DILARA’S BOLD VISION

The Mahsa Amini protests in Iran last year were a devastating reminder of the barbaric practices that still exist in some Muslim countries, suppressing women and their freedoms. With this in mind, Dilara Findikoglu revamps Joan of Arc’s heroic story in her first main collection campaign ‘Not a Man’s Territory.’

Dilara’s A/W 23 collection explores the difficulties and scrutiny women have experienced throughout history, with Joan of Arc as a fearless leader and central motif. With magnificent Mariacarla Boscono embodying Joan of Arc, the spirit and strength of the French heroine were strikingly brought to life, just as the designer hoped.

Findikoglu excels at creating hyper-feminine silhouettes, Victorian corsets, exaggerated proportions, and jaw-dropping armor-like shoulders. Symbolizing feminine resilience, Joan of Arc's heroic persona is reflected in the take-no-prisoners silhouettes and a mixture of masculine and feminine styles, crafted from leather, shearling, lace, and sheer organza. The world of this Turkish-British designer and Central Saint Martin’s graduate is gutsy and galvanizing—coup d’état clothing. Call it Joan of Arc’s avant-garde maximus, infused with ideological undertones advocating female rights and expressing rage against medieval scrutiny and systemic control over women’s bodies, and straight-up subversion.

The London-based designer’s aesthetic is authentic, romantic, liberating, and politically charged. We love her masterful creations, especially the breathtaking dress made from silver cutlery. In Dilara’s collections, surprise, feminine rage, complexity, and enchantment mingle, and revolution gestates.

Naturally, all eyes were on Mariacarla, covered in feathers and wearing one of Dilara’s breathtaking dresses, during the AMFAR 2024 charity gala in Cannes last week.