Anka Kuş - Ali Erkekli

Vintage

Administrator
Yönetici
#1
Could you tell us briefly about yourself?

I was born in Wollongong, Australia in 1973 to migrant parents, Yusuf and Safiye who migrated from Erkekli Koyu in Yozgat in 1970. I am married and have two children, Kerim and Sibel.

I have worked in many different industries over many years. I worked on the family fruit farm and vineyard in my teenage years. I’ve worked as a Security Guard for many years, as timber flooring contractor for over a decade, a Facilities Maintenance Administrator and as a freelance artist and designer. This love of Art helped bring to life my life-long dream of bringing to life a ‘Passion Project’.

A huge painting themed on my biggest love (alongside being a perfumer), Liverpool Football Club. I commissioned a local artist to paint a ‘fantasy team photo’ paying tribute to the best players of all time. The making of can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHo-tlXcveQ

I have always been a Film fanatic and a huge lover of sports. I have played and watched many sports throughout my life and still play football and golf socially.

My other deep interests and passions are Faith, Travel, Art, Literature and Pop-Culture. I draw inspiration from these which you’ll see appear throughout my fragrances.


When did your passion for perfume begin?

It began in 2015, where Rasih (later to be) ex-business partner, invited me to join up with him to create a fragrance brand.

He was making tiny batch perfume for himself and some friends at the time. It was more a hobby for him. He thought that my creativity would be ideal to make niche perfume in all the facets. The conceiving of the ideas/ themes, the mixing and even more so the backstories, naming the fragrances and of course the label artwork.

I wasn’t fully convinced. I didn’t know much about perfume and wasn’t really a lover of it. I knew of a few names such as Calvin Klein One which I liked and used, Fahrenheit, Issey Miyake and of course Chanel No.5. Many years back I had bought for (my now) ex-wife Fire and Ice by Revlon, which I loved.

I was a true novice when it came to fragrance. I told him that I could be creative with it but found mainstream perfume as formulaic and extremely boring. I didn’t want anything to do with having one-word names!

Rasih said “Oh no!” “Niche is definitely not like that at all!” and that artisanal, indie perfumers do not follow rules and have an anything goes mentality. I still was not convinced as I needed to see what he meant. We then soon after went to Klein’s Perfumery in Melbourne which is a well known niche perfumery and as soon as I walked in, I was hooked!

The first two that I tried was ‘L’Air du Desert Morocain’ by Andy Tauer and ‘Traversee du Bosphore’ by L’Artisan. I felt that I descended into a fantastic rabbit hole/ labyrinthian world, never to fully return the same again. I was astonished. The theme of travel and escapism had me captivated and entranced, mostly for the possibilities that existed. My mind raced and it was incredibly exhilarating. I knew I could unleash all my bottled-up creativity I held inside. This was a match made in heaven; niche perfume and I.

I was smiling like the Cheshire Cat!


What was your first perfume?

As I mentioned earlier, I think it was Calvin Klein One or some other cheapie, however does it count from when your Mother and others drenched me with unwanted kolonya and Gul suyu on Bayram?! 😊


What was the first perfume you created?

Jezebel was my first. That is why she is near and dear to my heart. I wanted to produce a showstopper, to make a huge entry into the industry. I was tinkering with Los Vientos de Santa Ana at the time as well.

I love hearing and seeing the impact Jezebel has on people now. It’s very exciting as many are finding it wholly original.


What are your inspirations while creating perfume?

I possess a burning desire for creative expression.
The artwork I produce for my labels are predominantly inspired by the vintage art, posters and perfume of yesteryear and creating these brings me immense pleasure, adding to the whole experience. I draw much inspiration from my many passions: History, Travel, Faith, Film, Sport, Art, Literature and Pop-Culture.


Travel and Literature so far have had the biggest influence on theming my fragrances before I create them. It gives me immense pleasure doing this.

Each one of these categories and more will have whole Series named after them to which I will slowly add to over the coming years.

I see fragrance as a liquid art form. It's both ephemeral and powerful- much like we perceive memory. Our olfactory senses are profoundly linked to our memories and emotions; that process of reminiscence is truly beautiful. Perfume possesses a wondrous ability to whisk you away to a different time and place.

