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Mine Yeter

De Montfort University

I am a 25-year-old designer, born in South-East Turkey and based in the UK since 2004. My creative journey spans fashion, textiles, fine art, and craft, disciplines that collectively inform a culturally grounded and concept-driven design practice. Since 2022, I have been researching equestrian attire and leather craftsmanship, exploring how historical techniques and symbolic forms can shape contemporary fashion. This research led to my participation in the ‘Artifact Live: A Legacy in Leather’ project, where my work is currently exhibited. Drawing from my Anatolian heritage and cross-cultural upbringing, I use design as a means of storytelling—bridging identity, memory, and material tradition. Today, I channel this into a line of luxury leather handbags and accessories, blending heritage with innovation. Despite commercial and technological advancements, I remain committed to producing all pieces by hand, honouring traditional craftsmanship. My work includes handmade leather belts inspired by bridles and harnesses, and bags that echo the forms and detailing of saddlery, each piece rooted in the language of utility, symbolism, and elegance. My research into the leather industry and new generation designers continues through my Masters dissertation research paper, due to be published end of 2025.

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The Fusion of Turkish Lace and Saddlery Craft

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025

Project Overview: This collaborative project fuses the cultural heritage of Turkish Oya (needle lace) with traditional equestrian leather saddlery, drawing inspiration from my personal lineage and the archives of the Leather Craft Trust. Oya lace, rooted in the symbolic language of Anatolian women, historically conveyed emotion, status, and identity through floral and colour motifs. These coded narratives are reimagined alongside references to a 19th-century Argentinian-style Western saddle and a circa 1900 lace dress, both rich in craftsmanship and storytelling. Inspired by my mother’s legacy and the enduring presence of Oya in our family, this collection of handbag designs explores how lace symbolism and saddlery aesthetics can coexist in contemporary leather accessories. Using cherry red cowhide as the base, complemented by blush, suede brown, and deep red, the pieces combine leather engraving, laser-cutting, and traditional couching techniques to reflect both lacework and saddlery detail. Designs are developed through technical drawing, CAD, and hand renderings, with sampling to follow. Material Breakdown: The primary material is deadstock cowhide from GH Leathers, a UK supplier repurposing surplus leather from the fashion and upholstery industries. This sustainable choice aligns with circular design principles, giving new life to premium materials that would otherwise be discarded. Selected for their symbolic relevance, surface richness, and strength, the hides support a range of techniques. Their materiality helps translate the emotional language of Oya and the structural elegance of saddlery into modern, meaningful design.

In association with Arts Thread

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.