Begum Kiroglu | Designer & Founder of Begum Khan
Born into a family of Ottoman art collectors in the ancient imperial capital of Istanbul, Begum Kiroglu cultivated her love of beautiful things from an early age. As a child, she explored the ancient alleyways and hidden nooks of cities her family visited in search of antique treasures, and Istanbul’s labyrinthine Grand Bazaar became her playground.
This passion for creativity drew Begum further East, along the historic Silk Road, to Shanghai, where she completed a masters degree in Chinese culture and art. Inspired by the rich heritage and future promise of these two modern-day style capitals, the Begum Khan brand was born.
Beginning with whimsical cufflinks, the collection has grown to encompass dazzling accessories for both women and men. Every item is still hand-crafted by Turkish artisans in an old atelier near the Grand Bazaar, a labour of love which imbues each piece with its own personality and soul.
Strongly influenced by nature, Begum’s designs bring to life a menagerie of exotic flora and fauna, fashioned from pink sapphires, baroque pearls and other rare and precious materials. Stag beetles and ladybirds cling to brooches and cuffs, while turtles, koi fishes and lotus flowers dangle from earrings and necklaces.
Forever Inspired by Begum Kiroglu
My 6 years in China and my travels around Asia have been the biggest…
