Made in Turkey: The Trendist

An interview by Paul Trustfull with Turkish entrepreneur Bilal Ozkul

What is “The Trendist”?

The Trendist is a 10 m2 stand in the shape of the “T” for Turkey, where you can find the trendiest collections of the ten best emerging designers of Istanbul.

How did you develop this innovative idea? What is the market aim?

In no sector does Turkey own a global brand, and The Trendist would like to become “a worldwide icon” in order to publicize the creativity of young Turkish designers. The Trendist is active in the world market because the collections chosen are very well suited for young and trendy people.

What is the goal for The Trendist?

The Trendist wishes to be present everywhere, in all cities, big and small, and to spread Turkish culture around the world. Above all, it gives young Turkish designers a chance for a dialogue with the world.

And what do you think about “Made in Turkey?”

“Made in Turkey” means high quality, but what is still missing is the professional ability. A lot of fashion players are still working in the ‘fake’ market. On one side, this damages the credibility of Turkey’s trade, and on the other side, foreign companies won’t invest in this unreliable market. I believe that for the first time in Turkey’s history, those young designers will be able to go beyond and become global players.

Do you think Turkey is capitalizing enough on its geographic position?

Turks take advantage of their strategic position for trading with neighboring countries — Muslims or not—but the Middle East and also Turkey itself are still lacking the brand of a worldwide product. As with all developing countries, the path to global recognition is a long one, but I hope that Turkey, with one foot in Asia and one in Europe, can win this challenge and create something worthy of being “Made in Turkey.”

How do you see the future of the global fashion business?

There will always be a space in the market for companies that are serious and offer an innovative and sophisticated product. Communication will always be the main thing for every business, especially for fashion.

And for Turkey?

Thanks to Atatürk, young Turks and Prime Minister Erdogan—who does his job very well — I believe all these players will rescue Turkey. Turkey could be one of the ten most-important world players if Turkish people can capitalize on their potential.

What do you think about the entry of Turkey into the EU?

I think Turkey has a very important location in the world, and it is also a beautiful country. For this reason, it is advisable that its heritage becomes a part of the EU. Also, the population is young and dynamic and can help to enrich and strengthen the EU, but after a time of maturation. This maturation will take place when Turkish people open their minds to the EU, and when they are able to build lasting businesses.

Dunya Yachts: Global Yacht Builder Cruises to the Top

By Paul Trustfull

Yachting enthusiasts and high-end travelers will be pleased to hear that there is a newcomer to the yachting industry: Dunya Yachts. But don’t be deceived—this Turkish yacht-builder is no novice when it comes to providing customers with exquisite leisure sailing.

Making Headway

Dunya Yachts has quickly gained a reputation among the top European luxury yacht builders since its establishment just four years ago. Based in Istanbul, the company’s first yacht, Red Square, is currently being built at Dunya Yacht’s yacht-building facility and is due for completion and delivery April 2011.

“Dunya Yachts is going to conquer the yachting world. In five years, it is going to be a key player in the industry,” says Dunya Managing Director Sedat Ergun enthusiastically.

That dream is certainly on its way to coming true for Ergun. Turkey’s reputation for building top-quality super-yachts is growing quickly since the famous sailing yacht Maltese Falcon was successfully built there. Turkey is a country on the rise, with the potential to be very important in terms of global trade and commerce. It is a leading shipbuilding nation due to its location bordering the Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea coasts, the Middle East, the Caspian Sea Basin and Central Asia.

A New Era In Turkey

Like many young Turks, Ergun chose to study higher education abroad in the U.S., and in 2004 he returned home to invest his knowledge in his country. “There is great potential and opportunity in Turkey. Here, you are sure to get value for your money,” Ergun says.

With a clear vision and determination, Ergun helped launch a new era in Turkey’s luxury yacht industry. The evolution of Dunya Yachts has resulted in finely crafted yachts with modern but timeless looks, elegant lines and superior interiors created by famous designers. The yachts also boast great outdoor space, a large tender garage, a separate swimming platform that can be extended, a large infinity pool and a large Jacuzzi on the bridge deck.

Dunya Yachts Delivers Perfection

Dunya’s Red Square is being built at Ursa, which was once a maintenance and repair shipyard for small- and medium-size yachts. Today it is a 30,000-square-meter facility with the latest technology for constructing and refitting the world’s finest super-yachts. It is the only climate-controlled dry dock in Turkey, and contains 16,000 square meters of construction halls and 180 meters of quays. There are currently several large luxury boats under construction at Dunya Yachts.

Red Square is a 72-meter steel yacht based on naval architecture developed by Dunya. It features exterior design by Diana Scott from the Monaco-based design studio, Sterling Scott, and interior design by Alberto Pinto. The yacht can accommodate 12 guests and cruises at 16 knots. Red Square is the largest super-yacht ever built in Turkey, comprising six decks with an infinity pool, a Jacuzzi, two helipads and entertainment areas.

A second yacht under construction, the 72.5-meter Warrior, has even more internal volume than Red Square and is due for delivery in 2012 Summer.

The shipyard is equipped with a highly trained workforce of 174 employees, including specialists in every aspect of yacht building. The team blends detailed design, solid engineering and extensive planning to achieve absolute client satisfaction, completing projects on time and to the highest possible standards.

In addition to yacht building, the company also undertakes every type of refit, repair and maintenance of other yachts at very competitive rates.

Dunya Looks Ahead

Dunya Yachts’ history began in 1983 when the Ursa shipyard was built in Tuzla, Istanbul. In 1985, the company Dunya Denizcilik was established in London to provide a fleet of bulk chemical tankers serving international clients. More than 20 years later, in 2006, under the ownership of Suay Umut and Sedat Ergun, the two companies merged to form today’s Dunya Yachts.

Fueled by several exciting projects, Ergun is optimistic about the future of his company and his country.

“We have a dedicated workforce, the best engineers and designers from around the world, and we use the best imported materials and parts. There is no reason why we can’t be the best and give our clients the most value for their money,” he says.