tête bleue is an Istanbul based, genderless lifestyle brand founded by designer Elif Tasel in 2021. 

Elif’s design journey started at ITU and FIT New York. Following her graduation, she experienced New York fashion scene at brands such as Isaac Mizrahi, Cynthia Steffe, Vera Wang, Kenneth Cole and Jill Stuart. In 2012 she decided to return her hometown, Istanbul, and worked as a womenswear & accessories designer at Beymen Club. 

Looking at this old picture of herself in elementary school wearing tailored red French beret and gold-buttoned red cape rather than a blue school uniform, inspired Elif to create tête bleue. Aiming to remind the good feeling of something unique and handmade, the brand adopts local artisanship and ‘slow fashion’ approach in the world of fast fashion. tête bleue intends to reinterpret classic and timeless pieces, and follow a season-less, independent calendar. 

Collage artwork by Selman Hosgor