Aida Pekin’s jewelries reflects timeless design

Melis Alphan ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Pekin designs different collections with different concepts. For her collection “Urban Jungle,” her inspiration was animals, including cats, rabbits and whales, and for her “Istanbul Pendants” collection

The jewelry brand Aida Pekin was founded in Istanbul six years ago. Its lines encompass timeless designs with a touch of romance. 

Each collection from Aida Pekin features fine, delicate lines resembling the curves of the female body. The designs are finalized after different materials are experimented with. Aida Pekin’s silver jewelry is handcrafted by artisans in the Grand Bazaar.

Bihter Aida Pekin, the brand’s creator, studied Spanish literature before becoming interested in jewelry design. After studying jewelry production at Marmara University in İstanbul, she completed her jewelry design education at Le Arti Orafe in Florence. She then returned to Istanbul and worked as a designer for companies producing diamond jewelry. 

Since 2006, Pekin has been producing her own collections. In 2009, she opened her store in Istanbul’s Galata district, an inspiring neighborhood right in the heart of the old city. Along with the store in Galata, her creations are also sold internationally at various museum shops, including MOMA in New York and İstanbul Modern, as well as through boutiques in Japan, France, Italy, the U.K. and the U.S., including Lucente Studio in California. 

Different collections different concepts

Pekin designs different collections with different concepts. For her collection “Urban Jungle,” her inspiration was animals, including cats, rabbits and whales, and for her “Istanbul Pendants” collection, she used the Galata Tower and other distinct symbols of the city’s artistic spirit, including boats and seagulls. 

Pekin’s “Playground” collection is dedicated to people with a sense of fun, and her famous “Little Friends” collection includes women’s charm bracelets for everyday use. She pays great attention to detail and designs with a sense of humor. For example, a crocodile figure in high-heels, “The Crocodile Pendant,” was designed to refer to the recent trend to shoes made of alligator skin, poking fun at the exotic skin fashion.

In 2011, Pekin represented Turkey at the Maison Méditteranéenne des Métiers de la Mode in Marseille. She used Mediterranean lace and black Swarovski crystals to design pendants and bracelets. Inspired by the baroque fashion of white collars and cuffs, these glamorous pieces were meant to underline the desire for perfection. 

Pekin has been involved in numerous charity collaborations, as well, working with such organizations as AÇEV, Argande, EÇEV and the Make a Wish Foundation.