Some brands born in Türkiye gradually grow beyond the country's borders, earning international recognition while staying true to their roots. Mehry Mu is one of them.
Founded in 2010 by designer Güneş Mutlu Mavituncalılar, the Istanbul-based handbag label has built its identity around local craftsmanship, contemporary design and traditional motifs. After years in its flagship boutique in Bebek, the brand recently relocated to Çukurcuma, where its new space reflects an even stronger focus on craftsmanship and personalization.
On a quiet morning in the neighborhood, where the designer also works alongside the artisan who supplies the brand's signature leather, we met to discuss the story behind one of Türkiye's most recognizable luxury accessories brands.
Drawing inspiration from Anatolia while championing disappearing crafts, Mehry Mu has become one of the labels that helped redefine perceptions of Turkish fashion. Long before supporting local luxury became part of a wider conversation, the brand demonstrated that handcrafted handbags with compelling stories could stand alongside established international names.
After graduating from Robert College, Mavituncalılar studied psychology in the United States before deciding to return to Türkiye and pursue a completely different path. Rather than continuing in psychology, she founded Mehry Mu with the aim of preserving Istanbul's centuries-old leather craftsmanship through contemporary design.
