Hi! My name is Ilke – I’ve worked as a successful multi-product designer and maker in the fashion industry for more than 10 years.
I’d like to summarize myself as a multi-talented and multi-approached designer and maker with sustainability in mind. I have excellent knowledge of print design, fabric design, production (in print, weaving and clothing), garment construction and sewing.
This being said, I also offer Design & Consultancy services to help other businesses to help make better choices.
Alongside Ilke Usluca Design products, we also offer bespoke design services. If you are looking for something truly bespoke or themed to your own personal requirements, do not hesitate to get in touch.
I’ve completed my MA in Textiles at Chelsea College of Arts / London and my BA in Textile and Fashion Design at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University / Istanbul. After I’ve been granted a scholarship after a Fabric Design competition I won (You can see the Arakne Collection in the link below), I got accepted to UAL and I moved to London in 2014 for my Masters’s Degree. It was a great start to discovering more about the sustainability practices in textiles and seeing what can change in the industry. During my MA at Chelsea College of Arts, I specialised in sustainability and zero-waste in textiles.
After that, In 2015 I started my business as Design & Sewing Services business to help companies and designers. I’ve had a chance to work with many names including Mango, Asos, TK Maxx / Rockins, Strawberries & Cream, Petit Pli, Heidi Klein, Doc Cotton, Little Bevan, Lisa King, Fyodor Golan, James Hock, Gosha London, Bagpad London, and Geraldo Forazao. I even made Kylie Minogue’s red boiler suit for her 2019 tour! During my freelance period, I focused on pattern making, sampling, bespoke sewing, small-sized productions, as well as various design and consultancy services.
Now using all these experiences, I am focusing on my own brand but I still like to help other brands to thrive, so if this is something you’d consider feel free to get in touch.
Also, I like sharing all my knowledge and my experience, so I started teaching and giving private lessons. If this is something you’ve been after, either weekly or whenever you can – we can discuss further!
More about Ilke Usluca Design
Ilke Usluca Design focuses on creating earth-friendly and conscious textile products that are aiming to bring some joy while being eco-conscious. After working long enough in the fashion industry, I became increasingly aware of how unsustainable the fashion industry was. My care and passion for sustainability are not only in my products but also reflected in my life. I am doing everything in my power to reduce my carbon footprint by following a zero-waste lifestyle.
Therefore, I wanted to carry the same zero-waste approach to my brand, for people like me who are conscious, eco-friendly and love their planet.
The reason I am using zero-waste practices in my products is to help cut down the pre-consumer waste. All the patterns are made from blocks of shapes and the excess fabric is folded into the product not to throw anything into the landfill. I measure each fabric I use and map out the best and most efficient way to cut first so that there are no unwanted or useless pieces. Consciousness, quality and multifunctionality are among the core of my products.
From what I’ve gained from my experiences in the field, I am designing all the prints and handmaking the products in my little studio. I believe in the power of prints and colours and with that belief, I am creating products to help us feel good and live better.
All of my fabrics are digitally printed with eco-inks, and they are more environmentally friendly than screen printing. Digital printing uses a lot less water than traditional screen printing techniques. Also, all our fabrics are printed in the UK to reduce shipping miles. In addition, all the packaging I use is made from recycled kraft paper and can be recycled or reused again. Furthermore, to avoid virgin papers or non-recyclable papers like tissue paper I send all my products in cotton drawstring bags that customers can also use for something else. In conclusion, I aim to provide a sustainable process from design to delivery.