Using mostly exquisite absolutes and naturals sourced from all over the world, in an aim to produce passionate pieces of olfactive poetry.


Which perfume would you like to create?

I want to continue to create bold and vibrant, powerful pieces. I’m enjoying every bit of this and inspiration sometimes comes unannounced. It can come at any time. I find this spontaneity infectious.

  • ‘This Ember’ – I’m very much looking forward to finishing this off. It is 75% completed and it was to be my first release: Volume 1 when I first launched the brand. Due to it being very important to the symbolism of my brand and myself, I was yet to be truly in love with it enough to launch it. I need this to be perfect before I do so. It will represent the embers of the beginning of the fire and ashes of the phoenix.

  • Ottoman Series introducing Ensar Oud into my mixes to make a huge olfactory entrance and statement.
  • I also would love to create some others on my list that I’ve been patiently making wait for the perfect time that are sports, music and Film themed.

    How would you describe your own brand?

    I can happily say that my brand is vibrant, energetic, ‘left-field’ and very eclectic.
To create luxurious fragrances that will make the world a happier place. Perfume that will provide olfactory journeys to people to times and places in the past to remain long in the memory. They will be time capsules of sorts to whisk the user away to exotic locales and relive beautiful memories of the past.

The world has already begun to respond and receive my creations with fervour and this momentum is being built on every single day.

Creativity courses through my veins continually and is ingrained on my soul. I was born to work in a creative field and I’m endeavouring to be ensconced in it for many decades to come. This has been over a decade of in the making, dreaming of this moment after toiling in many other fields to be able to afford to do this. At this juncture, I am cherishing my opportunity to forge ahead, developing my brand with all my passion, nous and diligence. I truly love my job.

I aim to be a dominant force as a brand for many years to come. I aim to consistently improve my techniques and methods for decades, regardless of what success I achieve. My dream is to become a well-respected, Master perfumer. I’ll never stop learning and am excited at this prospect.


What are the perfumes you use other than your brand?

The fragrances I’ve loved over the years are:

Many of L’Artisan fragrances – my favourites of theirs is Traversee du Bosphore, Timbuktu and Dzing!.

Tauer’s L’Air du Desert Morocain, Notturno by Meo Fusciuni. some of Tom Ford fragrances, I absolutely adore Encre Noir by Lalique and Dior Homme as they both smell amazing on my skin.

Pegasus and Godolphin by Parfums de Marley are some favourites as well. Some of Slumberhouse fragrances are quite unique and I’m enjoying sampling more of their creations.

Habit Rouge edp by Guerlain has always been a staple and a favourite of mine and I will make an homage fragrance to it in the future.

Le Mat by Mendittorosa. I haven’t purchased it yet however I will as it is so subtle and elegant.

On occasion I use some of the ouds from Ensar Oud to wear as I simply adore them and find he is the best in the world in that field.


What does Anka kuş mean to you?

Anka Kuş is me.

I am the Phoenix rising from the ashes and fire. I have been badly scorched, but this is a true rebirth for me. I am wiser, much stronger in this entity and feel incredibly liberated.
I’ll explain why in the next question.



Why did you choose the name Anka Kuş?

In 2015, I along with my ex-business partner Rasih (Rasei Fort), formed Fort and Manle Parfum-(both our surnames translated), and for several years we kept developing the brand as best we could. We agreed not to launch until we were truly proud of our product. It took a few years of toil and research. It also took me taking 2 full-time jobs and 1 part-time job to be able to fund this venture as Rasei had no capital. I literally was not home for 2-3 days at a time, showering at my different workplaces and sleeping on my long train commutes between jobs. I was a single parent with 2 children, and we all made huge sacrifices, but we thought it was for the greater good

When we finally did launch, it coincided with being nominated as a Finalist in the Art and Olfaction Awards for ‘Fatih Sultan Mehmed’ and we travelled to Berlin for the Awards ceremony. Our fragrance placed 2nd which was such a proud moment. When we should’ve been celebrating, the many arguments began.

Selfishness, greed and arrogance by he and his wife hurt me in a huge way. Months of bitterness was the end for me. I had no choice but to leave and I’m sure that was their aim. The stress and hostility were harming my health.

