Inside the Studio: A Love for Fabrics

Every fabric has its own character. Some catch my attention immediately, while others sit in my archive for months, sometimes years, before I find the right combination.

I have always loved mixing colors, patterns, and textures. Growing up in Germany with my Turkish and Italian background, I was surrounded by different influences. I think that has shaped the way I look at fabrics and design today.

In my New York studio, I spend a lot of time exploring what works together. Sometimes it’s an unexpected color combination, sometimes the contrast between two very different textures. I’m not necessarily looking for something traditionally beautiful. I’m more interested in creating something with character, something that feels individual.

I love discovering fabrics while traveling, whether it’s in Paris or Italy, often finding something unexpected that I simply can’t leave behind. Some fabrics stay with me for years before finding their purpose. And perhaps Turkey will be my next destination for discovering new treasures.

I love the idea of giving these materials a new life rather than always starting with something new.

This is a big part of how Kaya Berlin NYC comes together. There isn’t always a finished design in mind when I begin. Often, it’s the fabric itself that leads me somewhere.

And that’s the part of the process I enjoy most. The freedom to experiment, to change my mind, and to discover something unexpected.