In a world that often rushes forward, leaving its roots behind, Cult Form, founded by Merve Abedan, stands as a bridge between tradition and innovation. With bases in Istanbul and Berlin, the brand seamlessly blends Eastern and Western cultures, celebrating handcraft as an art form.
For this month’s cover story, we showcase Cult Form’s latest collection, captured by Berlin-based photographer Marius Knieling. We also met with Merve to explore her favorite pieces and gain insight into her creative process.
Cult Form’s mission is clear: intertwining traditional techniques, like quilting, with gender-neutral, contemporary aesthetics. Each piece is handmade, connecting the past and present to craft the future.
Raised in a family rooted in craftsmanship—her grandfather’s bag atelier and her mother’s haute couture studio—Merve’s creativity blossomed early. By six, she dreamed of creating her own brand, one now fueled by dual inspirations from Istanbul’s vibrant energy and Berlin’s calm creativity.
Cult Form not only preserves traditional Turkish crafts but reimagines them for modern fashion, providing a platform for artisans and fostering a conscious, slow-fashion mindset. Merve’s philosophy emphasizes self-awareness and authenticity, advocating for design that aligns with personal and cultural values.
Cult Form isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement, or better as Merve sees is a “CULT” redefining craftsmanship for the modern era while honoring its heritage. In Merve’s hands, tradition and innovation thrive together, lighting the way for a more mindful, creative future.
creative directon Merve Abedan
photography Marius Knieling
art direction Neslihan Degerli
styling Neslihan Degerli
production Enlil Isik @avecnousberlin
models Sophie Lutz @hugsk1sses
styling assistant Ece Arslan
photography assistant Radek Piskorz
hair&mua Forina vyas
hair&mua assistant @sina_harina
special thanks to Seyma voncelik
