COOL PEOPLE / KANER KIVANC
KANER KIVANC
FASHION DIRECTOR
Kaner Kivanc is a fashion director and fashion stylist from Istanbul. After studying business administration in German language at Marmara University, he got his master degree in marketing communication management at Galatasaray University. After trying to survive in corporate life for some time, at the age of 26, Kaner noticed that it wasn’t for him at all and suddenly he decided to head to fashion industry. His fashion journey started as the assistant to the editor in chief of Vogue Turkey. Later on, Kaner worked as the fashion assistant, fashion features editor, shopping editor and fashion editor. After his four years of work at Vogue Turkey, he moved to GQ Turkey as a fashion director, where he worked for six years. Kaner continues to his fashion journey as a freelancer.
Interview Alexander Koko
What was your favourite toy that you still remember from your childhood? Why?
My favourite toys were my trains. My father was travelling a lot and from each country he had visited, he brought me new parts of my train station. Sometimes I still play with them to recall my childhood.
What is your dressing style about?
I can say that my style is a combination of 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. For tops, I prefer oversize jackets and coats with shoulder paddings. For bottoms, I mostly go with the 90’s iconic 501 Levi’s jeans. And for the shirts I prefer 70’s type of wide collared ones.
What is the coolest piece in your wardrobe?
Coolest pieces of my wardrobe are my dad’s suits and coats.
If there is any style icon you follow, who is it and why?
I always think that dressing is an illusion. I have narrow shoulders so I always use shoulder paddings, I’m hiding my short legs with high waisted trousers and wearing boots with 4-5 cm in heels. So instead of following style icons, actually my body type already determined my style. But, I always admire people having a rapid and timeless style like John F. Kennedy Jr., Steve McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Mick Jagger and etc.
What is your favourite decorative object in your house?
My plants and my flowers. I can’t think of a house without a plenty of greenery in it.
Which neighbourhood in Istanbul is your favourite one? Why?
First of all, I should admit that I am very home-loving person that prefers to stay indoors. But when I go out I really prefer Kalamis area, that is on the Asian side of the city, where I grew up. I simple enjoy strolling the coast line and I just lie down on the grass enjoying my day. But now I live on the European side in Kurtulus area where you can find a lot of great traditional and modern taverns with great food and ambience. Since Turkish cuisine is my favourite one, I really love Kurtulus too.
What is your favourite place in Istanbul? Why?
If I may name one, I think it would be Astek Meyhanesi. You can eat the best meatballs and side dishes there. Also, the service is so friendly!
What was the coolest country, city or place to have the best fun ever? What did you do?
As a city, I can’t say I have only one but, I am obsessed with Lisbon, lately. For some reason I feel really happy when I am there. If you want to have a chilling summer holiday with reasonable prices, you can spend the day time sunbathing near the ocean, and at the evenings you can just enjoy the great food. As a club, I think I’ve never had a bad time at Silencio in Paris. And as an experience, it wasn’t the best fun at that point but now I am laughing at myself a lot! Here we go; last year I found myself walking on the Skid Row in LA with my lace shirt on me to find a warehouse party… It was the scariest moment of my life and I don’t know how I could reach the party safe but you should see me walking there! 🙂
How do you spent your home stay these days?
I have been working a lot without giving any long breaks for the last ten years. Now, the world forces me to rest a bit. I spent the first week at my own house but as all the rivers fall into the one sea I came back to my mom’s house where I grew up. Trying to learn online how to draw, meditating to stay calm, watching old TV series and spending time with my mom.
http://www.instagram.com/kanerkivanc