They wanted it all for themselves. All my hard work and toil and money invested, eventuated in me losing everything. It was heartbreaking as he refused to come to a financial settlement. I attempted taking legal action however lawyers were quoting me $80,000 - $100,000 in costs and I simply could not afford it. It was also estimated to take up to 12 months which I did not have the mental and physical energy for.

It was a huge life lesson as I put so much trust into this friend of 7 years and money and fame completely brought out the ugliness. In hindsight, it was the best thing that could’ve happened as I’m much happier now not having to answer to anyone and am making all my own decisions.

It took me 3 long years to build myself back up but it was so worth the effort. I was never going to give up and now the Phoenix is roaring out of the ashes and flames! I have huge plans for the future and I am hungry for success.

Could you briefly introduce your perfumes ?

A MOMENT IN MANHATTAN
NOTES:

Top:
  • Bitter Orange, Musk
Heart:
  • Blueberry, Lavender, Vanilla, Saffron, Musk, Ambergris, Aquatic notes
Base:
  • Castoreum, Cinnamon Bark, Sandalwood, Cypress, Labdanum, Woods notes, Benzoin
This fragrance marks a moment of immense bliss, peace of mind and an absolute knowing. A moment of slumber where time stands still and the bed envelopes like a cloud.

It is a moment in the Roosevelt Hotel. Room Service arrives. Blueberries, strawberries, pancakes, freshly squeezed orange juice, fluffy croissants, creamy coffee, indulgence.

Happiness, contentment and a lifetime of love to look forward to.

ABSİNTHE-MINDED
NOTES:
Top:
  • Sweet Fennel, Anise, Absinthe, Wormwood
Heart:
  • Patchouli, Woods notes, Cashmere Musk
Base:
  • Oakmoss, Amber
I aimed to create an olfactive experience that conjures up the illusive and inebriated moments that create and perpetuate addictions. Intoxication is enticing as it allows the psyche a temporary escape from reality, in essence, an absent mind. It releases the endless anxieties and ruthless rumination that revolves around everyday life.

The fragrance begins its journey with a boozy and dissociative opening, signifying a liquid overindulgence, containing notes of absinthe, wormwood, anise and sweet fennel.

The transitive middle notes of orange blossom, patchouli, cashmere musk and woods attempt to induce the wearer into a comforting, disinhibited state.

Sobering base notes of oakmoss, amber attempt to ease the consciousness back into the material world, however, this reality is short lived due to the compelling and impulsive nature that is addiction.

BETWIXT AND BETWEEN
NOTES:
Top:
  • Rose
Heart:
  • Smoke, Musk, Amber, Damask Rose
Base:
  • Woods notes, Cashmere Musk, Leather
Neither one thing nor the other. Ambiguous. Indecisive. Enigmatic.
A meticulous blend of several types of musk, woods, rose, enveloped by sensual cashmere woods and smoke.
The fragrance to launch a thousand compliments.

BLEAKLEY PARK
NOTES:
Top:
  • Bergamot, Musk
Heart:
  • Carnation, Rose, Iris, Tulip, Hyacinth, Mimosa, Lily, Violet Leaf
Base:
  • Oakmoss, Ink, Vetiver, Sandalwood, Leather, Woods notes
ISMAIL EFENDI
NOTES

Top:
  • Oregano, Rose, Musk
Heart:
  • Raspberry, Lavender, Patchouli, Damask Rose, Rose Otto, Saffron, Narcissus, Carnation
Base:
  • Ambergris, Cedar, Benzoin
This fragrance was created to commemorate a tale of yesteryear, signifying the birth of Rose cultivation in Isparta, Turkey.
The story is said to have occurred in the 1870’s, where Müftüzade Gülcü İsmail Efendi smuggled a rose sapling 1200 kms from the Rose Valley of Kazanluk, Bulgaria, to Isparta, Turkey. Ismail Efendi hid the sapling inside the pole of his cane, planting it in the Turkish province which ultimately changed the social and economic structure of the city.

