45.5051° N, 122.6750° W
‘When the human space changes, you rejoice in life.’
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Footwear designer Safa Sahin hails from Turkey originally, but has recently relocated to Portland, Oregon in the USA. There, he works creating footwear for Nike, as well as continuing to produce pieces for his own eponymous label. Safa is known for his surreal designs that often resemble another world altogether, blending sculpture and function, and has held exhibitions in the USA, Italy and Turkey, as well as counts Lady Gaga among his clients. We spoke to him about a few tips for life in Portland and finding inspiration in Oregon's natural environment.
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On where you’re from
On why you moved to Portland
On the neighborhood you’re living in
On current projects
I’m working on my personal high-heel 19/AW collection (Safa Sahin brand). I’m also designing new shoes for Nike. I haven’t held any exhibitions recently but it’s possible in the near future.
Nike design sketches and performance model by Safa Sahin
On your favorite Nike sneaker
Air Force 1.
On who inspires you in culture
Björk inspires me a lot.
On the best thing about living abroad
Sometimes people get overwhelmed in an environment where they live constantly; the work done everyday can become a monotonous life. So when the human space changes, it becomes refreshing and you rejoice in life. That’s why I think the best thing about life abroad is ‘change’.
‘Portland is a very natural environment. I'm getting so many inspirations, especially Portland's spring season which inspires me a lot.’
On how Portland inspires you
Portland is a very natural environment. I’m getting so many inspirations, especially Portland’s spring season, which inspires me a lot.
On where you go for inspiration
I usually go to a forest and kind of natural areas. Also, I watch science-fiction movies.
On your creative process
My creative process is very exciting, because I make my samples by hand. My process: finding inspiration; sketching; making a render; making a sample; revisions; and the finished product.
Sculptural shoe design from Saha Sahin brand.
On where you find shoes
Generally, I buy shoes from vintage stores.
On something to do when you first move to Portland
I have so many recommended places, but one of the best is Cannon Beach.
On an activity you enjoy in Portland
To just take a coffee or tea and go to the oceanside.
On your favorite designer
Alexander McQueen.
‘When the human space changes, it becomes refreshing... that’s why I think the best thing about life abroad is change.’
On your favorite park in Oregon
Redwood forest! It’s on the California border.
On good food
My wife’s cooking.
Portland's Redwood Park and Cannon Beach
On a gallery to check out
Upfor Gallery.
On a favorite outdoor spot
Angel’s Rest. I really like to hike there.
On a holiday spot to know
Antelope Canyon.
On a great store in Portland
Goodwill.
On a favorite place to be
The Amazon rainforest.
On events to check out
The Rose Festival is really famous.
On something from home you would like to see in Portland
There are no Turkish restaurants here. That’s why I sometimes check out Mediterranean restaurants.
On Portland in one word
Nature!
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