TIM GIBBONS PHOTOGRAPHY
TIM GIBBONS Photographed-5D4-4803_1
(Photo by Tim Gibbons)
Rasit and Ilkay Turk have a lot up their (silk) sleeves this season. The husband-wife team behind the Fort Myers-based luxury silk brand Turk & Turk take customization to the next level, with a new home decor collection and VIP services. The two master the art of bespoke design—their scarves, kimonos, clutches are all one-of-a-kind or limited editions—and wanted to bring the same attention to the home. “If your dresses are couture, why don’t you have your home be couture?” Ilkay muses. The Turkish natives gleaned inspiration internationally for their inaugural collection, Vintage Tile, which features hand-painted bone china plates, with designs influenced by Dutch art; sea glass bead placemats, handmade by Indian artisans; and candles and wine bottles wrapped in the brand’s double T emblem. They chose clean-lined shapes—square coasters, plates and placemats to complement their delicate glassware. Silk twillies take the place of traditional napkin rings, tying the home and fashion collections together. The pair plans to launch an Egypt-themed collection tied to The League Club’s Naples Tables in February. The creatives have struck major collaborations too—Hotel Escalante commissioned them to craft exclusive pieces for the guest rooms—think custom silk pillowcases, blankets and bedding, upholstery, and of course, luxe kimonos to lounge by the pool.
Next up, the Turks lean into their private clientele. “We can do anything our clients want,” Ilkay says. Using a Pantone color reader, the artists pull hues from customers’ homes to create perfectly matching accessories. To complete the experience, clients can immerse themselves in the Turk & Turk world. This season, Rasit and Ilkay plan to whisk shoppers on complimentary, monthly jaunts in a Naples Express Transportation Yukon to Anushka Spa & Salon, which stocks Turk & Turk, or from Naples to the Fort Myers atelier to tell the story behind the artistry. The experiences are first-come, first-served (this month has three dates: November 11, 16 and 18). “Each client is so special to us. We don’t look at them like clients, we look at them like family,” Ilkay says.