Snem Yildirim & Didem Yildirim are two sisters from Turkey, founders of Studio Zigzag and based in both Istanbul and Ankara since 2013. Their particularity? To experiment materials, to create links between contemporary art and jewelry and between tradition and modernity. Meeting with Snem.
Can you please introduce yourself ?
My name is Snem, Studio Zigzag is an Istanbul based contemporary jewelry studio established in 2013 by me and my sister Didem, who come from different backgrounds. After working several years for big companies we decided to do what we really want and refuse to live an enforced life of modern times. And to make our dreams come true we set up our studio.
How would you define your universe ?
We design and create by taking inspiration from the cultural texture and the geography we live in. We love the diversities and contrasts. Our universe is peaceful and has no borders. And the diversities of this geography are the colors of our universe & works.
Where does your brand name come from ?
When I was at middle school my parents bought an antique sewing machine. It was a kind of decorative object for my parent. Didem and I wanted to use this machine so much and for weeks tried to find out how it works. Finally we achieved and our first works with this machine, were textile dolls necklaces. When we started to think about the name for our studio, first we remembered this memory and Zigzag Stitch of this machine gave the name to our studio.
Can you please tell me more about your education / professional life ? How did you launch your brand?
I’ve graduated from Gazi University Department of Architecture in 2010. At the same time I took ceramic course for 2 years. In 2011 I gain a scholarship and started to study Architectural Design Master Program at Istanbul Bilgi University where I met with several machines, materials and items used to make models. This was a chance for me to create my own jewelries and accessories.
Two years later in 2013 I attend “Detay Leather Product Design Contest” and gain another scholarship at Istanbul Moda Academy in partnership with the University of the Arts London. During these periods I was also working as an architect but I realized that to design and produce wearable pieces makes me happier and free. Because it was a way to express my self, my feelings, my thoughts…
For Didem the situation was similar too. For 2 years she continued Regional and City Planning education but then graduated from Law Faculty. Both of us took jewelry lessons and set up a little studio at home. We were always working together and produce collectively. And one day Didem asked me “why we don’t share what we do?”. So we decided to establish Studio Zigzag in 2013 and focus on what we really want to do. And this was contemporary jewelry.
To read the next part : Studio Zigzag – 2/3 Know-how
Photos & vidéo : © Studio Zigzag. Photographies et vidéo fournies par Studio Zigzag et publiées avec son autorisation
