, and create a new viewHue.
Who's someone you admire?
A: My sweet girlfriend, best friend Julianna Vezzetti.
J: The crusaders, pushing the limit of art and design and never shying away from what others would think or judge.
What's your sign?
A: Gemini.
J: Aquarius.
What's your vice?
A: Pizza.
J: Too many coats and whiskey.
What's currently on your personal soundtrack?
A: Damon (David Del Conte), Mogollar, Baris Manco, Fikret Kizilok, Frumpy, Flower Travelling Band, Davey Graham, Robbie Basho.
J: Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, T Rex, Cerrone, Townes Van Zandt.
If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be?
A: Kapadokya.
J: I'd really love to visit Turkey and lay on the black sand beaches and then hop a train to Berlin.
What's your motto?
A: Anything you decide to wear is a compliment to your soul. Style without soul is nothing.
J: Love to live and live to love.
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