JARDIN DE TOPKAPI
NOTES

Top:
  • Orange Blossom, Bergamot, Tulip
Heart:
  • Lotus, Fig, Juniper berry, Geranium, Ambergris, Damask Rose, Lily, Violet Leaf, Amber
Base:
  • Osmanthus, Patchouli, Cedar
A loving homage to a place that is very near and dear to my heart, the Topkapi Saray (Palace) in Istanbul, Turkey. The peace and serenity I felt walking around the lush and revered Gülhane Park gardens is truly awe inspiring. ‘Sakeenha’ at its finest. The cascading colours of the many varied and vibrant flowers are a kaleidoscopic and natural work of art.
The historic architecture adds to the grandeur of it all and one feels transported in time to the era of the Sultans and thoughts abound with what they experienced while residing amongst such magnificent architecture as the whole complex drips in beauty and opulence.
Surrounded on three sides by the Marmara Sea, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn, Topkapı Palace is located on a hill atop Istanbul’s Old City, amid breathtaking views.

JEZEBEL
NOTES

Top:
  • Pear, Chocolate
Middle:
  • Rose Damascena, Moroccan Jasmine, Vanilla, Tuber, Cashmere Musk.
Base:
  • Osmanthus, West Australian Sandalwood, Amber, Madagascan Vanilla, Tonka Bean.
I aimed to create an alluringly seductive fragrance to fully represent the eponymous Biblical figure of imfamy. A scent that is beguiling, entices into believing you have the fragrance figured out, it proceeds to perpetually transform.
I desired the initial throes to be the playful elements of pear, vanilla and chocolate to then meander into the lusciously sensual territory of Damask rose and cashmere musk.
This was to initially draw the wearer in, then morphing into a darker more foreboding setting and mood.
The mysterious chameleon that is osmanthus, veers wildly from sweet fruit to leather nuances and smoky tobacco.
Using predominantly naturals, I intended to enable the fragrance to dance and become ever-changing to symbolise and pay homage to a historical figure who was mesmeric, manipulative, machiavellian and surreptitious in her cunning and clandestine affairs.

LOS VIENTOS DE SANTA ANA
NOTES

Top:
  • Bitter Orange, Orange Blossom.
Middle:
  • Ambergris, Aquatic notes, Amber.
Base:
  • Cypress, Birch Tar, Vetiver, Woods notes, Guaicwood
  • Wind-swept, Dry Woods, A scorched coastal Utopia. Mysterious, foreboding. ‘The Santa Ana Winds’
I aimed to create an evocative fragrance to transport the user to a locale that is sun-bleached, sweeping, inviting and awe-inspiring.
I intended to contrast this idyllic setting with the disquieting, destructive force of nature as an almost mythical and malevolent ‘entity’.
The unpredictability of this phenomena has been known to jangle nerves, causing uneasiness and dread.
The creative direction of this fragrance was to blend natural woods, earthy greens with salty marine notes and burnt hues of birch. By combining a slightly crisp component, giving it an airy, windswept feel, results in a dry coastal dream -however there exists within it, a veil of foreboding melancholy lurking in the distance.


What would you say perfume lovers in Turkey?

I would like to shout from the rooftops with immense pride about all the lovely Turkish folk from all over the world who have messaged me, simply to wish me well, that they’d help and pray for my success was ever so heartening!

It was definitely unexpected but helped fuel me to push onward with even more spirit. I feel there’s a collective ‘love’ with my path. These many well-wishers consistently stated that they were very proud of me and that they felt huge pride that I was flying the flag of Turkiye for them and for the nation. I’m astonished by the response and support and I will never take this for granted because it means so much to me. Be patient with me Turkish fragrance lovers, as I’ve achieved all this on a very strict and low budget. As my brand grows, with extra financial clout, expect the unexpected with me because I am capable of much, much more creatively and aesthetically.

Jardin de Topkapi commenced my new Ottoman Series and that will be added to with something exciting in the next few months and an exciting Istiklal Series will begin sometime in 2021, InshaAllah. It will pay tribute to all things Turkish in it.

Long may it continue. Onward and upward.

Thank you all very much and much love.


Thank you so much. Thanks for your time. I've tried your all parfums and i found very succesful. I am looking forward to your next collections.

Ali ERKEKLİ - Sezgin BARAN
 
Son düzenleme: