Dilara Findikoglu, born in Istanbul in 1990, is a Turkish-British fashion designer renowned for her provocative and theatrical designs that challenge traditional norms. After moving to London at 19, she studied at Central Saint Martins, graduating with honors in 2015. When her graduation collection was excluded from the school’s official press show, she organized a guerrilla presentation called #encoreCSM, showcasing her rebellious spirit. Findikoglu has worked with designers like Mary Katrantzou, Jeremy Scott, and interned at Maison Margiela under John Galliano, whom she considers a mentor. In 2016, she launched her eponymous label, quickly gaining attention for her bold designs that blend punk, gothic, and feminist themes.
Findikoglu’s signature style is characterized by intricate corsetry, sharp tailoring, and a fusion of historical and subcultural references. Her collections often feature elements from the 18th century to the 1970s, incorporating motifs like religious iconography, Victorian dress codes, and 1970s occultism. She is known for her use of bold colors, such as red and pink, and materials like lace, leather, and even human hair. Her Fall 2025 collection, “Venus in Chaos,” exemplified her approach, featuring a tan leather body-sculpted dress with red, almost arterial-floral patterns, created in collaboration with designer duo Whitaker Malem and tattoo artist Jonah Slater.
Findikoglu’s designs have been worn by celebrities including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Madonna, and Doja Cat, solidifying her status in the fashion industry. She was a semi-finalist for the LVMH Prize in 2017 and was nominated for the New Establishment Womenswear Designer award at the British Fashion Awards in 2024. Despite facing financial challenges as an independent designer, she continues to push boundaries, recently collaborating with Kylie Jenner’s brand Khy to create a collection that merges her romantic corsetry with Khy’s silhouettes and color palette. Findikoglu remains a unique and influential figure in contemporary fashion, known for her commitment to craftsmanship, storytelling, and challenging the status quo.