Coolest fest of Istanbul starts with world stars

Melis Alphan ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Ferzan Özpetek, Karl Lagerfeldv, Mark Romanek, Ricardo Tisci and Andrew Dominik are among the guests of this year’s Istancool Festival.

Thriving on creative exchange and operating in non-traditional ways, Istanbul’74 hosts everything from cultural events, festivals, workshops, panel discussions, exhibitions and artistic collaborations which bring together the leading personalities in art, fashion, literature, film and design from all over the world.

Founded by Demet Müftüoğlu Eşeli and Alphan Eşeli in late 2009, Istanbul’74 is the first and pioneering international arts and culture platform based in Turkey. Its diverse program combines various creative platforms including fashion, film, music, art, design, architecture and performing arts to stimulate audiences, encourage collective involvement and create an innovative dialogue between creative minds in Istanbul and the international community.

One of the most prestigious event of Istanbul

The most well-known of these events is the Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival, or Istancool. Istanbul’74 in collaboration with Visionaire is hosting the third edition of this prestigious festival, which starts today and is due to end May 27.

Istancool’s festival program is aimed at captivating and opening global minds. The event promises to be a mesmerizing festival of art, design, fashion, literature, film, architecture, music and ideas. The world’s most talented writers, designers, editors, actors, poets, filmmakers, dancers and musicians will come together to share this unique cultural experience.

Among the roster of artistic stars this year are some of the biggest names in fashion, film, and media, including fashion designer, and icon, Karl Lagerfeld, former editor in chief of Vogue Paris Carine Roitfeld, editor of Dazed and Confused magazine Jefferson Hack, “Never Let Me Go” director Mark Romanek and Givenchy Creative Director Riccardo Tisci to name only a few.

Participants this year also include Mario Sorenti, Ferzan Özpetek, Andrew Dominik, Meltem Cumbul, Charlie Siem, Josephine Meckseper, Cecilia Dean, Emre Arolat, Chiara Clemente, Clemence Poesy, Nate Lowman, Richard Phillips, Robin Rhode, Zoe Cassavetes and many others.

The festival also commits to creating a dynamic arts diplomacy program in the world and forging greater cultural relations between Turkey and the international artistic community.

The festival is being realized with the support from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, although the festival’s main sponsor is the luxury retail brand Vakko.