INTERVIEW: NANA GOTTI EXPLORING PLAYFULNESS + TACTILE CONTRASTS

Entering the world of Nana Gotti is akin to stepping into a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse cultural threads, where contemporary femininity intertwines seamlessly with a cosmopolitan spirit. This emerging womenswear label is the brainchild of the visionary designer Nagehan Dobler, deeply influenced by a rich array of cultural experiences, drawing profound inspiration from her Turkish heritage and the enchanting city of Zurich, where she spent her formative years. This unique duality lies at the very core of Nana Gotti‘s identity, reflecting a harmonious fusion of Eastern elegance and Swiss sophistication, all interpreted through an open-minded, metropolitan lens.

The founder’s global journey, which includes vibrant stints in Johannesburg, London, and New York, further enriches the brand’s ethos, injecting each collection with a sense of wanderlust and an effortless chic aesthetic. A graduate of Istituto Marangoni, Dobler gained experience in the field of design, wholesale, PR and styling interning at various well-known brands like Diane von Furstenberg, Bottega Veneta, Felder Felder, Erdem and Hia Magazine. She also took design and entrepreneurial courses at Parsons School of Design in New York, which led her to establish her own label today. Nana Gotti is not merely a fashion label; it is a celebration of bold, confident women who embrace their individuality and express their unique identities. The collections exude a refined playfulness, marked by signature silhouettes and tactile contrasts that transcend fleeting trends.

From strikingly structured blazers that assert power and confidence to show-stopping dresses that captivate and inspire, every piece created under the Nana Gotti name is thoughtfully designed to empower women no matter where life takes them. More than just garments, Nana Gotti represents a lifestyle—one that beckons to those who dare to be seen, stand out, and embrace their distinctive essence in an ever-evolving world. Read below our exclusive interview with fashion designer Nagehan Dobler:

Can you elaborate on the specific moments or experiences that inspired you to create Nana Gotti, and how do these experiences reflect your journey from your Turkish roots to your life in Zurich?

The inspiration behind Nana Gotti is deeply personal and rooted in my multicultural upbringing. I was born and raised in Zurich, but my Turkish heritage has always been a strong influence in my life. Growing up, I was surrounded by the elegance and precision of Swiss design, while also being immersed in the rich, expressive textures and traditions of Turkish culture. Fashion became my way of blending these two worlds. Nana Gotti was born out of a desire to create something that felt true to both sides of my identity — combining modern, minimalist silhouettes with bold details and emotional storytelling. Each piece reflects a part of my journey: from childhood memories of family celebrations and fabrics from Istanbul, to the clean, structured aesthetics of life in Zurich.

”Nana Gotti is about celebrating individuality, cultural contrast, and the beauty that comes from finding harmony in unexpected places.” – Nagehan Dobler, founder of Nana Gotti

In what ways do you interpret “contemporary femininity” within your designs, and how do you believe it resonates with today’s modern woman who seeks both style and substance in her wardrobe?

For me, contemporary femininity is all about embracing contrasts — strength and softness, structure and fluidity, elegance and edge. Through Nana Gotti, I aim to reflect this layered identity by creating pieces that feel empowering yet playful, confident yet effortless.

Today’s modern woman isn’t one-dimensional , she’s bold, independent, and deeply self-aware. She wants clothing that moves with her, that tells a story, and that expresses who she is without compromising comfort or quality. That’s why I place so much emphasis on thoughtful design: from sculptural tailoring and unexpected fabric combinations to sensual cuts and delicate detailing. Every piece is meant to make her feel seen, celebrated, and completely herself. Contemporary femininity isn’t about fitting into a mold , it’s about rewriting the rules and dressing in a way that feels authentic. That spirit is at the heart of everything I create for Nana Gotti.

With reference to your Turkish heritage, could you describe how certain cultural motifs or narratives find their way into your collections, and how do they interact with the Swiss element of sophistication?

My first collection for Nana Gotti was inspired by the intricate beauty of Iznik tile designs from Istanbul. Drawing from Ottoman-era motifs like tulips, prunus flowers, and saz leaves, I brought these patterns to life through bold floral prints and 3D fabric cuts. It was a romantic yet futuristic take on my Turkish heritage, balanced with the clean, structured lines influenced by my upbringing in Zurich. That fusion set the tone for Nana Gotti’s identity, where cultural storytelling meets modern sophistication.

Having lived in various cities such as Johannesburg, London, and New York, how do you think your global perspective enhances your understanding of women’s fashion preferences across different cultures? Could you provide specific examples?

Living in cities like Johannesburg, London, and New York has given me a global lens on how women express themselves through fashion. In Johannesburg, I was inspired by boldness and color; London taught me the beauty of eclectic, individual style; and New York showed me how fashion can be empowering and purposeful. These experiences influence how I design for women who are confident, diverse, and always evolving , no matter where they are in the world.

How do you incorporate the elegance often associated with Eastern fashion with the refined minimalism of Swiss design in a way that feels cohesive and modern? What are some design elements that exemplify this fusion?

Blending the elegance of Eastern fashion with the refined minimalism of Swiss design is at the core of Nana Gotti’s aesthetic. I approach this fusion by focusing on contrast and harmony, taking the rich, ornamental qualities often found in Eastern culture and translating them through a modern, structured lens.

For example, I might use flowing fabrics or intricate floral motifs inspired by Ottoman art, but pair them with sharp tailoring or clean, architectural lines. 3D fabric cuts, sculptural silhouettes, and unexpected textures also play a key role ,they allow me to reference traditional elements in a way that feels fresh and directional. It’s this dialogue between emotional richness and clarity that makes the pieces feel both expressive and contemporary. The result is a wardrobe that speaks to a woman’s multifaceted identity , confident, elegant, and effortlessly modern.

The saying goes that fashion is a powerful form of self-expression. In your opinion, what qualities do you think define the ideal Nana Gotti woman, and how do your designs cater to her lifestyle and aspirations?

The ideal Nana Gotti woman is bold, multifaceted, and effortlessly confident. She isn’t defined by trends ,she defines her own style. Whether she’s navigating a busy city, attending an event, or taking time for herself, she values pieces that reflect who she is: strong, sensual, and unapologetically feminine.

”My designs cater to the Nana Gotti woman by offering pieces that are as multifaceted as she is, bold enough to make a statement, yet refined enough to move effortlessly through her daily life.” – Nagehan Dobler, founder of Nana Gotti

Lastly, when you mention that Nana Gotti is more than a brand but a lifestyle for bold women who dare to be seen, what kinds of stories or messages do you hope to convey through your collections in order to empower these women?

When I say Nana Gotti is a lifestyle, I mean it’s for women who dare to be seen ,who lead with confidence, embrace their complexity, and express themselves unapologetically. Through my collections, I aim to tell stories of individuality, cultural depth, and emotional strength. It’s about empowering women to feel beautiful on their own terms and wear their story with pride.